A twist on the Southern classic, this Asian Pickled Shrimp with rice vinegar, lime, chiles and shallots is a quick and easy make ahead summer appetizer.
Food memories are funny.... there are a number of foods that I honestly couldn't tell you when I first tried them. It isn't that they weren't tasty, but for some reason I have no clear recollection of trying them.
Not so however, with shrimp. That I remember clearly. My parents had taken me out for a "fancy" dinner ... and for the first time the waiter actually handed me a menu!! Gingerly, I opened it and started reading it.. or rather tried to read it since I couldn't pronounce half the things on it and had no idea what they were! There were no hamburgers or steak in sight... and my heart sank. My mom, seeing my reaction, looked over and pointed.. "I think you'd like the Shrimp Scampi. " The what???
Despite living within a mile of the beach and having fish once or twice a week, I'd never had shrimp - but if my Mom said I'd like it, well who was I to argue??? So, I politely told the waiter that is what I'd like (and fervently hoped it was true!). Well, my mom was wrong... I didn't just like it, I loved it!!!
And so began my love affair with all things shrimp and with foods from different "cultures". Like pickled shrimp. A staple of southern entertaining, I only discovered this dish when I was in my thirties... and was instantly smitten. (and yes, if you are from Southern California the South is definitely a different "culture"!) The traditional recipe is made with cider vinegar, lemons, onions and various herbs and spices and is has become one of my all time favorite recipes... (and if you are looking for a great traditional recipe, my friend Lana of Never Enough Thyme has a a fabulous one!).
Although this Asian Pickled Shrimp is not "traditional" I think it's a very fitting dish for celebrating the 4th of July. Just as this country is a blend of different cultures and traditions, so is this Asian Pickled Shrimp.
So Happy Birthday America... Let Freedom Ring!
Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Safe Fourth of July!
📖Recipe
Asian Pickled Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 31- 40 count cooked shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 shallots skinned and thinly sliced
- 1 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 ½ limes juiced
- ¼ cup fish sauce
- 1 - 1 inch knob fresh ginger peeled and minced
- 1 ½ tsp. dark brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 jalapeno sliced into rings
- 5 cilantro sprigs
Instructions
- Combine everything except the shrimp in a large measuring cup and stir to combine, Place shrimp in a lidded container (I find a 1 quart canning jar works great) and pour the pickling mixture over the shrimp, making sure the shrimp are covered completely. Cover the container and refrigerate overnight.
- To serve, remove the shrimp from the picking mixture and mound on a platter - garnish with cilantro, lime slices, sliced shallots and jalapeno slices if desired.
- Shrimp can be made up to two days ahead.
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
I think one of my first food memories is of avocado...and how I refused to try it. I have yet to make up for those years I did without. 🙂
This is simply gorgeous; can I come over?
Nancy says
One of these days Barb we are going to have to meet IRL... would love to visit over these and a cocktail!!!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
I pinned this because I know I will be needing it. I was so happy you gave your preferred brands of fish sauce because how would we know. I love fish sauce, but I always wonder how it was created. I mean who thought that stinky stuff would really go well in my recipe? Yet it does. 🙂
Nancy says
LOL!!! I know!! When you take a whiff of it you think "uh...." but then you add a little bit to a dish and ... magical!!!!
Cookin Canuck says
I remember that feeling of being handed an adult menu for the first time, and I love to see my boys' reaction when they get that same privilege now. My first love was shrimp and crab cocktails...which I still love to this day. These pickled shrimp are right up my alley! Your photos look lovely, Nancy.
Nancy says
Thanks Dara!! Can't believe how "grown up" your boys look (I know, I know "ssshhhh....) Awww... thanks for photo compliment!!!
Valentina says
How did I miss this one? Shrimp is one of my favorite foods on the planet, and I can't even imagine how elevated they are with this wonderful flavor combination. YUM!