Sullivan'S Island Shrimp
Sullivan's Island Shrimp is a flavorful Southern dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with bacon, aromatic spices, and vegetables. Perfect for seafood lovers and those craving a hearty, savory meal, it pairs beautifully with fluffy rice for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sliced bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. butter ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 (No. 2 1/2) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can water
- 1 can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 bottle tomato catsup ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp. celery seed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. powdered allspice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1 lemon, sliced thin ⓘ
- hot sauce to taste
- 5 lb. raw dressed shrimp ⓘ
- 1 c. crushed saltine crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a frying pan until crisp; remove and set aside.
- Add butter, chopped onions, and chopped celery to the bacon drippings; sauté until tender.
- Transfer the cooked bacon and vegetable mixture to a large pot.
- Add the canned tomatoes, water, condensed tomato soup, tomato catsup, salt, garlic cloves, celery seed, allspice, and curry powder to the pot.
- Cook slowly for 2 hours, until the mixture thickens.
- Add the raw shrimp; cook until the shrimp are done.
- Stir in crushed saltine crackers and sherry.
- Serve hot with fluffy rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be substituted, but add them later to avoid overcooking. You can also experiment with spices, such as adding a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the crushed saltine crackers gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad can complement it nicely. It pairs beautifully with Chorice Appetizers as a starter or can be enjoyed alongside a glass of chilled white wine for an elevated meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sullivan'S Island Shrimp contains roughly 1338 calories, with 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value) and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 698mg per serving (30% 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 frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used; just thaw them before adding to the pot. To thaw, place shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Ensure they're fully thawed to achieve the best texture and flavor in your dish.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You can use either diced or crushed canned tomatoes based on your preference for texture. Crushed tomatoes will create a smoother sauce, while diced will give more body to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, add more hot sauce to taste during cooking. You can also include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference, and always taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
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).