Zesty Spicy Pickled Shrimp Recipe That Tingles Your Taste Buds

A southern coastal classic, these spicy pickled shrimp bring zesty marine flavors right to your table.

Briny ocean notes dance with sharp pepper hints, creating an unexpected culinary adventure.

My grandmother’s coastal kitchen always hummed with similar pickle preparations during summer gatherings.

Crunchy shrimp swimming in tangy vinegar and aromatic spices promise a delectable bite every single time.

Bold marinades infuse each tender morsel with complex layers of heat and brightness.

Louisiana’s seafood traditions shine through in this simple yet remarkable recipe.

Dive into this quick pickle that will revolutionize your seafood experience.

Creative Twists on Spicy Pickled Shrimp

• Citrus Fusion Pickled Shrimp: Replace lemon juice with a blend of orange and lime juice for a bright, tangy flavor profile that adds zesty complexity to the shrimp.
• Asian-Inspired Pickled Shrimp: Swap out traditional spices with rice vinegar, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil for an umami-rich maritime experience.
• Herb Garden Pickled Shrimp: Incorporate fresh dill, basil, and thyme instead of oregano, creating a garden-fresh approach that elevates the seafood's natural sweetness.
• Mediterranean Pickled Shrimp: Add capers, chopped kalamata olives, and swap mustard seeds with coriander seeds for a Mediterranean coastal inspired version with robust flavors.

Pairings That Complement Pickled Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the tangy, spicy pickled shrimp. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness and matches the dish's vibrant flavor profile.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Use hearty, slightly tangy sourdough slices to soak up the delicious pickling liquid. The bread's robust texture provides a perfect counterpoint to the tender, spicy shrimp.
• Match with Fresh Herbed Salad: Create a light green salad with arugula, fresh dill, and cucumber to balance the pickled shrimp's intense flavors. The salad's cool, crisp elements will refresh the palate between bites.

Storing Spicy Pickled Shrimp Properly

• Keep pickled shrimp in an airtight container or sealed mason jar for up to 5-7 days, ensuring all shrimp remain completely covered by pickling liquid to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pickled shrimp into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace, and freeze for maximum 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before consuming to preserve texture and flavor.
• Gently warm pickled shrimp at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, avoiding direct microwave heating which can toughen seafood and compromise delicate pickling marinade.

FAQs

• Are these pickled shrimp spicy?

Yes, the red pepper flakes and jalapeno peppers add a nice kick of heat to the shrimp, creating a zesty and spicy flavor profile.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Fresh shrimp is recommended, but if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before pickling to ensure the best texture and flavor absorption.

• How long will the pickled shrimp last in the refrigerator?

These pickled shrimp will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5-7 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These pickled shrimp are perfect for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and used in various dishes throughout the week.

Spicy Pickled Shrimp: A Flavor Explosion

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold flavors from red pepper flakes and jalapeno, this recipe transforms ordinary shrimp into a zesty, mouth-watering treat that will excite your taste buds.
• Master Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for making ahead of time, these pickled shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed throughout the week, saving you precious cooking time and providing a quick protein boost.
• One-Jar Wonder: Minimal kitchen equipment needed – just a mason jar and a few simple ingredients create a gourmet-style seafood dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.

Ingredients Needed for Spicy Pickled Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the main protein and star of the pickling recipe.
• White Vinegar: Acidic liquid that helps preserve and add tangy flavor to the shrimp.
• Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps blend the pickling marinade ingredients.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the shrimp.

• Garlic, Jalapeno, Onion: Fresh vegetables that contribute sharp, spicy, and sweet flavor layers to the pickled shrimp.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper: Spicy ingredients that create heat and complexity in the dish.
• Mustard Seeds, Oregano: Herbs and spices that provide depth and traditional pickling flavor profile.

• Sugar, Salt: Essential ingredients that balance flavors and help with preservation process of the pickled shrimp.

How to Prepare Spicy Pickled Shrimp

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and combine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, oregano, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are well blended, creating a tangy and spicy liquid that will infuse your shrimp with incredible flavor.

Step 2: Create Layers of Deliciousness

• Shrimp
• Onion
• Jalapeno
• Garlic

Make sure each layer is evenly distributed for maximum taste impact.

Step 3: Bathe the Shrimp in Marinade

Pour the vibrant pickling mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring every single piece is completely submerged in the liquid. This will help the shrimp absorb all the amazing flavors.

Step 4: Let the Magic Happen

Seal the jar tightly and slide it into the refrigerator. Let the shrimp marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, but patience pays off – overnight marination will develop even more intense and complex flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Pull out your pickled shrimp and serve them chilled. These zesty morsels are perfect as a standalone snack, a protein-packed salad topper, a taco enhancement, or a unique addition to countless dishes.

Expert Tips to Perfect Pickled Shrimp

• Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat intensity, reducing or increasing according to personal preference.
• Let shrimp pickle overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Select high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best taste and texture in your pickled dish.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor.
• Use pickled shrimp as a zesty topping for salads, tacos, or enjoy as a standalone appetizer with crackers.

Spicy Pickled Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern coastal charm meets zesty flavor in this spicy pickled shrimp recipe that dances between tangy and heat. Crisp, herby, and boldly seasoned, these marinated crustaceans promise a memorable appetizer that will spark conversation at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, cooked, peeled, and deveined

Liquids:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) white vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 jalapeno, sliced

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by vigorously blending vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, oregano, and minced garlic until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
2. Create strategic layers inside a clean mason jar, alternating between fresh shrimp, thinly sliced onion, diced jalapeno, and minced garlic to ensure even distribution of flavors.
3. Delicately cascade the prepared pickling liquid over the layered ingredients, guaranteeing complete submersion and maximum flavor absorption.
4. Securely seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, with overnight marination recommended for enhanced taste complexity.
5. Once chilled, extract the pickled shrimp and serve as a tangy appetizer, salad topping, taco enhancement, or versatile protein accompaniment to various culinary creations.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes to match personal heat tolerance.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best texture and flavor in pickling.
• For a low-carb version, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to maintain marinade balance.
• Consider using different vinegars like apple cider or white wine vinegar for subtle flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 134 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 631 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 161 mg