Charleston Shrimp 'n' Gravy

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour , divided
• 1 onion , chopped
• 1 green bell pepper , seeded and chopped
• 1 pound large shrimp , peeled and deveined
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt with no MSG
• ground black pepper to taste
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder , or to taste
• 1.5 cups chicken stock
• 1 green onion , chopped

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.

2. 2

   Add butter to bacon drippings in the skillet. When butter begins to sizzle, sprinkle with 3 tablespoons flour. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until dark brown, about 12 minutes. Do not let roux scorch; reduce heat if needed.

3. 3

   When roux reaches dark brown, increase heat to medium-high and add onion and bell pepper. Cook and stir just until softened, 2 to 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, place shrimp in a medium bowl and toss with seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, and remaining 1 tablespoon flour.

5. 5

   Add shrimp mixture to onion mixture in the skillet and stir constantly for 1 minute. Whisk in chicken stock and reduce heat to low. Cook until broth is thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Do not overcook shrimp. Sprinkle with green onion and remove from heat.

6. 6

   Serve shrimp and gravy over fresh hot grits, rice, or biscuits. Crumble bacon slices on top.