Introduction
If you’ve never tried pickled shrimp, you’re in for a flavor-packed Southern classic! This refreshing seafood dish combines tender cooked shrimp with a bold marinade made from vinegar, lemon, spices, onions, garlic, dill, peppercorns, and herbs. The result is a savory, tangy, slightly spicy delight that tastes even better as it sits.
Perfect for:
✔ Holiday gatherings
✔ Charcuterie boards & appetizer spreads
✔ Summer parties & picnics
✔ Keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets
✔ Seafood lovers who crave bold, tangy flavors
This dish is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cooking, and stores beautifully in the fridge.
⭐ Pickled Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
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2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
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1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
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Salt to taste
For the Marinade:
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1 cup white vinegar
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1/2 cup olive oil
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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4–5 cloves garlic, sliced
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2 tbsp pickling spice
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1 tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
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1 tsp whole black peppercorns
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
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2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
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2–3 bay leaves
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Optional: sliced jalapeño or chili peppers for extra spice
🦐 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Shrimp
Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with salt and Old Bay. Add the shrimp and cook just 2–3 minutes, until pink and opaque.
Drain immediately and place the shrimp in an ice bath to stop cooking.
Pat dry once cooled.
2. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl or measuring cup, combine:
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Vinegar
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Garlic
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Onion slices
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Pickling spice
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Peppercorns
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Red pepper flakes
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Dill or parsley
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Sugar (optional)
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Bay leaves
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Salt
Mix well until the marinade is fully blended.
3. Layer and Pack the Shrimp
In a clean glass jar or container:
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Add a layer of shrimp
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Add a few onion slices and garlic
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Repeat layers until the jar is full
Pour the marinade over the shrimp until fully submerged.
Seal the jar tightly.
4. Chill and Marinate
Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, ideally 24 hours for maximum flavor.
The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
🍽️ How to Serve Pickled Shrimp
Pickled shrimp is incredibly versatile. Serve it:
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As a party appetizer
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On a seafood charcuterie board
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