Description
Spicy Voodoo Shrimp combines succulent shrimp with a rich, zesty sauce, bursting with Cajun spices, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper. This Southern-inspired dish is perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
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, for extra heat)
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 (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
For Garnish and Serving:
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Cooked white rice, grits, or crusty bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano, then stir to coat. Pour in the stock and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the pan to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer. Add hot sauce, then taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Add cooked shrimp to the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve shrimp and sauce over rice, grits, or alongside crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add more hot sauce.
- This recipe also works with other seafood like scallops or fish, or even chicken for a different protein.
- For a lighter version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken or seafood stock.
- You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with halal versions or soy sauce if needed.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap shrimp with tofu or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 240mg