Pickled shrimp is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations, especially along the coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina, and Louisiana. Light, tangy, refreshing, and packed with bold flavors, pickled shrimp is the perfect chilled appetizer for summer gatherings, seafood platters, or holiday buffets. With its citrusy brine, aromatic spices, and crisp vegetables, this recipe transforms simple cooked shrimp into an elegant, flavor-packed snack or starter.

If you’re looking for something that tastes gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare, pickled shrimp is exactly the dish you need. In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything from choosing the right shrimp to seasoning, storing, variations, and a printable recipe.

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What Is Pickled Shrimp?

Pickled shrimp is a cold-prepared seafood dish consisting of cooked shrimp that’s marinated in a vinegar-based brine with:

• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Spices
• Fresh herbs
• Peppers
• Onions

Unlike traditional pickling, this dish doesn’t involve canning—it’s refrigerated and served chilled. The acid in the brine brightens the flavor and helps the shrimp stay firm and fresh.

Pickled shrimp are:

• Naturally low-carb and high protein
• Fresh and citrusy
• Bursting with aromatic spices
• Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes
• Perfect for make-ahead meals and entertaining

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The History Behind Pickled Shrimp

Pickled shrimp rose to popularity in the American South, where seafood was plentiful and pickling was a classic preservation technique. Recipes were often passed down through generations and served at weddings, Sunday suppers, church picnics, and holiday parties.

Even today, pickled shrimp remains a cherished delicacy due to its irresistible blend of tangy, bright, and savory notes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✓ Fast and Easy

Cook your shrimp, toss the ingredients together, and chill—simple as that.

✓ Make-Ahead Friendly

The flavors get even better after a day or two in the fridge.

✓ Healthy and Light

Loaded with lean protein, citrus, vinegar, and fresh herbs.

✓ Customizable

Add heat, sweetness, herbs, or vegetables as you like.

✓ Elegant Enough for Guests

Serve it in glass jars, tiny bowls, or over fresh greens.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp

• 1–2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Pickling Marinade

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (optional but traditional)
• 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
• 2–4 bay leaves
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1–2 jalapeños or red chiles (optional for heat)
• Fresh dill or parsley

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How to Make Pickled Shrimp (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Shrimp

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Add:

• Shrimp
• Lemon slices

Cook for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and curl into a “C” shape.

Drain immediately and place shrimp in an ice bath to prevent overcooking.

2. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl or jar, whisk together:

• Vinegar
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Celery seed
• Old Bay
• Garlic
• Peppercorns
• Bay leaves

3. Layer the Shrimp and Vegetables

In a large jar or glass container:

• Add a layer of shrimp
• Add sliced onions and peppers
• Add herbs
• Repeat until all ingredients are used

4. Pour the Marinade

Pour the marinade over the shrimp mixture until fully submerged.

5. Chill and Marinate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, but overnight or 24 hours is best.

The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor becomes.

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How Long Does Pickled Shrimp Last?

Pickled shrimp will keep for:

• Up to 5 days in the refrigerator
• Not suitable for freezing (shrimp gets mushy)

Always keep it chilled and discard if it develops any off smells.

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What Type of Shrimp Works Best?

Choose:

✓ Medium to large shrimp (21–30 count)

Perfect size for appetizers.

✓ Fresh or frozen raw shrimp

Fresh is ideal, but frozen works great if thawed properly.

✓ Peeled & deveined (tail optional)

Tail-on looks nicer for serving. Tail-off is easier for eating.

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Flavor Variations

Pickled shrimp is endlessly adaptable. Try these exciting variations:

⭐ Southern Classic

• Old Bay
• Lemon
• Celery seed
• Red onion

⭐ Spicy Pickled Shrimp

Add:

• Jalapeños
• Red pepper flakes
• Hot sauce
• Cajun seasoning

⭐ Mediterranean Style

Add:

• Capers
• Roasted red peppers
• Fresh oregano
• Garlic

⭐ Sweet & Tangy

Add:

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• Sweet mini peppers
• Orange slices

⭐ Herb-Loaded Version

Add:

• Dill
• Parsley
• Basil
• Thyme

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Serving Suggestions

Pickled shrimp is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes.

Serve As:

• A chilled appetizer
• A protein for salads
• A topping for avocado toast
• A filling for lettuce wraps
• Part of a seafood platter
• A picnic or beach snack

Perfect Pairings:

• Crackers or crostini
• Sliced cucumbers
• Coleslaw
• Grilled vegetables
• Creamy dips
• Citrus wedges

Bonus Idea:

Serve pickled shrimp in small mason jars for an elegant, portable appetizer.

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Tips for the Best Pickled Shrimp

1. Don’t overcook the shrimp

This is the most important tip. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.

2. Always use glass jars

Vinegar can react with metal or plastic.

3. Let it marinate overnight

The flavors fully develop after 24 hours.

4. Chill before serving

Pickled shrimp is meant to be served cold.

5. Customize the spices

Use Cajun, Creole, Old Bay, or Mediterranean herbs based on your theme.

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Pickled Shrimp (Printable Recipe)

Ingredients

• 1–2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1 tbsp salt

Marinade:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp celery seed
• 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2–4 bay leaves
• 1 sliced red onion
• 2–3 garlic cloves
• Fresh dill or parsley
• Optional: jalapeños, red chiles

Instructions

1. Boil shrimp with lemon slices and salt for 2–3 minutes.
2. Drain and place shrimp in ice water to stop cooking.
3. In a bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, lemon juice, salt, sugar, celery seed, pepper, Old Bay, garlic, and bay leaves.
4. Layer shrimp, onions, peppers, and herbs in a jar.
5. Pour marinade over shrimp until fully covered.
6. Refrigerate at least 8 hours, preferably 24 hours, before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but cook-it-yourself shrimp holds its texture better.

2. Do I need to sterilize the jars?

Not necessary, but they must be clean because the recipe is refrigerated, not canned.

3. Can I eat pickled shrimp warm?

No—this dish is meant to be served cold.

4. Why does the recipe include olive oil?

It softens the acidity and gives the brine a silky texture.

5. Can I use apple cider vinegar?

Yes! It adds a sweeter, fruitier note.

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Final Thoughts

Pickled shrimp is an impressive yet effortless dish that brings bright, zesty, and aromatic flavor to any table. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a potluck, or a light weekday snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s refreshing, protein-rich, customizable, and perfect for seafood lovers.

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