Fernadina Shrimp Gravy
Description
Fernandina Shrimp Gravy is a beloved staple of Florida Keys cuisine, offering a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. This dish centers around fresh shrimp sauted with diced salt pork, onions, celery, and bell peppers. The star of the show is the gravy, created by carefully caramelizing sugar until it turns a deep golden amber, then deglazing it with water to form a glossy, flavorful sauce. The result is a tender, pink shrimp dish coated in a rich, slightly sweet gravy that is best served hot over steamed white rice. Its a hearty, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, bringing the authentic taste of the coast to your kitchen.Ingredients
Directions
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In a heavy medium-size skillet, stir the sugar over moderate heat until it begins to melt. Continue to cook, swirling the pan gently, until the syrup turns a deep golden amber color. Carefully add the tablespoon of water, protecting your hands with a pot holder as the hot sugar may spatter. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved to form a caramel sauce. Set this caramel aside.
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In a large skillet or saut pan, cook the diced salt pork over medium heat until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the pork bits with a slotted spoon and set aside. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the pork drippings from the pan.
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Add the minced onion, diced green and red bell peppers, and diced celery to the skillet. Saut the vegetables until they are tender and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the cleaned shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until the shrimp turn bright pink and are opaque throughout, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and vegetables with a slotted spoon and keep them warm on a plate.
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Add the remaining 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of the prepared caramel to the pan drippings. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Season the gravy with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed dried red pepper to taste.
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Return the shrimp, vegetables, and reserved salt pork bits to the gravy in the skillet. Heat everything together for a minute or two until warmed through.
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Serve the Fernandina Shrimp Gravy hot over a bed of steamed white rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 315.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8.5g14%
- Saturated Fat 2.7g14%
- Cholesterol 298.8mg100%
- Sodium 578.3mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.0g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
- Sugars 8.3g
- Protein 48.7g98%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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