Best Pickled Shrimp

These pickled shrimp are the best--a perfect light appetizer that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed as-is with a cold glass of white wine. You'll love the contrast between the bright lemon acidity and the pungent peppers, onions, and capers.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 225 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
• 1 medium Fresno chile, thinly sliced
• 3 leaf (blank)s bay leaves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons capers, roughly chopped
• 2 pounds large shrimp - peeled, deveined, and tails left on

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Serve chilled.

Step 2

Combine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, onion, lemon slices, Fresno chile, garlic, crushed bay leaves, capers, celery seed, and lemon zest in a large bowl; stir until well combined. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 3

Combine 3 quarts of water and seafood seasoning in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for exactly 2 minutes. Drain well and add to chilled onion mixture. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight, or up to 4 days.