Ingredients
• 1 lb (450g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
• 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup pickling salt or kosher salt
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon or lime
• Fresh dill or parsley (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- Pack shrimp, onion, and bell pepper into clean glass jars or an airtight container.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar (if using), bay leaf, garlic, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat.
- Stir in lemon zest and juice. Let cool 5 minutes.
- Pour warm brine over the shrimp mixture, ensuring everything is submerged. Add fresh herbs if using.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, but ideally 24 hours for best flavor.
✨ Serve chilled:
• Straight from the jar with a fork
• On cocktail rye bread as an open-faced sandwich
• Over greens for a refreshing salad
• With crackers or crusty bread
💡 Make ahead: Keeps in the fridge up to 1 week. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes!
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 5 mins , Total Time : 4 hrs 20 mins (includes chilling) , Servings : 4 , Calories : 140 per serving , Net Carbs: 6g , Fats: 2g , Protein: 24g