Name: Spicy Pickled Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off); 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 cup white vinegar; ½ cup olive oil; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced); 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; ½ teaspoon celery seeds; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re on the lookout for an appetizer that will truly wake up your palate, Spicy Pickled Shrimp is about to become your new obsession! Tangy, tongue-tingling, and filled with vibrant Southern flair, these marinated shrimp offer the perfect mix of heat, zippy acid, and herby brightness. Prep is a breeze, and the hardest part is letting the shrimp soak up all that glorious flavor overnight! Whether you serve them straight from the jar, pile them onto crackers, or set them out at your next get-together, this dish is guaranteed to be a conversation starter and a return-request favorite.

Spicy Pickled Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic behind Spicy Pickled Shrimp is how just a few everyday ingredients join forces to create big, unforgettable flavor. Each element is chosen for the flavor, texture, or color it brings, making every bite pop with excitement.

Large shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined—shrimp are the star and soak up the briny, spicy marinade beautifully.
Old Bay seasoning: Adds a classic, aromatic blend of spices that screams seafood and Southern comfort.
White vinegar: The main pickling agent, bringing sharp tang to balance the oil and mellow shrimp sweetness.
Olive oil: Gives silkiness to the marinade and rounds out the sharp edges of the vinegar and lemon.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright citrus flavor that keeps the shrimp lively and fresh-tasting.
Garlic: Thinly sliced so its flavor thoroughly infuses the marinade without overwhelming the shrimp.
Red onion: Sliced thin for a gentle sweetness and gorgeous burst of color in the finished dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes: The source of our spicy kick—adjust to taste for more or less heat.
Mustard seeds: Give a subtle crunch and a zippy, earthy tang to the pickle.
Celery seeds: Lend a fresh, aromatic note that rounds out the flavors.
Salt: Essential for intensifying all the flavors in the marinade and shrimp.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and a warm backbone to the seasoning mix.
Bay leaves: Infuse a savory, herbal note that makes the dish taste like it came from your favorite bistro.
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled just before serving for a hit of color and freshness.

How to Make Spicy Pickled Shrimp

Step 1: Boil and Shock the Shrimp

Start by boiling a generous pot of water, tossing in the Old Bay to infuse every shrimp with that iconic flavor. Gently lower the shrimp in, cooking them just until they’re pink and opaque—usually two to three minutes. Don’t stray too far! Overcooking is the enemy here. As soon as the shrimp are done, scoop them into a waiting ice bath to halt the cooking in its tracks and lock in that tender, juicy texture. Once cooled, drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Zesty Marinade

In a non-reactive bowl or a large glass jar (a mason jar is perfect), pour together the white vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice for your base. Add thinly sliced garlic and red onion for layers of flavor and a pleasant crunch. Season it up with crushed red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, celery seeds, salt, black pepper, and the aromatic bay leaves. Give everything a robust stir to combine and watch that marinade come alive with color and aroma.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

Tip your cooled shrimp into the marinade and toss gently to coat every piece. The shrimp should be nestled among the onion slices and spices, soaking up all that spicy, tangy goodness. Cover tightly—either with a lid or plastic wrap—and let your Spicy Pickled Shrimp work their magic in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. Don’t forget to give them a gentle stir once or twice during marination to make sure every shrimp gets the full flavor treatment.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, fish out and discard the bay leaves for a smooth finish. If you’d like, sprinkle the top with fresh chopped parsley for that extra pop of color and freshness. Then it’s time to serve your Spicy Pickled Shrimp—chilled and bursting with flavor!

How to Serve Spicy Pickled Shrimp

Garnishes

For truly standout Spicy Pickled Shrimp, a scattering of bright green parsley brings a fresh note and an inviting look. You could also add lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over the shrimp, or a dusting of extra cracked black pepper for a touch more heat and aroma. If red onion rings from the marinade made it to the serving plate, treat them as edible confetti!

Side Dishes

This dish loves simple companions. Crisp crackers, slices of crusty baguette, or buttery toast points are perfect for piling high with shrimp and soaking up the spicy marinade. If you’re planning a larger spread, consider setting out a light slaw, Southern potato salad, or pickled okra to keep things lively and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy—Spicy Pickled Shrimp are as festive as they are delicious! Serve in clear glass jars for a rustic look, or arrange them artfully on a large platter surrounded by sliced avocados, cherry tomatoes, and tender greens. Mini skewers or cocktail picks make them easy for guests to grab and go, and adding a few extra bay leaves or citrus slices makes the platter pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Spicy Pickled Shrimp actually improve after a day in the fridge—the flavors blend, deepen, and become even more crave-worthy. Simply keep the shrimp in an airtight glass or non-reactive container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and punchy for up to three days, so you can enjoy them well beyond the first serving.

Freezing

This is one seafood recipe where freezing isn’t your friend. Pickled shrimp tend to lose their pleasing texture once thawed, becoming a bit mushy and losing that snappy bite. For best results, stick to chilling in the refrigerator and enjoy them within a few days.

Reheating

No need to reheat—Spicy Pickled Shrimp are meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. That’s part of their charm and what makes them such an ideal make-ahead party appetizer. If you find yourself with leftovers, just give them a gentle toss and serve them up again!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Spicy Pickled Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before boiling. Frozen shrimp are convenient and work beautifully in this dish, especially when you want to whip up Spicy Pickled Shrimp on short notice.

How spicy is the finished dish?

The level of heat is moderate but lively, thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer things milder or need to account for sensitive palates, simply use half the amount or leave the pepper out altogether. Conversely, spice lovers can add a pinch more for extra zing.

Can I add other ingredients to the marinade?

Absolutely—feel free to get creative! Thinly sliced jalapeños, dill sprigs, or even a splash of hot sauce can personalize your Spicy Pickled Shrimp to make the flavor profile all your own.

How far ahead can I make this recipe?

The shrimp should marinate for at least 8 hours, but you can comfortably make them a day or even two in advance. The flavors actually improve with time, making Spicy Pickled Shrimp the ultimate stress-free appetizer for parties and holidays.

What type Appetizer

A glass or ceramic bowl, or a large mason jar, is ideal since acidic marinades can react with metal and affect flavor. Make sure your container seals tightly to keep everything fresh and prevent fridge odors from sneaking in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your appetizer routine or just want a vibrant, flavor-packed start to any meal, Spicy Pickled Shrimp will deliver every single time. Give this Southern-inspired treat a try—you’re just a day away from a dish that’s as easy as it is unforgettable!

Spicy Pickled Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Spicy Pickled Shrimp is a delicious Southern American appetizer featuring large shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of vinegar, spices, and herbs. This cold shrimp dish has a zesty kick and makes a perfect addition to any seafood platter or a tasty standalone appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Large Shrimp:

1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)

Marinade:

1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 cup white vinegar
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
½ teaspoon celery seeds
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil with Old Bay seasoning. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink. Drain and cool in an ice bath.
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red onion, spices, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp, coat well, and refrigerate for 8 hours.
Serve: Remove bay leaves, garnish with parsley, and serve chilled.