Zesty Marinated Shrimp

An old-school Southern favorite, this Zesty Marinated Shrimp gets a spicy kick from crushed red pepper flakes and zesty citrus and herb brightness from lemon and fresh herbs.   An easy shrimp appetizer that is perfect for game day, holiday parties, or a even starter for the main holiday meal.    You make this ahead of time and refrigerate it until it's time to serve.

This appetizer always gets rave reviews.  The recipe is inspired by a Southern Living Christmas cookbook.  I've added more garlic and lemon than in the original recipe to punch up the flavors just a bit.

 

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds cooked shrimp, thawed
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 ½ cups red onion, thinly sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• zest and juice of one lemon
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make Zesty Marinated Shrimp Appetizer

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper until combined.  Add the parsley, dill, capers, onion, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

Stir until combined.

Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour up to 12 hours.   Toss the shrimp in the bowl a couple of times while marinating so that it is evenly marinated.

Remove the shrimp from the bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving behind the marinade.  Serve on a glass or stoneware platter and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a turn of fresh cracked pepper just before serving.

You could also use a plastic food storage bag to store the marinated shrimp.

 

How to Serve Zesty Marinated Shrimp Appetizer

As long as you marinate the shrimp properly, you won't need to reserve the marinade liquid for serving.

Remove the shrimp mixture with a slotted spoon and plate on a glass platter for a gorgeous presentation.  Top with additional fresh lemon zest and lemon wedges if desired as well as a drizzle of olive oil so that it shimmers and looks even more tantalizing to your guests.