Spicy Pickled Shrimp Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that feels like a mini-vacation for your taste buds, and these zesty pickled shrimp are just the culinary escape you’ve been craving!

My Spicy Pickled Shrimp recipe packs a flavor knockout in any meal. It enhances any dish with the invigorating essence of my pickling brine—a heady, mouthwatering mix of apple cider vinegar, Good Old Bay seasoning, and a few not-so-secret ingredients.

The shrimp soak up this flavor combo while becoming perfectly tender. The brine has a real kick (in the best way possible), but it’s one that builds as you eat.

A taste of shrimp straight from the jar explodes on the palate with a medley of deliciousness that’s almost hard to describe. And what’s even better is that there is a good amount of protein in shrimp, so this dish is a nutritious treat packed with zing.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: Rich in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess and aids digestion with acetic acid.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A spicy blend that gives a classic coastal flavor.
• Garlic: Enhances savory depth with antioxidant properties.
• Lemon: Provides a refreshing citrus flavor and vitamin C.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat and a metabolism boost.
• Fresh Dill: Offers a bright, herby aroma with vitamins A and C.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of celery seed
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill

How to Make this

1. Start with a large pot of water, and bring it to a boil. Then, add the shrimp, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to turn pink and to look kind of like what you see in this picture. After they have cooked, drain them, and transfer them to an ice bath. They need to cool down fast; otherwise, they will keep cooking and become tough instead of tender.

2. In a medium saucepan, mix the vinegar, water, olive oil, Old Bay, celery seed, and sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

3. Include the sliced garlic; the red onion; the lemon; the bay leaves; the crushed red pepper flakes; and the black peppercorns in the simmering mixture. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

4. Take the saucepan off the heat and let the blend rest for a brief time at a lower temperature.

5. In a big glass or non-reactive bowl, layer the shrimp that have cooled with fresh dill, and then pour the pickling liquid over the shrimp. Ensure that the shrimp are completely underwater.

6. Tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight. This will permit the flavors to blend.

7. Gently stir the shrimp in the pickling liquid before serving to ensure even flavor distribution.

8. Using a slotted spoon, take the shrimp from the pot, and arrange them on a platter. Serve them chilled. Garnish the platter with sliced onion, lemon, and as much fresh dill as you desire.

9. Relish the piquant pickled shrimp as a charming starter or in a seafood course.

10. Any leftovers should be put in the refrigerator, sealed, and consumed within 3 days for best freshness.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Medium saucepan
3. Slotted spoon
4. Ice bath (bowl with ice and water)
5. Large glass or non-reactive bowl
6. Plastic wrap or lid
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Stirring spoon

FAQ

• How long should I marinate the shrimp?Ideally, the shrimp should be marinated overnight for the fullest possible flavor development, but it can be marinated for as little as 8 hours and still provide a good outcome.
• Can I use frozen shrimp?You can use shrimp that has been frozen. Just be sure that it has been thawed and patted dry before you use it in the recipe.
• Is there a substitute for Old Bay seasoning?If you don’t have Old Bay, you can make a substitute using celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and mustard powder.
• How long can pickled shrimp be stored?You can keep the shrimp you have pickled in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and still be able to enjoy them. Store them alongside ingredients you might use for a shrimp cocktail, and you can get a little fancy by plating with some bright greens. They’d also make a great addition to a salad.
• What can I serve with pickled shrimp?Shrimp that has been pickled is an excellent starter. By itself, it is delicious. However, serve it with some fine crusty bread, and it becomes a highlight of any meal. Alternately, serve it with some good crackers. You might serve it in a simple salad. These are not the only ways to enjoy pickled shrimp. The following method for pickling shrimp is adapted from José Andrés. Shrimp seasoned with a simple brine and vinegar works well with some of the following suggestions.
• Can I adjust the spice level?Of course, you can modify the amount of the crushed red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the spiciness to your taste.

Spicy Pickled Shrimp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Shrimp:
Substitution with large prawns is possible.
Apple cider vinegar:
Substitute with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
Old Bay seasoning:
Replace with Cajun seasoning for a different spice blend.
Red onion:
Use shallots instead of onions for a milder flavor.
Fresh dill:
Substitute with fresh parsley or tarragon for a different herbal twist.

Pro Tips

1. Brining the Shrimp Before cooking, consider brining the shrimp in a mixture of salt and water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to enhance their flavor and keeps them juicy during cooking.

2. Rapid Cooling Ensure the ice bath is ready before cooking the shrimp so you can immediately cool them down. This stops the cooking process instantly, preventing the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

3. Infuse More Flavor For even more flavor, consider adding additional fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the pickling liquid along with the dill.

4. Adjusting Spice Levels If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can add thin slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

5. Choose the Right Shrimp Use large, fresh shrimp if possible, and avoid shrimp that have been previously frozen, as they can be watery and less flavorful. Pat them dry before adding to the ice bath to prevent dilution of the flavor.