Cajun Pickled Shrimp: 1 Easy Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Cajun Pickled Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 lbs peeled & deveined large gulf shrimp; 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 zested & juiced); 1 small Vidalia onion, thinly sliced; ⅔ cup olive oil; ⅓ cup white wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon mustard seeds; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; 4 bay leaves; Splash Worcestershire sauce

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cajun Pickled Shrimp isn’t just a Southern staple—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this vibrant, citrusy seafood dish, how long it lasts in the fridge, what to pair it with, and the spices that make it pop. Whether you’re a shrimp fanatic or a pickle lover, this dish checks every box: bold, tangy, zesty, and completely gluten-free. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prep ahead for parties, holidays, or weekday snacks.

Table of Contents

Glass jar of Cajun Pickled Shrimp with lemon slices, red pepper flakes, and herbs on a wooden board — Homemade Cajun Pickled Shrimp packed with bold seasoning and fresh lemon, served in a rustic jar

A Taste of Home with Cajun Pickled Shrimp

Memories of Spice and Citrus

Cajun Pickled Shrimp takes me right back to a summer evening along the Gulf Coast. The scent of lemon, shrimp, and spice floated through the air as I was handed a jar from a neighbor—full of cold shrimp marinating in vinegar, herbs, and Southern magic. That first bite? Unforgettable.

Years later in my Brooklyn kitchen, diagnosed with celiac disease, I was determined to recreate that moment. Gluten-free or not, flavor matters—and this Cajun Pickled Shrimp recipe delivers just that: nostalgic, fiery flavor in every single bite.

Why Cajun Pickled Shrimp Deserves a Spot in Your Fridge

This isn’t your average shrimp cocktail. Cajun Pickled Shrimp uses simple ingredients to build bold flavor. It starts with cooked Gulf shrimp layered with sweet onions and lemon slices. The marinade—a sharp mix of olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, Creole seasoning, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves—infuses the shrimp with serious kick.

After just 24 hours in the fridge, the shrimp becomes an intensely flavorful snack or appetizer. If you’re into vibrant seafood starters, check out this spicy firecracker shrimp or creamy marry me shrimp orzo, both excellent complements to this Southern favorite.

Making the Ultimate Cajun Pickled Shrimp

Ingredients That Bring the Bayou Home

The secret behind great Cajun Pickled Shrimp is a balanced marinade and fresh seafood. You’ll need:

2 lbs peeled & deveined Gulf shrimp (cooked)
2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 zested & juiced)
1 small Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
⅔ cup olive oil
⅓ cup white wine vinegar
1 tbsp Creole seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp dried parsley
4 bay leaves
A splash of Worcestershire sauce

This combination creates a spicy-tart bath that intensifies with every passing hour in the fridge. The acidity, oil, and herbs transform the shrimp into something unforgettable.

Want to explore more bold seafood flavors? Don’t miss this cajun hot honey shrimp or try it with spicy garlic butter noodles for a fusion twist.

Step-by-Step Prep for Flavorful Results

Thinly slice 1 lemon. Zest and juice the other. Slice your onion.
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice/zest, Creole seasoning, salt, garlic, sugar, mustard seeds, pepper flakes, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce.
In two large canning jars, layer shrimp, onion, lemon slices, and bay leaves.
Pour marinade into jars, dividing evenly. Seal tightly and flip gently to distribute.
Refrigerate overnight. Flip jars a few more times before serving.

After marinating, the Cajun Pickled Shrimp becomes a juicy, spicy flavor bomb. Looking for a Southern-style side dish? These southern fried cornbread hoe cakes or dirty rice with ground beef complete the vibe.

Serving Cajun Pickled Shrimp Like a Pro

Rustic jar of Cajun Pickled Shrimp with lemon, chili flakes, and Southern spices on a wooden board — Cajun Pickled Shrimp marinated with lemon and bold spices, served in a rustic mason jar

What to Eat with Cajun Pickled Shrimp

Cajun Pickled Shrimp is more than an appetizer—it’s a flexible showstopper. Serve it chilled on a platter with toothpicks, over crushed ice, or scoop it right from the jar for a low-fuss snack.

Want to make it a meal? Add it to salads, rice bowls, or top your favorite tacos. Serve with saltines, crusty bread, or beside deviled eggs for a party-ready spread. At brunch, it pairs beautifully with a bloody mary bar and southern-style sliders.

Craving something crunchy to balance the tang? Try zucchini pizza bites or creamy mashed potatoes.

Variations to Keep Things Fresh

The magic of Cajun Pickled Shrimp is how customizable it is. Swap Creole seasoning for a homemade Cajun blend, or add sliced jalapeños for more heat. Celery seed brings in an old-school Southern note, and you can even switch white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a fruitier edge.

Want to impress? Skewer shrimp with pickled onions and serve them as kabobs. Or toss them over warm rice like this cheesy ground beef rice casserole for a filling dinner. For balance, pair with a glass of sparkling lemonade or chilled Sauvignon Blanc.

Another bold, meaty bite you’ll love? These crockpot garlic butter steak bites bring the same big energy to the table.

Cajun Pickled Shrimp: Storage Tips & FAQs

How Long Does Cajun Pickled Shrimp Last in the Fridge?

When stored in airtight jars, Cajun Pickled Shrimp lasts up to 5 days in the fridge. In fact, it tastes even better after the first 24 hours. Be sure the shrimp stay fully submerged in the pickling liquid and always use clean utensils to avoid contamination.

Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge and flip the jars gently once or twice each day. For another zesty fridge pick, try these seasonal pumpkin spice pickles—unexpected and unforgettable.

Conclusion

Cajun Pickled Shrimp is a vibrant, zesty, gluten-free recipe that brings together Southern charm, serious flavor, and weeknight convenience. With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a jar full of spicy, tangy shrimp ready to snack on, serve, or share.Whether you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or just treat yourself to something bold, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. If you love this, you’ll adore these stuffed zucchini blossoms or hearty zucchini enchiladas—both bold, veggie-forward crowd-pleasers.

For more recipes follow me in page Facebook and Pintrest.

FAQ

What to eat with pickled shrimp?

Serve with crackers, crusty bread, cornbread, or cold pasta salad. It’s also great on tacos or as part of a brunch spread.

What spices are in Cajun shrimp?

Typically, Cajun shrimp includes paprika, cayenne, garlic, thyme, oregano, and pepper. In this recipe, we use Creole seasoning, red pepper flakes, mustard seed, and bay leaves.

How long will pickled shrimp last in the fridge?

Up to 5 days when properly stored in airtight jars and kept cold.

What is Cajun butter shrimp?

It’s a hot shrimp dish cooked in butter, garlic, and Cajun seasoning—rich and spicy, unlike pickled shrimp but similarly bold. Serve it with hot honey glazed salmon for a luxurious twist.