Skillet Okra With Shrimp
A savory skillet dish featuring tender shrimp and crispy bacon cooked with fresh okra, seasoned with garlic salt, pepper, and soy sauce—perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
- Pour off excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1/4 cup of bacon grease.
- Add sliced okra to the skillet with the bacon grease and season with garlic salt and pepper.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle over the okra.
- Let the okra and bacon simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink.
- Serve the skillet mixture over white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño when cooking the okra. If fresh okra is unavailable, frozen okra works well too; just ensure they are thawed and drained before cooking. To enhance the dish, you can substitute a few slices of turkey bacon for a lighter option. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious skillet okra with shrimp over fluffy white rice or alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal. A light side salad, like Spinach Salad (Celebrity Favorite), complements the dish nicely. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover skillet okra with shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Okra With Shrimp contains roughly 238 calories, with 7g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2295mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of seafood instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with scallops or even pieces of fish like tilapia or cod. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood may cook at varying rates. Ensure they are fully cooked and opaque before serving.
What can I serve with skillet okra and shrimp?
Besides white rice, you can serve this dish with quinoa or a hearty grain like farro for a nutritious twist. A side of sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad also pairs well, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the skillet.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, skillet okra with shrimp is great for meal prep! Just cook and portion it out into individual servings, making it easy to grab and go. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to add the shrimp fresh when you're ready to eat, as reheating can make them tough.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).