Pickled Shrimp

This classic pickled shrimp recipe delivers a burst of bright, tangy flavor that is perfect for appetizers or light lunches. The shrimp are quickly poached in seasoned water with crab boil spices, then layered with thinly sliced onions and bay leaves. They soak in a sharp emulsion of white vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and olive oil, allowing the flavors to meld over 24 hours. The result is a tender, savory, and refreshing seafood dish that cuts through richness beautifully. Ideal for summer parties, charcuterie boards, or as a vibrant starter before a main course, this dish brings a nostalgic gourmet touch to your table. Its simple to prepare but requires patience for the best flavor development.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Stewing

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 8

Calories: 13.0

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This classic pickled shrimp recipe delivers a burst of bright, tangy flavor that is perfect for appetizers or light lunches. The shrimp are quickly poached in seasoned water with crab boil spices, then layered with thinly sliced onions and bay leaves. They soak in a sharp emulsion of white vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and olive oil, allowing the flavors to meld over 24 hours. The result is a tender, savory, and refreshing seafood dish that cuts through richness beautifully. Ideal for summer parties, charcuterie boards, or as a vibrant starter before a main course, this dish brings a nostalgic gourmet touch to your table. Its simple to prepare but requires patience for the best flavor development.

Ingredients

2 1/2 lb Shrimp, peeled & deveined
3/4 cup White vinegar
5 ts Celery seeds
2 ts Salt
1 cup Olive oil
1 lg Onion, sliced thin
3 Bay leaves Bay leaves
6 cups Water
1/4 cup Crab boil, tied in cheese cloves
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

1
In a large kettle or pot, bring 6 cups of water and the crab boil spices to a boil.
2
Once boiling, simmer the water for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3
Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for exactly 5 minutes until opaque.
4
Drain the shrimp and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper.
6
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
7
In a deep glass dish, arrange half of the cooked shrimp in a single layer.
8
Top the shrimp with half of the sliced onions and the bay leaves.
9
Arrange the remaining shrimp over the onions, then sprinkle with the remaining onion slices.
10
Pour the vinegar and oil dressing evenly over the shrimp and onions.
11
Cover the dish and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the shrimp to marinate and absorb the flavors.
12
Serve the pickled shrimp chilled, skewered on toothpicks or served with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 13.0kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 10.7mg4%
Sodium 43.5mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 2.7g6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate for the full 24 hours. The longer they sit, the more tangy and flavorful they become.

You can substitute the crab boil spices with a mix of bay leaves, peppercorns, and mustard seeds if crab boil is unavailable.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavor will continue to deepen.

Ensure the shrimp are fully cooked but not overcooked to maintain a tender texture.

Keywords: pickled shrimp, shrimp appetizer, vinegar marinade, celery seeds, seafood snack, cold shrimp, party food, easy seafood, tangy shrimp, onion slices, olive oil dressing, make ahead, brined shrimp, cocktail shrimp, savory shrimp, quick boil, chilled seafood, gourmet appetizer, shrimp recipe, vinegar based

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pickled-shrimp/