Irresistible Southern-Style Shrimp Perloo Recipe That Wows

Shrimp perloo represents a soulful culinary tradition blending coastal ingredients with rustic cooking techniques.

Fragrant spices dance through fluffy rice, refineing humble components into a spectacular meal.

Maritime influences merge seamlessly with hearty Southern techniques, creating something extraordinary.

Each forkful tells a story of coastal comfort and cultural heritage.

Regional cooking methods elevate simple proteins and grains into a memorable experience.

Ingredients mingle harmoniously, developing complex layers of flavor and texture.

You’ll want to gather friends around the table and savor every delicious bite.

Shrimp Perloo Tips That Make a Difference

• Boost Bacon Flavor: Render bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and ensure extra crispiness for the perfect topping.
• Rice Perfection: Use long-grain rice for the best texture and prevent sticking by stirring gently and avoiding excessive mixing.
• Seafood Timing: Add shrimp at the last moment to prevent overcooking, keeping them tender and succulent with a quick, gentle steam.
• Spice Strategy: Experiment with different smoked paprika or chili powder intensities to customize the dish's heat level and depth.
• Fresh Ingredient Magic: Select fresh, high-quality shrimp and crisp vegetables to elevate the overall taste and nutritional value of the perloo.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Shrimp Perloo

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored shrimp perloo will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the rice's texture. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the dish to help retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure uniform warming.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the perloo without shrimp for up to 1 month.

Why Shrimp Perloo Is a Southern Classic You Need to Try

• Savor Southern Comfort: This shrimp perloo delivers a classic Southern one-pot meal packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients that warm your soul like a big family hug.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delicious dish in under 45 minutes with simple techniques that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal without complicated cooking skills.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Boost: Loaded with lean shrimp and crispy bacon, this recipe provides a balanced meal delivering 20 grams of protein while keeping calories moderate at 400 per serving.
• Flexible Flavor Adventure: Easily customize with different spice levels by adjusting smoked paprika or chili powder, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone has unique taste preferences.

Ingredients That Bring Shrimp Perloo to Life

• Bacon: Rich, smoky flavor that adds depth to the dish. Choose thick-cut for better texture.
• Shrimp: Protein-packed seafood that provides a delicate, sweet flavor. Select fresh or frozen medium-sized shrimp.

• Bell Pepper, Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic vegetable base that creates a flavorful foundation. Fresh, crisp vegetables offer the best taste.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle herb that enhances overall dish complexity. Provides gentle earthy undertones.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevents sticking. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable that adds texture and natural sweetness.
• Salsa: Provides additional flavor and moisture to the dish. Choose medium heat for balanced taste.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds depth to the rice and overall dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all other ingredients.
• Smoked Paprika or Chili Powder: Adds warmth and complexity to the shrimp.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Shrimp Perloo

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Cook bacon in a large frying pan until perfectly crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Prepare The Cooking Surface

Remove all but of bacon grease from the pan, creating a flavorful base for cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Medley

• Bell pepper
• Onion
• Carrot
• Celery
• Bay leaf

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Foundation

• Corn
• Salsa
• Chicken broth

Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Introduce The Rice

Mix in rice and fresh parsley. Cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed and rice reaches perfect tenderness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Cook The Shrimp

Arrange shrimp on top of the rice. Sprinkle with smoked paprika or chili powder, and add a touch more salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes until shrimp curl and turn opaque.

Step 7: Final Touches And Serving

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Crumble the crispy bacon over the top. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious one-pan meal!

What Pairs Well with Shrimp Perloo

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this shrimp perloo with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the seafood's delicate flavor and cut through the dish's richness.
• Match with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: A bright, refreshing margarita or gin-based cocktail with fresh lime juice will enhance the perloo's bold salsa and vegetable notes.
• Create Rustic Side Salad: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty rice and provide a fresh contrast to the rich, smoky bacon elements.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Add warm, crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious broth and provide a satisfying textural accompaniment to the perloo.

Shrimp Perloo Variations That’ll Shake Things Up

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with crab meat and add diced jalapeños for extra heat, creating a zesty South Carolina coastal-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Swap shrimp and bacon with roasted portobello mushrooms and plant-based bacon bits, maintaining the rich flavor profile while offering a meatless option.
• Cajun Protein Remix: Use andouille sausage instead of bacon and substitute shrimp with chicken thighs, seasoning generously with Cajun spice blend for a robust Louisiana-style preparation.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Perloo: Replace rice with riced cauliflower, keeping all original ingredients and cooking method to create a lighter, grain-free alternative that's packed with the same delicious flavors.

Southern-Style Shrimp Perloo Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets coastal Carolina charm in this hearty shrimp perloo. Savory rice, tender shrimp, and smoky sausage blend into a one-pot wonder that brings Charleston’s culinary magic straight to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 lb shrimp (deveined, tails off)
• 4 slices bacon

Vegetables:

• ½ cup diced bell pepper
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced carrot
• ⅓ cup diced celery
• 1 cup corn

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• Sea or kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 1 cup salsa
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1¼ cups Minute rice
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• Smoked paprika or chili powder (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large skillet until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
2. Reserving of bacon drippings, wipe the skillet clean and prepare for vegetable sautéing.
3. Drizzle olive oil into the skillet and introduce diced bell pepper, onion, carrot, and celery. Add bay leaf, then season with a delicate pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables become tender and fragrant, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Incorporate sweet corn kernels, zesty salsa, and rich chicken broth into the vegetable mixture. Enhance with an additional salt and black pepper. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
5. Gently fold in long-grain rice and chopped fresh parsley. Reduce heat, cover, and continue cooking for 7-9 minutes until rice absorbs the liquid and becomes perfectly tender.
6. Arrange raw shrimp atop the rice in a single layer. Dust with smoky paprika or mild chili powder, then season with an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cover and steam for 6-8 minutes until shrimp curl and turn opaque.
7. Extract and discard the bay leaf. Crumble reserved bacon over the perloo, creating a crispy garnish before serving hot.

Notes

• Bacon’s crispy texture adds a smoky punch of flavor, creating a delightful crunch throughout the dish.
• Vegetables sautéed in bacon grease develop a rich, deep flavor profile that elevates the entire perloo.
• Corn and salsa bring unexpected brightness and zesty notes to this Southern-inspired one-pot wonder.
• Shrimp cook quickly and delicately, transforming from translucent to perfectly opaque in just minutes.
• Smoked paprika or chili powder provides a subtle heat that complements the seafood and vegetables beautifully.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 140mg