Zesty and simple to make, this chilled marinated shrimp appetizer gets a bright boost from lemon juice, fresh herbs, and onion. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish you can prepare ahead of time for parties or a light summer meal.
If you need a show-stopping appetizer that’s elegant but effortless, this zesty marinated shrimp is a winner. This is my Aunt Bonnie’s classic marinated shrimp recipe and it has been a family favorite for years. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for hot days when you don’t want to heat the oven.
Shrimp Marinade Ingredients
- Cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Onion, sliced into rings
- Bell pepper, finely chopped
- Crushed oregano
- Thyme
- White wine vinegar
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- Salt & black pepper
- Sugar
- Dry mustard
This dish plates beautifully with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkling of herbs such as thyme, basil, or parsley. For a fun presentation, skewer the marinated shrimp on wooden skewers for easy serving. Shrimp lovers will definitely enjoy this chilled appetizer.
How to Marinate Shrimp
- Cook the shrimp by sautéing or boiling until just done. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.
- Whisk together the marinade: chopped bell pepper, white wine vinegar, water, lemon juice, oil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and sugar.
- Place the sliced onion rings and cooked shrimp in a large zip-top bag or container. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and onions and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) so the flavors meld. Flip or gently shake the bag periodically to coat evenly.
- Discard any excess marinade before serving. Garnish with extra lemon, herbs, and a crack of black pepper.
Cold Marinated Shrimp
A chilled shrimp appetizer marinated in a bright blend of herbs, lemon, and onion. Prep time: 10 mins. Chill: 2 hrs. Total: 2 hrs 10 mins. Serves: 4–6.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 small onion, sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1/2 tsp crushed oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Slice the onion into rings and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chopped bell pepper, white wine vinegar, water, lemon juice, oil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and sugar until combined.
- Pour the marinade into a large zip-top bag or container, add the onion rings and cooked shrimp, and toss to coat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, turning occasionally to distribute the marinade.
- When ready to serve, discard excess marinade if desired, arrange the shrimp on a platter, and garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Tips:
- Shrimp: Use small, medium, large, or jumbo cooked shrimp—tail-on or tail-off. Cook raw shrimp just until opaque to avoid toughness.
- Oil: Vegetable oil works well in this classic recipe, but olive oil is a flavorful substitute.
- Seasonings: Add red pepper flakes for heat or extra lemon zest and minced garlic for more depth.
- Onion: Red onion or shallots can be used instead of yellow onion. You can remove the marinated onion slices before serving or serve them with the shrimp.
- Additions: Diced avocado is a delicious finishing touch. Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme make great garnishes.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger crowd—this family often doubles the shrimp to 2 lb when entertaining.
Serving Cold Marinated Shrimp
- Serve on a wide platter or in a large bowl. Finish with a pinch of extra salt, cracked black pepper, and a generous squeeze of lemon.
- Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to brighten the presentation and flavor. Lemon wedges add color and acidity at the table.
- Offer small forks, toothpicks, or skewer several shrimp for easy grabbing. These are excellent as an appetizer or served alongside grilled vegetables as a main course.
Storing
Store marinated shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes the recipe ideal for prepping ahead of a party.
This zesty marinated shrimp is a refreshing alternative to the usual cocktail sauce. It’s healthy, low-carb, and full of bright flavor—perfect for summer gatherings or a simple, elegant appetizer.
