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Spicy Voodoo Shrimp Recipe

4.6 from 81 reviews

Spicy Voodoo Shrimp is a vibrant, Cajun-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp seasoned with bold spices and cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made from a medley of sautéed aromatics, tomato paste, and a blend of herbs and spices. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat from cayenne and hot sauce, this dish is ideal served over rice, grits, or with crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 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

For the Sauce:

  • 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

For Garnish and Serving:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges
  • Cooked white rice, grits, or crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let the seasoned shrimp marinate while you prepare the sauce to enhance the flavors.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pan. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
  3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano, mixing well to combine all spices. Pour in the chicken or seafood stock and Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the sauce to a simmer and add hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened and well blended.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
  5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked shrimp directly into the simmering sauce and stir to coat. Let them simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
  6. Serve: Spoon the spicy voodoo shrimp and sauce over a bed of cooked white rice, creamy grits, or alongside crusty bread. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges to add a fresh, zesty contrast to the spicy sauce.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
  • For a seafood stock, use fish stock or clam juice for added coastal flavor.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their juiciest and the sauce at its freshest taste.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
  • Fresh parsley garnish not only adds color but also balances the heat with a herbaceous note.

Keywords: Spicy Voodoo Shrimp, Cajun shrimp recipe, spicy shrimp sauce, seafood dinner, Cajun cooking, shrimp over rice