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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
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, southern
Servings 4
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

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

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

Instructions
 

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Give it a gentle shake or stir before serving.
  • Serve chilled with bread, crackers, or over a salad.
  • 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.