Dinner

Spicy Voodoo Shrimp Recipe

ByLily Monroe January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

Introduction

Spicy Voodoo Shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that brings a vibrant kick to your dinner table. With a rich, smoky sauce and perfectly seared shrimp, it’s an exciting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

This image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a rich shrimp dish. The dish has one visible layer, topped with a creamy orange sauce with texture indicating spices and small bits, and large cooked shrimp scattered on top, their pink and orange shells slightly charred. Fresh green herb pieces are sprinkled all over the shrimp and sauce, adding a pop of color. The baking dish is placed on a wooden surface with a blurred background that includes a white marbled plate with small pieces of bread and a glass of drink. 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, for extra heat)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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 (halal version if needed)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup chicken or seafood stock (or vegetable stock for a lighter version)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Cooked white rice, grits, or crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Toss them with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, taking care not to burn it.
Step 4: Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
Step 5: Pour in the stock and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6: Stir in the hot sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 7: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove from heat.
Step 8: Add the cooked shrimp to the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Let them simmer together for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 9: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over cooked rice, creamy grits, or serve alongside crusty bread. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for freshness.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Use vegetable stock for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly sauce base.
Serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions also complement this dish well.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and sauce 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. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains two main layers: a bed of fluffy white rice on the left side, with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled over it, and a generous serving of bright orange shrimp coated in a glossy sauce on the right side and slightly overlapping the rice. The shrimp are plump and have a slightly curved shape, with echoes of red from their tails. The sauce around the shrimp is thick and rich, also sprinkled with small bits of green herbs, adding a fresh touch to the warm colors. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface with soft natural light highlighting the dish. 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. Thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.

What can I serve with Spicy Voodoo Shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with white rice, creamy grits, crusty bread, or even pasta. Choose a side that can soak up the delicious sauce for the best experience.