Authentic Southern-Style Shrimp Perloo Recipe That Dazzles

Southern kitchens buzz with soulful energy when a hearty shrimp perloo simmers on the stove.

This classic Southern shrimp perloo recipe captures the essence of coastal Carolina cooking with its rich, comforting flavors.

Generations of cooks have perfected this one-pot wonder, blending rice, fresh shrimp, and smoky seasonings into a delectable meal.

The dish tells a story of culinary tradition, where simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary.

Fragrant herbs and tender seafood create a symphony of taste that warms both stomach and heart.

Each spoonful promises a journey through Southern hospitality and time-honored cooking techniques.

You won’t want to miss diving into this delicious celebration of Southern cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Shrimp Perloo What You’ll Need

• Bacon: Adds smoky richness and depth to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking foundation and prevents sticking.
• Bell Pepper: Brings sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and classic savory undertone.
• Carrot: Offers subtle sweetness and additional texture.
• Celery: Contributes light, fresh herbal notes.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle earthy complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Salsa: Introduces zesty, tangy brightness.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers rich, savory moisture and deepens flavor.
• Corn: Adds natural sweetness and pleasant texture.

• Shrimp: Provides tender, succulent seafood protein.
• Rice: Creates hearty, filling base that absorbs surrounding flavors.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright herbal garnish.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances and balances overall seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika or Chili Powder: Sprinkles warming, spicy accent.

Equipment Checklist for Shrimp Perloo

• Large Frying Pan: Essential for cooking bacon and building layers of flavor.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Perfect for draining crispy bacon and absorbing excess grease.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like bell pepper, onion, carrot, and celery.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for measuring chicken broth and checking liquid levels.
• Lid or Tight-Fitting Cover: Necessary for simmering rice and cooking shrimp.

How to Make Classic Southern Shrimp Perloo

• Bacon Foundation

Crisp up bacon in a large pan until golden and crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess grease.

• Vegetable Ballet

Sauté colorful bell peppers, onions, carrots, and celery in the remaining bacon drippings. Create a fragrant base that will infuse the entire dish with rich flavor.

• Liquid Symphony

Pour in corn, zesty salsa, and savory broth. Let the mixture simmer gently, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

• Rice and Herb Embrace

Fold in fluffy rice and fresh parsley. Allow the grains to absorb the liquid and become tender, creating a comforting backdrop for the seafood.

• Shrimp Crowning

Arrange plump shrimp atop the rice landscape. Dust with smoky paprika and a whisper of seasoning. Cover and let the shrimp transform into succulent morsels.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the dish, adding a delightful crunch. Remove the bay leaf and serve this coastal-inspired feast hot and steaming.

Cooking Tips for Flavorful Shrimp Perloo

• Replace bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a different flavor profile and lighter option.
• Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat and give the dish a zesty kick.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas to enhance nutrition and add more color to the perloo.
• Substitute shrimp with chicken, andouille sausage, or a mix of seafood like scallops and crab for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Perloo

• Coastal Comfort Plating: Serve this hearty shrimp perloo in large, wide bowls that showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The mix of golden rice, pink shrimp, and crispy bacon bits creates an inviting presentation.
• Family-Style Gathering: Bring the entire pan to the table and let everyone scoop their own portion. This communal approach encourages sharing and adds a warm, casual feel to the meal.
• Freshness Boosters: Garnish with extra chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and bright flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side allows diners to add a fresh citrus squeeze that enhances the seafood's natural sweetness.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a light pinot grigio. These wines cut through the richness and highlight the shrimp's delicate flavor.

Storing and Reheating Shrimp Perloo Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover shrimp perloo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring optimal freshness and food safety.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in a microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Stir gently and heat until the dish reaches 165°F to prevent dry texture.
• Freezing wisdom: Separate shrimp from rice before freezing to prevent rubbery seafood texture. Pack in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Frozen meals stay delicious for 1-2 months.
• Ingredient Separation Hack: Keep crispy bacon separate from main dish when storing. Sprinkle crumbled bacon just before serving to maintain crunchiness and prevent soggy disappointment.

Hearty Shrimp Perloo

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty southern-style shrimp perloo showcases coastal Carolina’s rich culinary heritage with succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and long-grain rice. Generous portions promise comfort and deep southern flavors for hungry gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp (deveined, tails off)
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth
• 1 ¼ cups (298 ml) minute rice
• 1 cup (240 ml) corn
• 1 cup (240 ml) salsa
• ½ cup (120 ml) bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup (120 ml) onion, diced
• ½ cup (120 ml) carrot, diced
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) celery, diced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh chopped parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• sea or kosher salt
• black pepper
• smoked paprika or chili powder (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a skillet until golden, then transfer to a paper towel to drain excess fat, reserving the drippings.
2. Vegetable Foundation: Heat olive oil in the same skillet, sauté bell pepper, onion, carrot, and celery with bay leaf, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook until vegetables soften and release aromatic flavors, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Liquid Integration: Add sweet corn kernels, salsa, and chicken broth to the vegetable mixture. Season additionally, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook covered for 10 minutes.
4. Rice Absorption: Fold in long-grain rice and fresh parsley, reduce heat, and simmer covered until rice becomes tender and liquid is absorbed, roughly 7-9 minutes.
5. Shrimp Steaming: Arrange shrimp in a single layer over the rice, sprinkle with paprika or chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and steam until shrimp curl and turn opaque, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Final Garnish: Remove bay leaf, crumble reserved bacon over the perloo, and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Bacon Technique: Render bacon slowly to achieve maximum crispiness and extract rich, flavorful drippings for cooking.
• Vegetable Prep: Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Shrimp Timing: Watch shrimp closely during steaming; overcooking leads to tough, rubbery texture that ruins the delicate seafood.
• Seasoning Strategy: Layer flavors gradually by adding salt and pepper at different cooking stages to build depth and complexity in the perloo.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg