Coastal Shrimp Gravy served with Biscuits or Rice
Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total: ~35 minutes
🍽 Servings:
4 servings
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb (450 g) of raw, peeled and deveined shrimp
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
ÂĽ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Gravy base
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil or bacon drippings (for a smoky flavour)
½ medium onion, finely diced
½ a bell pepper, finely diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Liquid & Flavour
1½ cups of seafood (or chicken) stock
½ cup of heavy cream or whole milk
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning).
½ teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finish:
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
Optional extras: a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
For serving:
Warm buttermilk biscuits or
Steamed white rice or grits.
Instructions:
1. Season the shrimp.
Pat the shrimp dry.
Toss with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper and lemon juice.
Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics.
In a large skillet over a medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the roux.
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables.
Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden (do not burn).
4. Build the gravy:
Slowly whisk in the seafood stock.
Add the cream, Old Bay seasoning and thyme.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and smooth.
5. Cook the shrimp.
Add the shrimp to the gravy in a single layer.
Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until pink and tender.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Add the parsley, and the optional hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
To serve:
Split the warm biscuits in half and generously ladle the shrimp gravy on top.
OR
Spoon the shrimp gravy over fluffy rice or creamy grits.
Pro tips:
Don’t overcook the shrimp — they should be tender, not rubbery.
Bacon drippings add unbeatable coastal depth.
For extra richness, finish with a knob of butter.