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A dish that will disappear in a flash! This simple dirty martini shrimp dish can be served either as an appetizer or as the main dish (as is or with some pasta). Dirty martini inspired recipes are all the rage on TikTok. Along with juicy shrimp, you have lemon juice and zest, garlic, olives, and more to flavor the dish. If you enjoy the briny, salty flavors in a dirty martini, you have to try this dirty martini shrimp recipe out for yourself!
Succulent shrimp pair with a variety of dirty martini cocktail inspired ingredients to make a versatile dish everyone is sure to enjoy.
Also try a dirty martini dip, lemon lavender drop vodka martini or, if you love shrimp, Mediterranean shrimp linguine, or shrimp with Andouille sausage.
Why You’ll Love It
Really flavorful: The butter, lemon, garlic, vermouth, and other ingredients infuse this juicy shrimp dish with lots of amazing flavor.
Quick and easy: You can have this cooked and on the table in just 20 minutes, making it a great dish to whip up if you have guests over.
It’s versatile: You can serve dirty martini shrimp as an appetizer, as the main course or as a snack.
Olive Vermouth Shrimp Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Shrimp: I like to use extra large shrimp. They’re just so juicy and delicious.
Shallot and garlic: To add savory flavors.
Lemon: The juice and zest of a lemon add a bright zing to the dish.
Vermouth: Just like in a martini cocktail.
Olives: I used Castelvetrano olives. You can use any kind as long as they’re pitted.
Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat.
Fresh flat leaf parsley: For a garnish.
How to Make Dirty Martini Shrimp
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Cook the aromatics: Cook the shallots in olive oil and butter in a large skillet over a medium heat. Stir often. Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook.
Add the shrimp: Add shrimp and cook for a couple of minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients: Add the vermouth, olives, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice and simmer briefly.
The finishing touches: Transfer the dirty martini shrimp into a warmed serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Substitutions and Variations
A brinier version: Add some capers.
Different olives: I love the buttery, mild flavor of Castelvetrano olives but you can use manzanilla green olives instead.
Dry vermouth: Swap this ingredient for dry sherry or dry white wine.
Non-alcoholic version: Swap the vermouth for white wine vinegar.
Different herbs: Fresh basil or oregano are also good for garnishing.
Serving Suggestions
As an appetizer: Pair the shrimp with some garlic bread or homemade mushroom focaccia.
As the main dish: Enjoy bacon wrapped green bean bundles on the side and maybe also crispy stacked potatoes or cheesy potatoes au gratin. It’s also good with pasta, perhaps fettuccine or linguine.
As a snack: Serve the shrimp with toothpicks and offer a dirty martini cocktail on the side!
How to Store Dirty Martini Shrimp
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm it back up in a pan on the stove, adding a little butter or lemon juice to bring the sauce back to life.
Top Tips
Using frozen shrimp? Ensure they are completely thawed before use and pat them dry with paper towels.
Shrimp cooking too fast? Take the shrimp out of the pan and continue with the sauce, adding them back in just before serving. The smaller the shrimp, the faster they will cook.
Check for doneness: When the shrimp curl into a C shape, they’re cooked. If they curl into an O shape, they’re overcooked! So keep an eye on them.
Olive Vermouth Shrimp FAQs
Sure you can but keep in mind smaller shrimp cook faster than larger ones.
Yes, try mussels, clams or scallops. You could even make a mixed seafood version.
It’s a fortified wine flavored with botanicals. Vermouth dates back to 18th century Turin, Italy, and it’s mainly used in cocktail recipes (but is also amazing with seafood!)
Dirty Martini Shrimp Appetizer Recipe
Dirty Martini Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 Cloves garlic, large, minced
- 1 Teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 Pounds shrimp, extra-large, peeled and deveined
- ⅓ cup dry vermouth
- ½ cup olives, Castelvetrano, pitted, torn or halved
- 1 Pinch red pepper flakes
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- juice from ½ lemon
- 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over a medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and sauté for 2 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add the vermouth, olives, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve as an appetizer (for 8 people) or main dish (for 4 people).
Notes
Shrimp cooking too fast? Take the shrimp out of the pan and continue with the sauce, adding them back in just before serving. The smaller the shrimp, the faster they will cook.
Check for doneness: When the shrimp curl into a C shape, they’re cooked. If they curl into an O shape, they’re overcooked! So keep an eye on them.
Nutrition
Dirty martini shrimp makes a delicious appetizer or main dish. Large succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic, lemon and olive sauce. This dish was inspired by the flavors in a dirty martini cocktail and you’ll find it pairs wonderfully with the drink. The olive brine adds a briny touch which is just perfect with the shrimp flavor.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This dirty martini shrimp recipe is amazing! I loved the briny, bold flavors, and it was super quick to make. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish with pasta. Highly recommend!