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Spicy Voodoo Shrimp

Spicy Voodoo Shrimp

Juicy shrimp seared to perfection and smothered in a bold, smoky Cajun sauce made with the holy trinity of vegetables, tomatoes, and Louisiana spices. This soulful dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Creole, Southern
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauce
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 stalk celery finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for sauce
  • 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 fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • lemon wedges for serving
  • cooked white rice, grits, or crusty bread for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pan
  • Separate skillet for searing shrimp
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Let marinate while preparing the sauce.
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add paprika, cayenne, thyme, and oregano. Mix well.
  4. Pour in the stock and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to deglaze and bring to a simmer. Add hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  6. Add cooked shrimp to the sauce and let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Spoon shrimp and sauce over rice, grits, or bread. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

Use large or jumbo shrimp for best results—they stay plump and juicy. The holy trinity (onion, bell pepper, celery) is essential for authentic Cajun flavor. Heat level is fully customizable—adjust cayenne and hot sauce to taste. For a dairy-free version, use only olive oil instead of butter.
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