Go Back

Pickled Shrimp

An elegant make-ahead appetizer featuring shrimp submerged in a tangy, aromatic vinegar-based brine with mustard seeds, herbs, and chili flakes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons sea salt
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
For the Brine
  • 1.5 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 cup white wine vinegar
  • 0.5 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoons brown mustard seeds
  • 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves

Equipment

  • Large stainless steel pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander or fine-mesh strainer
  • Glass jars or airtight containers
  • Wooden spoon
  • Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Gather two glass jars or airtight containers large enough to hold two pounds of shrimp plus brine. Clean them thoroughly with hot water and set aside to air dry.
  2. Pour 8 cups water into a large stainless steel pot. Add 2 tablespoons sea salt, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon coriander seeds. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  3. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the boiling water. Stir gently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp turn bright pink and opaque.
  4. Using a colander or fine-mesh strainer, transfer the shrimp immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Chill for 2 to 3 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups apple cider vinegar, 0.5 cup white wine vinegar, and 0.5 cup olive oil for 30 seconds until slightly emulsified.
  6. Stir in 3 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds, 2 tablespoons brown mustard seeds, 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 bay leaves.
  7. Divide the cooled shrimp between the prepared containers and pour the brine mixture over them, ensuring the shrimp are fully submerged. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill and 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley on top and stir gently.
  8. Cover the containers tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, or preferably 24 hours for deeper flavor.

Notes

The pickled shrimp tastes best after 24 hours of brining and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve directly from the fridge.