Description
Southern coastal charm meets zesty pickled shrimp in this quick, tangy delicacy that sings of summer gatherings. Crisp, garlicky, and delightfully spiced, these marinated crustaceans promise to elevate any appetizer spread with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (675 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious pot with water, infusing it with Old Bay seasoning and zesty lemon slices. Gently submerge the shrimp, allowing them to transform from translucent to vibrant pink within 2-3 minutes.
- Quickly transfer the cooked shrimp into an ice bath, halting the cooking process and preserving their delicate texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Create a harmonious marinade by whisking together tangy vinegar, rich olive oil, bright lemon juice, and robust Dijon mustard. Incorporate minced garlic, finely sliced red onion, fiery red pepper flakes, aromatic black peppercorns, fragrant bay leaf, fresh parsley, and briny capers.
- Lovingly fold the cooled shrimp into the marinade, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the vibrant mixture. Transfer the ensemble into a clean glass container, completely submerging the shrimp in the liquid.
- Seal the container and nestle it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight yields the most complex taste profile. Occasionally stir the mixture to promote even flavor distribution.
- When ready to serve, present the pickled shrimp chilled as an elegant appetizer. Pair with crisp crackers, scatter atop a crisp salad, or showcase as the star of a sophisticated seafood platter.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your pickled dish.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery during the boiling process.
- Use an ice bath immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and maintain the shrimp’s tender, delicate texture.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level and suit different spice preferences.
- Swap out capers for chopped green olives if you want a slightly different briny flavor profile.
- Store the pickled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain maximum freshness.
- Experiment with different herbs like dill or tarragon to create unique flavor variations of this classic pickled seafood dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg