Name: Tangy and Spicy Pickled Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup white vinegar; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 cloves garlic, smashed; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon pickling spice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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These Tangy and Spicy Pickled Shrimp are an unforgettable treat! With a bold zesty vinegar base and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes, this recipe delivers a delicious combination of flavors. Whether served as a refreshing appetizer or a flavorful side dish, these shrimp will elevate any meal.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup white vinegar

½ cup water

¼ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon sugar

2 cloves garlic, smashed

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon pickling spice

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

1 small onion, thinly sliced

½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium pot, combine the vinegar, water, olive oil, sugar, garlic, red pepper flakes, pickling spice, salt, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

While the brine cools, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Drain the shrimp and set them aside to cool.

Once the brine has cooled, transfer the shrimp, sliced onion, and chopped cilantro into a large jar or airtight container.

Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the shrimp and vegetables. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is preferable for the best flavor.

Serve chilled as an appetizer or alongside your favorite seafood dishes.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Storage/Reheating

I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pickled shrimp will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Since this dish is served cold, there's no need for reheating. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors will meld, making it even more delicious over time!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, I can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

For the best flavor, I recommend marinating the shrimp for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer they sit, the more intense the flavor becomes.

Can I add other vegetables to the brine?

Absolutely! I like to keep it simple with onion and cilantro, but feel free to experiment with bell peppers, carrots, or even cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?

Yes, I can easily reduce the amount of red pepper flakes to adjust the heat level to my liking. If I prefer a milder version, I can even omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

How should I serve these pickled shrimp?

I love serving them chilled as an appetizer or alongside other seafood dishes. They pair wonderfully with crackers, salad, or even grilled vegetables.

Conclusion

This Tangy and Spicy Pickled Shrimp recipe is an excellent choice for those who enjoy bold, vibrant flavors. The combination of the zesty vinegar brine and the spicy kick from the red pepper flakes is a winning combination. Plus, it's simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for parties or casual dinners. Once I make these shrimp, they’ll surely become a go-to dish in my recipe repertoire!

Recipe:

Tangy and Spicy Pickled Shrimp

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These tangy and spicy pickled shrimp are an unforgettable treat! With a bold zesty vinegar base and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes, this recipe delivers a delicious combination of flavors. Whether served as a refreshing appetizer or a flavorful side dish, these shrimp will elevate any meal.

Instructions

In a medium pot, combine the vinegar, water, olive oil, sugar, garlic, red pepper flakes, pickling spice, salt, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
While the brine cools, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Drain the shrimp and set them aside to cool.
Once the brine has cooled, transfer the shrimp, sliced onion, and chopped cilantro into a large jar or airtight container.
Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the shrimp and vegetables. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is preferable for the best flavor.
Serve chilled as an appetizer or alongside your favorite seafood dishes.