The Ultimate Southern Pickled Shrimp
The Ultimate Southern Pickled Shrimp is a flavorful, zesty appetizer that combines tender shrimp with aromatic spices and a tangy vinegar-based brine. Perfect for summer gatherings, this easy-to-make dish is packed with bold flavors and can be made ahead, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or a savory snack. Whether served over crackers, with cocktail sauce, or as part of a seafood platter, this Southern classic is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 24-48 hours (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Seafood
- Method: No-Cook (Pickling)
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Notes
Spicy Twist: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños to the brine.
Herb Variations: You can substitute parsley with other herbs like thyme or dill for a unique flavor.
Citrus Variations: Lime juice can replace lemon for a different tangy profile.
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/the-ultimate-southern-pickled-shrimp/
