Spicy Voodoo Shrimp 

Spicy Voodoo Shrimp is a bold and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Creole and Cajun cooking. Known for its deep, smoky flavors and spicy kick, this dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a robust sauce made with a mix of aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, spices, and a touch of heat from hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Whether served over rice, grits, or crusty bread, this dish is perfect for those who love a little heat with their seafood. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that brings the authentic taste of New Orleans to your table.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced

• 1 celery stalk, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 cup chicken or seafood stock

• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Garnish and Serving:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• Lemon wedges

• Cooked white rice, grits, or crusty bread

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

   • In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce.

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, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce:

   • Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavors.

   • Pour in the chicken or seafood stock and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

   • Add the hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

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 until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove from heat.

5. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked shrimp to the sauce in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the shrimp with the sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp.

   • Serve the Spicy Voodoo Shrimp over cooked white rice, grits, or alongside crusty bread.

   • Garnish with lemon wedges for added brightness.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 280 kcal

• Protein: 25 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Carbohydrates: 8 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 3 g