Name: Limpin’ Susan
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H40M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT1H0M0.000S
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups sliced fresh or thawed frozen okra; 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken stock; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast-iron, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels.
Add the shrimp to the bacon fat and cook until just barely seared, about 4 minutes. Remove to a separate plate.
Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is starting to soften, 2 to 3 minutes, then add the okra and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and the rice. Sauté until the onion is browned, 3 minutes more.
Add the chicken stock, salt and pepper and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and return the shrimp to the skillet. Cover and cook until the rice is tender and cooked through, about 20 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of cooking time, use a fork to stir the bacon into the rice. Fluff and serve.

Cook’s Note

Unless you buy shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined, you’ll need to do it yourself. Just grab a small pair of kitchen shears and snip the shell along the curved back of the shrimp, moving from the wider end toward the tail. Using your hands, peel back the shell and legs (store them in a plastic bag in your freezer to use for stock) and remove the tail if you wish. Once the shell is off, if you see a dark vein, gently dislodge it with the tip of a paring knife and pull it out. Carolina Gold rice is great in this dish; it has a unique flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, any long-grain rice will work.