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A chilled glass jar on the white marble cooktop, freshly taken from the fridge. A spoon lifts marinated shrimp from the jar, glistening with infused oil and seasonings, ready to be served.

Pickled Shrimp Recipe

Bright, zesty, and refreshingly light, this pickled shrimp is a Southern classic packed with citrus, herbs, and spice. It’s an easy, make-ahead appetizer perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 1 day 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, southern
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt divided
  • 3 large lemons zested and juiced
  • ¼ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons pickling spice
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 large shallots thinly sliced lengthwise

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Glass jar or airtight container
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain and let cool.
    A stainless steel pot filled with boiling salted water on a white marble cooktop. A slotted spoon is lowering medium shrimp into the pot, with steam rising as the shrimp begin to cook.
  2. In a large bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, pickling spice, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and sliced shallots.
    A stainless steel colander placed over the white marble cooktop, holding freshly boiled shrimp. The shrimp are pink and opaque, draining and cooling before being marinated.
  3. Add the cooled shrimp to the mixture and toss well to coat.
    A glass mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop containing lemon zest, lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, pickling spice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. A spoon is stirring the vibrant mixture, combining all the flavors.
  4. Transfer everything into a glass jar or airtight container.
    A glass mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop with a steady stream of extra-virgin olive oil being poured into the lemon-herb mixture. The golden oil glistens as it blends with the seasonings.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
    A glass mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop with cooled shrimp and thinly sliced shallots being added to the marinade. A spatula is gently folding everything together, coating the shrimp evenly.
  6. Give it a gentle shake or stir before serving.
  7. Serve chilled with bread, crackers, or over a salad.
  8. Enjoy this tangy, flavorful dish straight from the jar!
    A chilled glass jar on the white marble cooktop, freshly taken from the fridge. A spoon lifts marinated shrimp from the jar, glistening with infused oil and seasonings, ready to be served.