Name: Spicy Voodoo Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced; 1 celery stalk, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup chicken or seafood stock; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Lemon wedges; Cooked white rice, grits, or crusty bread

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Introduction

Spicy Voodoo Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Cajun-inspired Creole cooking to your table. With tender shrimp bathed in a rich, spicy sauce packed with aromatic vegetables and seasonings, it’s perfect served over rice, grits, or with crusty bread. This dish offers a satisfying balance of heat and savory depth that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

The dish is served in a white oval bowl filled with about one main layer of cooked shrimp that are orange with black grill marks and a slightly shiny texture. The shrimp are mixed with a rich sauce that is golden brown with bits of onions and spices, and scattered chopped green herbs on top add fresh color. Thin slices of red pepper pieces are mixed among the shrimp, adding red highlights to the dish. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup chicken or seafood stock
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Cooked white rice, grits, or crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken or seafood stock and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to deglaze the pan, then bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked shrimp into the sauce and simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 7: Serve the spicy voodoo shrimp over cooked white rice, grits, or with crusty bread. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
Use fresh herbs like thyme and oregano if available for a brighter flavor.
Swap shrimp for scallops or firm fish for a different take on this flavorful sauce.
Adding a splash of cream towards the end can create a richer, creamier sauce.

Storage

Store leftover spicy voodoo shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as reheating may reduce the shrimp’s tenderness.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with grilled shrimp cooked in a rich, golden-brown sauce. The shrimp have a slightly charred texture with orange-pink color and dark grill marks, arranged evenly in the dish. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast. Thin red pepper slices are mixed among the shrimp for a splash of red. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture faintly visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the seasoning well.

What can I serve with spicy voodoo shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked white rice, creamy grits, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.