Zesty Southern Pickled Shrimp Recipe: A Tangy Coastal Delight

Southern coastal kitchens have long cherished this zesty pickled shrimp recipe that brings tangy ocean flavors to your table.

Briny seafood meets bright vinegar notes in a delightful dance of taste.

Crisp peppers and aromatic herbs create a vibrant maritime experience.

Quick pickling techniques unlock deep, complex flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate how simple ingredients can elevate a classic dish.

Marinating transforms ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary appetizer everyone will adore.

FAQs

• What type of vinegar works best for pickled shrimp?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are ideal. They provide the right balance of acidity and help preserve the shrimp while adding a subtle tangy flavor.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the brine.

• How long can pickled shrimp stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Pickled shrimp will remain fresh for up to 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial contamination.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference. If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.

Pickled Shrimp That Add A Tangy Twist To Any Spread

• Easily Preserve Seafood: This pickled shrimp recipe offers a simple method to transform fresh shrimp into a tangy, flavorful preserved dish that can last several days in the refrigerator.
• Quick Preparation Time: The entire cooking and assembling process takes less than 30 minutes, making it a speedy option for home cooks looking to create a delicious appetizer or side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with Flavor Complexity: The brine's combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds creates a rich, multilayered taste profile that elevates the humble shrimp into a gourmet-style treat.
• Versatile Serving Option: Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, holiday parties, or as a zesty addition to salads and charcuterie boards, this pickled shrimp recipe offers endless serving possibilities for various occasions.

What’s Inside Pickled Shrimp

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Fresh, tender protein that absorbs the pickling flavors beautifully. Wild-caught or farm-raised work well, medium to large sizes preferred.

• Water, Vinegar: Essential liquid base for creating the pickling solution. White or apple cider vinegar provides tangy background.
• Salt, Sugar: Crucial for balancing flavors and creating perfect pickle brine. Kosher or sea salt recommended.

• Garlic: Adds deep, pungent flavor to the pickle brine. Fresh cloves provide the best taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and subtle spiciness. Adjust amount for personal spice preference.
• Black Peppercorns, Mustard Seeds, Coriander Seeds: Contribute complex, layered spice notes. Whole seeds ensure maximum flavor infusion.
• Bay Leaf: Provides subtle herbal undertone and depth to the overall brine. Dried leaf works best.

• Onion: Adds crunch and extra flavor dimension to the pickled shrimp. Red or white onions work perfectly.

Pickling and Serving Shrimp the Right Way

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Brine

In a medium pot, combine water and vinegar, bringing them to a rolling boil.

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Sugar
• Red pepper flakes
• Black peppercorns
• Bay leaf
• Mustard seeds
• Coriander seeds

Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to dance and release their aromatic magic.

Step 2: Transform Shrimp into Tangy Delights

Gently slide the shrimp into the simmering brine.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink color and become perfectly tender.

Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Prepare Pickling Container

Select a clean glass jar and layer sliced onions at the bottom.

This will add an extra punch of flavor to your pickled shrimp.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the warm shrimp and brine mixture over the onions, ensuring they are completely submerged.

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, which typically takes about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Preserve and Develop Flavors

Securely seal the jar and transfer to the refrigerator.

Let the shrimp marinate for at least 24 hours.

This resting period allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, creating a mouth-watering pickled delicacy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

After 24 hours, your pickled shrimp are ready to be devoured.

Serve chilled as an appetizer, salad topper, or standalone snack that will impress any crowd.

Pickled Shrimp Prep Tips for Bright Tangy Bites

• Experiment with different vinegar types like apple cider or white wine vinegar to create unique taste profiles that complement the shrimp's natural sweetness.
• Remove shrimp immediately after turning pink to prevent overcooking, ensuring tender and succulent pickled seafood.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference, adding more for a spicy kick or reducing for a milder version.
• Use a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid to maintain freshness and prevent flavor contamination in the refrigerator.
• Serve chilled as an appetizer or salad topping, pairing beautifully with crisp white wine or light summer cocktails.

Save Pickled Shrimp for Later

• Store pickled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial growth.
• Do not freeze pickled shrimp, as the texture will become mushy and lose its delicate flavor profile when thawed.
• Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. These pickled shrimp are best enjoyed cold as an appetizer or salad topping, maintaining their crisp texture and tangy taste.
• Discard the pickled shrimp if you notice any off-odors, unusual color changes, or signs of mold before the 5-day storage period.

What to Eat with Pickled Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the pickled shrimp's tangy flavor and complements its delicate seafood profile.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the flavorful brine and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pickled shrimp's robust and spicy undertones, adding a refreshing element to the dish.
• Complement with Chilled Cocktail: Mix a classic gin martini or a bright, herbal gin and tonic to echo the pickle's botanical notes from mustard and coriander seeds, enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Pickled Shrimp Style Experiments

• Low-Sodium Seafood Pickle: Replace salt with a low-sodium alternative like potassium chloride or reduce salt quantity by half. Use fresh herbs to enhance flavor profile without increasing sodium content.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Version: Swap mustard seeds with fennel seeds and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Add fresh oregano and lemon zest for enhanced Mediterranean character.
• Spicy Cajun Transformation: Increase red pepper flakes and incorporate Cajun seasoning blend. Add smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for extra heat and traditional Louisiana-style flavor complexity.
• Keto-Friendly Protein Pickle: Eliminate sugar completely or substitute with monk fruit sweetener. Use apple cider vinegar for additional health benefits and select larger, wild-caught shrimp for higher protein content.

Pickled Shrimp Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets coastal elegance in this pickled shrimp recipe, showcasing zesty citrus and delicate herbs. Crisp, tangy morsels deliver a refreshing bite that will transport you straight to a breezy Carolina kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Spices and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bay leaf

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Instructions

1. Craft a fragrant liquid infusion by combining water and vinegar in a medium pot, bringing to a rolling boil, then reducing to a gentle simmer.
2. Enhance the brine with aromatic seasonings: crushed garlic, salt, sugar, fiery red pepper flakes, whole black peppercorns, fragrant bay leaf, earthy mustard seeds, and citrusy coriander seeds. Allow the mixture to steep and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Carefully introduce fresh shrimp into the seasoned liquid, gently poaching until they transform from translucent to a delicate pink hue, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Ensure the seafood is just cooked through, maintaining its tender texture.
4. Remove the pot from heat source and permit the shrimp and spiced liquid to cool naturally for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize.
5. Select a clean glass container and layer thinly sliced onions across the bottom as a flavorful foundation.
6. Cascade the cooled shrimp and aromatic brine over the onion bed, ensuring complete coverage of the seafood.
7. Securely seal the jar and transfer to the refrigerator, allowing the pickled delicacy to rest and develop complex flavors for a minimum of 24 hours before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your pickled dish.
• Remove shrimp shells beforehand if you prefer a more delicate eating experience.
• Experiment with different vinegar types like apple cider or white wine vinegar for unique flavor profiles.
• Reduce red pepper flakes for a milder version or increase for extra spiciness.
• Allow shrimp to marinate longer than 24 hours for deeper, more intense pickled flavor.
• Serve chilled as an appetizer or add to salads for a tangy protein boost.
• Store pickled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Choose medium-sized shrimp for the most consistent cooking and pickling results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg