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Spicy Voodoo Shrimp Recipe

4.7 from 84 reviews

Spicy Voodoo Shrimp is a flavorful and vibrant seafood dish featuring tender, marinated shrimp cooked to perfection and coated in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce infused with Cajun seasonings and aromatic vegetables. Perfectly balanced with smoky paprika, a touch of cayenne for heat, and fresh herbs, this dish is a fantastic option to serve over rice, grits, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

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)

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 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

Garnish and Serving

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: 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 to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook these vegetables for 5–7 minutes until they become softened and fragrant, which builds the flavor base of the sauce. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, taking care not to let it burn.
  3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then, add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. Pour in the chicken or seafood stock and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in hot sauce, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: 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, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through to ensure they remain tender and juicy. Remove from heat.
  5. Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Transfer the cooked shrimp into the sauce and gently stir to coat them thoroughly. Allow the shrimp to simmer in the sauce for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over cooked white rice, creamy grits, or serve alongside crusty bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, bright finish that complements the spicy richness of the dish.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts based on your heat preference.
  • For a lighter version, substitute seafood stock with vegetable stock and use olive oil instead of butter.
  • Peeling and deveining shrimp beforehand saves prep time.
  • This dish pairs well with white rice, grits, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Use halal Worcestershire sauce if adhering to halal dietary requirements.

Keywords: Spicy shrimp, Cajun shrimp, Voodoo shrimp, seafood recipe, spicy seafood, Cajun cooking, shrimp with tomato sauce, quick shrimp dinner