There’s something about a jar of pickled shrimp that feels like a little piece of summer—whether it’s a backyard gathering under the warm sun or a breezy evening with friends. This Pickled Shrimp With Herbs recipe is a true Southern classic, reimagined with bright, fresh flavors and a modern touch.
The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic herbs like dill and parsley, and a tangy vinegar brine creates a dish that’s as refreshing as it is versatile. Serve it as a light appetizer, a topping for salads, or even as a quick protein-packed snack straight from the jar.
The real charm lies in its simplicity. Pickling shrimp might sound daunting, but with a few pantry staples and about a few minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took hours. Plus, shrimp is naturally low in calories and high in protein, making this a guilt-free indulgence for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.
What’s more, this recipe is a celebration of fresh, whole ingredients. Lemon zest, garlic, and whole peppercorns infuse the shrimp with a burst of citrusy, savory goodness, while the vibrant pink and green colors make it a feast for the eyes, too.
Make this once, and I promise it’ll become your go-to for everything from meal prep to entertaining.
What I Didn’t Expect About This Recipe?
- How quickly it comes together: Once the shrimp is cooked and cooled, the pickling process is essentially hands-off. The hardest part? Waiting for the flavors to develop!
- Its endless versatility: I’ve used these shrimp in tacos, and pasta, and even blended into a shrimp dip. They always work.
- The flavor depth: The brine, herbs, and citrus meld into a tangy-sweet combination that feels surprisingly complex for such simple ingredients.
- How well it keeps: Stored in the fridge, the shrimp stays delicious for up to a week, making it a great option for busy schedules.
- Its health benefits: With low calories and high protein, it’s an easy way to stay on track without compromising flavor.
Pickled Shrimp With Herbs Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1½ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice from half a large lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- ⅛ tsp gochugaru Korean red chili flakes or use crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup ice water
- ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ tsp Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning
- 6 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Avocado oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, salt, Cajun seasoning, sliced onion, cider vinegar, oil, ice water, chili flakes, and black pepper in a large bowl that will later hold the shrimp.
- Stir the mixture until everything is well combined and refrigerate to chill while you prepare the shrimp.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Halve the lemon, squeeze its juice into the boiling water, and drop the lemon halves into the pot.
- Add the salt, Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, and black pepper to the pot, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook them for 3 minutes, ensuring they are just cooked through.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked shrimp directly into the chilled pickling liquid, stirring them gently to coat.
- Refrigerate the shrimp in the pickling liquid for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh herbs and give the shrimp one final mix to evenly distribute the herbs.
- The pickled shrimp with herbs is ready to be served.
Notes
- The shrimp can be stored in the pickling liquid in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Over time, the shrimp may firm up slightly, but they remain flavorful and delicious.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 236kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3.6g |
| Fibre | 0.8g |
| Fat | 14.4g |
| Protein | 23.5g |
| Cholesterol | 182.5g |
Variations That Will Help You Customise Your Dish!
- Citrus Twist: Swap the lemon with lime or orange for a different citrus profile.
- Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or extra chili flakes for a spicier kick.
- Herb Medley: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, tarragon, or mint for unique flavor combinations.
- Garlic Infusion: Add thinly sliced garlic cloves to the pickling liquid for a deeper, aromatic flavor.
- Vinegar Options: Replace cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for a subtler or tangier taste.
