Pickled Shrimp

Pickled shrimp is a super easy, crowd-pleasing dish that makes a refreshing snack or appetizer. You can enjoy these briny shrimp straight out of the jar or use them on salads, crackers, toasted garlic bread and so much more. Making this tangy shrimp dish at home allows you total control over flavor by using your favorite herbs and spices to create your own personal gourmet treat!

This recipe was inspired by my pickled habanero peppers and easy broiled lemon garlic shrimp!

Why You Will Love Pickled Shrimp Recipe

• No Cooking Needed. So easy to prepare with no stove needed, simply mix and pour ingredients into a sealed container.
• Light and Flavorful. The refreshing flavors of lemon and vinegar infused the shrimp with so much flavor.
• Versatile Dish. Enjoy them as the perfect appetizer for parties or dinner, add them to a salad, or enjoy them straight from the jar for a snack.

Ingredients

Here's a look at the simple ingredients you need to make pickled shrimp.

• Dill Seed: Classic pickle flavor but you can also use a teaspoon of parsley, 4 bay leaves, allspice berries, celery seed, whole mustard seeds, coriander seeds, allspice, cardamom, or capers instead.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Necessary flavor enhancer and you can use Kosher salt instead if necessary with the same results.
• Sugar: Balances the flavors, taming the acidity just a bit.
• White Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar: A preservative and base for pickling. Cider vinegar adds a fruity tang.
• Olive Oil: Ideally, choose a good quality olive oil but canola oil has a milder flavor and will work in a pinch.
• Red or Purple Onion: Adds wonderful flavor but you can also use yellow or white onions instead.
• Lemon: For best results use fresh lemon juice. If it's not available you can use 2 tablespoons lemon juice instead but the flavor may be slightly different.
• Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined fresh or frozen cooked shrimp work just fine. Buying them already prepped will save you time.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

Substitutions and Variations

Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this pickled shrimp recipe.

• Add Heat: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, smoked paprika, diced or sliced jalapeno pepper, homemade hot pepper sauce, our jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the vinegar mixture for a bit of heat. A pinch of black pepper or peppercorns will add a subtle heat.
• More Flavor Ideas: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, garlic, or sliced bell peppers for a change.

How to Make Pickled Shrimp

Here's a glance at the simple steps for making this recipe. You can find all the details in the recipe card further down the page.

1. Combine the dill seed, coarse sea salt, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Add the olive oil, white vinegar, and apple cider vinegar to the bowl.

3. Stir the ingredients together.
4. Add the onions and lemons to the bowl and stir again.

5. Add the shrimp and stir well. If the shrimp is not completely covered with liquid, add water until it is.
6. Seal the bowl or transfer them to a mason jar for proper storage and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

⭐️ Hint: Never allow your shrimp to sit at room temperature for more than two hours total, as this could increase the risk of a foodborne illness.

If you love recipes like this one you may also enjoy our pickled bologna.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Remember, the longer they sit, the stronger the pickling flavor will become.

Freezer: You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to one month. For best results do not re-freeze thawed out frozen shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

• They're great with fresh tomato salsa, salsa pesto or homemade cocktail sauce for dipping!
• Serve tossed with your favorite Caesar salad or green salad.
• Place shrimp on a large plate or platter with slices of crusty air fryer dinner roll, air fryer garlic bread, or even air fryer frozen garlic bread.
• Serve with white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio or beer will offer a nice balance with the pickled shrimp. Or for more pickle flavor enjoy a pickle shot!
• Add them to a charcuterie board or cheese tray, or serve with any of our best appetizers for parties.

Tips

• Serving Tip: Before serving drain off some of the liquid and add fresh herbs like fresh dill or parsley or serve on a bed of greens to brighten it up.
• Use Fresh Shrimp. Discard any shrimp if you notice an odd smell, different texture or color.
• Use Peeled and Deveined Shrimp. Make sure to peel and devein your shrimp or buy them already prepped before pickling for best results.
• Keep Covered. Make sure your shrimp are totally covered in brine before refrigerating. If doubling the recipe you may need to use a larger container or multiple jars.
• Minimum Marinating Time. Allow the shrimp to marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

FAQ

More Shrimp Recipes

Do you like shrimp? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.