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Spicy Cajun Shrimp with Rich Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 93 reviews

Spicy Voodoo Shrimp is a flavorful and zesty dish combining marinated shrimp with a rich, aromatic Cajun-inspired sauce. This recipe features a medley of peppers, celery, and garlic simmered with tomato paste and spices, served best over rice, grits, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound Large Shrimp (wild-caught recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for milder version)

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (or extra olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 medium Onion (yellow or white)
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (or red/yellow pepper)
  • 1 stalk Celery
  • 3 cloves Garlic (fresh or jarred)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (gluten-free optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 cup Chicken or Seafood Stock (vegetable stock alternative)
  • Hot Sauce (to taste)
  • Salt & Black Pepper (to taste, sea or kosher salt)
  • Optional fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the large shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the spices.
  2. Prepare the Aromatic Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and sliced celery, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Make the Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking it for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavor. Pour in the chicken or seafood stock, add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and oregano. 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 marinated shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  5. Combine and Finish: Transfer the cooked shrimp to the simmering sauce and cook together for another 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and hot sauce as desired.
  6. Serve: Serve the spicy voodoo shrimp immediately over rice, grits, or bread. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for added freshness and a pop of color.

Notes

  • For a milder dish, reduce or omit cayenne pepper.
  • Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Substitute vegetable stock for a vegetarian version, but note that shrimp is not vegetarian.
  • To make it dairy-free, replace butter with additional olive or avocado oil.
  • This dish pairs well with creamy grits, steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
  • Fresh parsley and lemon wedges brighten the dish and add a fresh contrast to the spicy sauce.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/spicy-cajun-shrimp-with-rich-sauce-recipe/