Description
Spicy Pickled Shrimp is a flavorful Southern-inspired appetizer featuring tender shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon, and spices. Perfect for serving chilled as a sophisticated seafood snack or topping a fresh salad, this recipe combines quick shrimp cooking with a tangy pickling process to deliver bright, spicy, and savory bites that keep well in the fridge.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1 lemon (thinly sliced)
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Pickling Mixture
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on to the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Shock the shrimp: Quickly drain the shrimp and transfer them immediately to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Let them chill completely, then drain and set aside.
- Layer shrimp and aromatics: In a large glass jar or non-reactive container, arrange the cooked shrimp in layers alternating with lemon slices, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare pickling liquid: In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smashed garlic cloves, whole black peppercorns, crushed red pepper flakes, celery seed, bay leaves, kosher salt, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar completely. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Pour and marinate: Pour the warm pickling liquid evenly over the shrimp and aromatics in the jar, making sure all ingredients are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a spicy appetizer with toothpicks or spoon the pickled shrimp over salad greens or avocado toast for a zesty seafood topping.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the shrimp marinate for at least 24 hours.
- Keep refrigerated; shrimp will stay fresh up to 5 days.
- Use a non-reactive container like glass to avoid metal flavors from the vinegar.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Great served as an appetizer or light snack.
