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Spicy Voodoo Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 82 reviews

Spicy Voodoo Shrimp is a flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with aromatic vegetables and a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce. Perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a blend of herbs, this dish delivers a bold and zesty kick. Serve it over rice, creamy grits, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal packed with Southern flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 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)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for shrimp cooking)

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 (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

To Serve

  • Lemon wedges
  • Cooked white rice, grits, or crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and toss them with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5–7 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, ensuring it does not burn for the best flavor.
  4. Build the Sauce: Add the tomato paste to the skillet with the vegetables and cook it for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then, sprinkle in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
  5. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or seafood stock and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release all browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add hot sauce. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  6. Cook the Shrimp: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and sauté for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove from heat.
  7. Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Add the cooked shrimp to the sauce and gently stir to coat the shrimp. Allow them to simmer together for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over cooked white rice, creamy grits, or serve alongside crusty bread. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
  • For a lighter version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken or seafood stock.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with a halal-certified version if needed.

Keywords: spicy shrimp, Cajun shrimp, voodoo shrimp, shrimp recipe, easy shrimp dinner, Southern cooking, creole shrimp, shrimp with tomato sauce

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/spicy-voodoo-shrimp-recipe/