Zesty Spiced Shrimp with Tangy Pickle Marinade

Spiced Shrimp for a Memorable Event

Experience the timeless delight of Spiced Shrimp, a recipe that has been a star at buffet dinner parties, showers, and wedding receptions for decades. Originally featured in a Farm Journal cookbook titled Cooking for Company, this dish has been a personal favorite of mine since our wedding reception 34 years ago, and it continues to earn rave reviews every time I prepare it. Perfectly spiced and refreshingly tangy, it’s a surefire way to impress your guests. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Medium Shrimp: 4 pounds
• Onions: 3 medium, thinly sliced
• Green Bell Peppers: 2, sliced
• Lemon: 1, thinly sliced
• White Vinegar: 1/2 cup
• Water: 1/4 cup
• Salt: 2 teaspoons
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Dry Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon, ground
• Peppercorns: 1/2 teaspoon
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Tabasco Sauce: 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup
• Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup

Instructions:

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   Begin by arranging the shrimp, onions, green bell peppers, and lemon slices in a large bowl, alternating the layers to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

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2. Prepare the Pickling Mixture:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, salt, sugar, dry mustard, ground ginger, peppercorns, bay leaf, and Tabasco sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.

3. Simmer and Cool:
   Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse the liquid with a rich, tangy flavor. After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

4. Strain and Mix:
   After cooling, strain the mixture to remove the solid spices and bay leaf. Add the vegetable oil and lemon juice to the strained liquid, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Combine with Shrimp:
   Pour the prepared pickling mixture over the layered shrimp and vegetables in the bowl. Make sure the shrimp and veggies are completely covered by the liquid.

6. Refrigerate:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed and to help the shrimp and vegetables absorb the pickling flavors.

7. Drain and Serve:
   Before serving, drain the shrimp and vegetables to remove excess liquid. For a delightful presentation, serve the Spiced Shrimp in a bowl placed inside another bowl filled with ice. This keeps the shrimp and vegetables chilled and appetizing throughout your event.

Notes:

• Make Ahead: This dish benefits from being prepared a day in advance, as it allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce to suit your heat preference, making it as mild or spicy as you like.
• Serving Suggestion: Ideal as a refreshing appetizer or a zesty addition to a larger buffet spread, this Spiced Shrimp will add a touch of elegance to any gathering.

Enjoy the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors with this classic Spiced Shrimp recipe. It’s sure to be a hit at your next event! 🦐🍋✨