The Ultimate Southern Pickled Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ultimate Southern Pickled Shrimp is a perfect balance of bold flavors and tender shrimp. The Old Bay seasoning and combination of spices create a savory base, while the lemon and vinegar give the dish a refreshing tang. The shrimp soak up all the deliciousness from the brine, making them irresistible. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish can be made ahead, making it ideal for entertaining or for enjoying as a savory snack. It’s a dish that brings the taste of the South to your table in a simple and delightful way!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp – peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon celery seeds
• ½ teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley – chopped
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 lemon – sliced very thin
• ½ onion – sliced very thin

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until pink and opaque. Drain the shrimp and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, drain the shrimp again and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Pickling Spice Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Old Bay seasoning, celery seeds, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, and salt. Set aside.
3. Make the Brine: In a large jar or airtight container, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, chopped parsley, and the prepared spice mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. Layer the Shrimp: Add the cooled shrimp to the jar or container with the brine. Then, layer in the bay leaves, lemon slices, and onion slices.
5. Refrigerate: Seal the jar or container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, preferably 48 hours, to allow the shrimp to soak up all the flavors. The longer it sits, the more flavorful the shrimp will become.
6. Serve: Once ready to serve, remove the shrimp from the brine and discard the lemon slices, onion, and bay leaves. Serve the pickled shrimp chilled as an appetizer or over crackers, with cocktail sauce, or as part of a seafood platter.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings as an appetizer. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and it requires a minimum of 24 hours of marinating time for optimal flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Twist: For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapeños to the brine.
• Herb Variations: If you prefer other fresh herbs, try adding thyme or dill in place of the parsley for a unique twist.
• Citrus Variations: You can mix up the citrus by using lime juice instead of lemon for a different tangy profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the pickled shrimp in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop as they sit, making them even tastier the longer they marinate.
• Reheating: This dish is best served cold. There’s no need to reheat it—simply pull it from the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. However, using raw shrimp will allow them to absorb more flavor from the brine during the marinating process.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for making ahead. The longer the shrimp marinate, the more flavorful they become. It’s a great option for meal prep or to serve at a party.

3. Can I use a different seasoning blend if I don’t have Old Bay?

Yes, if you don’t have Old Bay, you can substitute with a combination of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite seafood seasoning.

4. How long do I need to let the shrimp marinate?

For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 24 hours. However, 48 hours will allow the shrimp to fully soak up the flavors from the brine.

5. Can I make this dish without vinegar?

Vinegar adds an essential tangy flavor to the brine. If you want to skip it, consider using a substitute like lemon juice or lime juice, but it will alter the flavor profile.

6. Can I use a different oil for the brine?

While olive oil is traditional, you can use any mild-flavored oil like vegetable oil or grapeseed oil. Olive oil, however, enhances the flavor and provides richness to the brine.

7. How long will the shrimp stay good in the fridge?

The pickled shrimp will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, though they’ll taste better the longer they marinate.

8. Can I make this recipe with smaller shrimp?

Yes, you can use smaller shrimp, but the marinating time may need to be adjusted. Smaller shrimp will absorb the flavors more quickly, so they may be ready in 24 hours.

9. Can I make this recipe with other seafood?

Yes, this recipe is versatile and can be made with other seafood like scallops or lobster tail, though cooking times will vary.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Southern Pickled Shrimp is a deliciously flavorful and unique appetizer that will be the talk of your next gathering. Packed with bold spices, fresh herbs, and tangy lemon, these shrimp are perfect for summer parties, special occasions, or a savory snack. The best part? They can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether served on their own, with crackers, or as part of a seafood platter, these pickled shrimp will definitely make a lasting impression!

Print