Southern-Style Pickled Shrimp

Along the Gulf and the shores of every Southern state, pickled shrimp is a must-serve appetizer nearly any time of the year. Vinegar provides the pickled flavor, while lemon adds brightness. The shrimp take on plenty of herby, garlicky, peppered flavor from its time in the brine. Because of the way we cook the shrimp—we add it to a large amount of boiling water and then remove the pan from the heat—it's guaranteed to be tender and nowhere near rubbery. But it’s crucial to cook the shrimp yourself. Do not opt for precooked shrimp, which always tends to be overcooked. Pickled shrimp are great for picnics; place them in a cute Weck, jar and have a little pickle fork handy. Serve with crostini and Boursin.

Southern Living Pickled Shrimp on plates to serve
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Active Time:
12 mins
Total Time:
1 day 12 mins
Servings:
8
Southern Living Pickled Shrimp ingredients

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. extra-large shrimp (21- to 25-count), peeled and deveined

  • 2/3 cup cider vinegar

  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tsp. kosher salt

  • 1 tsp. sugar

  • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 4 large garlic cloves, sliced

  • 3 bay leaves

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 large sweet onion, thinly sliced vertically

Directions

  1. Cook shrimp:

    Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Add shrimp to pan and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 3 minutes.

    Southern Living Pickled Shrimp cooking the shrimp

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Drain and rinse with cold water; drain well.

    Southern Living Pickled Shrimp draining the shrimp

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  2. Make pickling liquid:

    Whisk together vinegar, oil, salt, sugar, and pepper flakes in a large bowl until salt and sugar dissolve.

    Southern Living Pickled Shrimp whisking together the dressing for the shrimp

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  3. Pickle shrimp:

    Add shrimp, dill, parsley, garlic, bay leaves, lemon, and onion; toss well to combine.

    Southern Living Pickled Shrimp adding the rest of the ingredients to the shrimp

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 5 days.

    Southern Living Pickled Shrimp covered and ready to chill

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

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