Spicy Pickled Shrimp

If you’re craving a snack that’s bold, zesty, and packed with flavor, then Spicy Pickled Shrimp is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender shrimp swimming in a tangy, spicy brine, with just the right amount of heat to make your taste buds dance. This dish is like the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy all in one bite! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s so easy to make and even easier to eat — making it the ultimate appetizer for a gathering or a treat just for yourself. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and let all the flavors come together. What are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love Spicy Pickled Shrimp

Bold and Flavorful:

This recipe is all about big flavors! The shrimp are marinated in a vibrant brine made with garlic, spices, and vinegar, resulting in a dish that’s both tangy and spicy. It’s the perfect bite to wake up your taste buds.

Make-Ahead Magic:

You can prepare these shrimp ahead of time, making them an ideal dish for parties, picnics, or meal prep. The longer the shrimp sit in the brine, the more intense the flavors become. It’s a dish that gets better as it marinates!

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, bringing something unique to a potluck, or simply craving something tangy for lunch, these Spicy Pickled Shrimp are always a crowd-pleaser.

Light and Refreshing:

With all the spices and the tangy vinegar brine, these shrimp are light yet satisfying. They’re a refreshing appetizer or side dish that can balance out a heavier meal.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• Shrimp: The star of the show. You’ll want to use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture.
• Garlic: Adds depth to the brine with its fragrant flavor.
• Red Onion: For a bit of sharpness and color.
• Bay Leaves: The bay leaves will infuse the brine with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
• Peppercorns: Whole black peppercorns add a nice peppery bite to the brine.

For the Brine:

• Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the brine and helps tenderize the shrimp.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness to the brine and gives the shrimp a silky finish.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a citrusy kick.
• Jalapeño: For that spicy kick that makes this recipe so irresistible. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer peppers.
• Cayenne Pepper: A touch of cayenne brings that extra layer of heat to the dish.
• Salt & Sugar: These will balance out the tanginess of the vinegar and the heat from the peppers.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking:

Cook the Shrimp:

In a large pot, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—this step is quick! Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Brine:

In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, jalapeño, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow all the flavors to infuse.

Assemble the Dish:

Once the brine is done simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place the cooked shrimp in a large jar or airtight container. Pour the brine over the shrimp, ensuring that they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the shrimp to pickle and soak up all those bold flavors.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the shrimp have marinated, they’re ready to serve! Spoon them out and enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or even as a topping for a salad or tacos. The spicy, tangy shrimp will definitely become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How to Serve Spicy Pickled Shrimp

This dish is so versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas to enjoy your pickled shrimp:

As an Appetizer:

Serve the pickled shrimp on a platter with toothpicks or alongside some crispy crackers for a quick and easy appetizer.

On a Salad:

Top a fresh green salad with these tangy shrimp for an extra punch of flavor. The briny shrimp pairs beautifully with greens like arugula or spinach.

In Tacos:

Stuff them into soft corn tortillas with some fresh avocado, cabbage slaw, and a squeeze of lime for a spicy taco twist.

With Cocktails:

These shrimp pair wonderfully with a chilled cocktail—think margaritas or a cold glass of crisp white wine. They’re the perfect party food!

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the most of this delicious recipe:

Adjust the Heat:

Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance. If you like it extra spicy, add more! If you prefer something milder, reduce the amount or omit the jalapeño altogether.

Make It Ahead:

Spicy pickled shrimp is even better the longer it sits. Make sure to give it at least 6 hours in the fridge, but overnight marination will intensify the flavors even more.

Use Fresh Shrimp:

For the best texture, always opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp. Frozen shrimp can also work, but make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Store Properly:

These shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, so you can enjoy them over multiple days.

Try Other Add-ins:

Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices! You could add cilantro for a fresh twist, or even red pepper flakes if you want to bring more heat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (including marination)

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Q2: How long should I marinate the shrimp?

A2: You’ll want to marinate the shrimp for at least 6 hours, but overnight will give you the best flavor.

Q3: How long do these pickled shrimp last in the fridge?

A3: These shrimp will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. They can be eaten within this time frame for the best taste.

Q4: Can I make this recipe less spicy?

A4: Yes! You can reduce the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper for a milder version of the dish.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the brine?

A5: Absolutely! You can add sliced carrots, celery, or even cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.

Q6: What if I don’t have fresh shrimp?

A6: You can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them before cooking and follow the same process.

Q7: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A7: Yes! These shrimp actually get better with time. Prepare them a day or two ahead for maximum flavor.

Q8: How spicy is this dish?

A8: The spice level can vary depending on how much jalapeño and cayenne you use. If you love spice, feel free to add more! If you prefer it milder, just use less.

Q9: What should I serve these shrimp with?

A9: These shrimp are perfect on their own, but also work well with salads, crackers, or in tacos. They’re great as an appetizer or part of a larger spread.

Q10: Can I use a different type of seafood in this recipe?

A10: Yes! While shrimp is traditional, you could use scallops or small pieces of white fish in place of shrimp for a similar effect.

Conclusion

These Spicy Pickled Shrimp are a flavor-packed delight that will make your taste buds sing! With the perfect balance of tangy vinegar, spicy heat, and juicy shrimp, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it ahead for a party, enjoying it with a cocktail, or just snacking at home, these shrimp will quickly become a favorite. So what are you waiting for? Grab those shrimp and get pickling—you’re in for a treat!

Print