Louisiana Style Pickled Shrimp Recipe: A Spicy Southern Delight
Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for adding a little Southern flair to your table—Louisiana-style pickled Shrimp.
This dish is a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet appetizer or snack that’s packed with bold flavors. It’s a classic Southern recipe that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or just enjoying as a light meal.
The shrimp are marinated in a zesty pickling liquid infused with Cajun spices, garlic, and herbs, making them irresistible. Let’s get started!
What’s in This Louisiana Style Pickled Shrimp Recipe?
Pickled shrimp is a Southern staple that’s all about bold, vibrant flavors. In this recipe, fresh shrimp are cooked until tender, then marinated in a tangy, spicy pickling liquid made with vinegar, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, and a mix of aromatic herbs and spices. The result is a dish that’s refreshing, slightly spicy, and perfect for serving cold or at room temperature. It’s a great make-ahead dish that gets better as it sits, making it ideal for entertaining.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Louisiana Style Pickled Shrimp:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lemon (sliced into rounds)
For the Pickling Liquid:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
How to Make Louisiana Style Pickled Shrimp
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make this spicy Southern delight:
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll continue to cook slightly in the pickling liquid. Drain the shrimp and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and toss them with Cajun seasoning and salt. Add the lemon slices and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pickling Liquid
In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, sugar, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pickled Shrimp
In a large glass jar or airtight container, layer the cooked shrimp, red onion slices, parsley, and dill. Pour the warm pickling liquid over the shrimp, making sure they’re fully submerged. If needed, add a little more olive oil or vinegar to cover the shrimp.
Step 4: Marinate the Shrimp
Cover the jar or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the shrimp marinate, the more flavorful they’ll become. Give the jar a gentle shake or stir occasionally to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pickled shrimp cold or at room temperature. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a topping for salads, or even as a light main dish. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 4 hours to overnight
- Total time: About 4 hours 25 minutes (mostly hands-off)
Serving
This recipe makes 4-6 servings, depending on how you serve it. It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or as a make-ahead appetizer.
Calories
Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: About 250-300 calories per serving
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
This dish is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great option for a healthy, flavorful snack or meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp works too—just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
- Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day in advance.
- Serve with crusty bread: The pickling liquid is so flavorful that you’ll want to soak it up with some crusty bread or crackers.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Louisiana Style Pickled Shrimp recipe because it’s so flavorful and versatile. It’s a great way to enjoy shrimp in a new and exciting way, and the tangy, spicy marinade is absolutely addictive. Plus, it’s a dish that’s easy to make ahead and perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a light, refreshing meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
