Voodoo Shrimp Recipe

Voodoo Shrimp Recipe is bold, spicy, and irresistibly saucy—perfect for Cajun-inspired dinners, game day appetizers, or fiery weeknight meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Voodoo Shrimp is how each ingredient is purposefully chosen to create unforgettable flavors and colors. You won’t need anything fancy—just a well-stocked pantry and a sense of adventure!

• Large shrimp: Go for peeled and deveined to make prep a breeze and to soak up all the saucy goodness.
• Olive oil: Adds a lush base flavor and helps sauté the veggies to tender perfection.
• Butter: For a touch of richness that perfectly balances the spice.
• Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the aromatic base.
• Bell pepper: Adds color and crunch to every bite.
• Garlic: Delivers a punchy aroma and classic Cajun character.
• Cajun seasoning: The heart and soul of Voodoo Shrimp—choose your favorite blend!
• Smoked paprika: For that irresistible smoky undertone.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Crank up the heat if you love things spicy, or skip for milder palates.
• Tomato paste: Gives body and a subtle tang to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Lightens and loosens the sauce so it’s perfect for dipping.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious and silky, mellowing out the heat.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex depth and umami kick.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all those vibrant flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a burst of freshness and color at the finish.
• Cooked rice, pasta, or bread: The ideal canvas to soak up every drop of sauce.

How to Make Voodoo Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is just melted and bubbling away, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and release their sweet aroma. Then toss in the garlic, letting it mingle for another 30 seconds. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation of your Voodoo Shrimp.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Now, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and (if you’re feeling bold) a dash of cayenne pepper into the skillet. Stir vigorously so the spices evenly coat all the veggies, releasing their fragrant oils and beginning to color everything with that signature Louisiana flair.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream straight into the pan. Stir the mixture until totally smooth and cohesive, making sure all the flavors are marrying together. Let it bubble away for 5–6 minutes on a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken up just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp directly into the simmering sauce. Let them cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping once if you’d like, just until they’re pink and opaque all the way through. Take care not to overcook—their tenderness is the star of Voodoo Shrimp! Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove your skillet from the heat and immediately sprinkle over the fresh chopped parsley. This lively green finish not only brightens the dish but adds a whisper of freshness that complements the bold sauce beautifully. Serve your Voodoo Shrimp piping hot over a bed of rice, a swirl of pasta, or alongside crusty bread.

How to Serve Voodoo Shrimp

Garnishes

A generous scattering of fresh parsley brings vibrancy to the plate, while a squeeze of lemon juice will wake up every flavor. For those who like a little extra kick, a dusting of Cajun seasoning or even thinly sliced green onions can elevate your Voodoo Shrimp to new heights.

Side Dishes

Classic Voodoo Shrimp loves partners like fluffy white rice, creamy grits, or simple pasta noodles that soak up the luscious sauce. If you want a crunch, a fresh green salad or buttery corn on the cob will balance the spice and richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning Voodoo Shrimp over toasted baguette slices as an appetizer, or pile them high on creamy polenta for a bold dinner twist. For potlucks or entertaining, serve individual ramekins of the shrimp with little forks for festive, mess-free feasting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens with Voodoo Shrimp!), transfer them to an airtight container and stow in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to two days, although the flavor of the sauce often deepens overnight.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cooled Voodoo Shrimp in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to one month. Bear in mind that the creamy sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but a gentle reheat will bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, use a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Take care not to overcook the shrimp; just let them warm through. The microwave works in a pinch as well, but slow and steady ensures the shrimp stay juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Voodoo Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring your sauce stays thick and flavorful.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cream?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened non-dairy creamer. The texture stays velvety, and you still get that signature silkiness in your Voodoo Shrimp sauce.

What’s the best way to make it extra spicy?

Crank up the cayenne or add extra hot sauce right at the end. You can even add sliced jalapeños to the sautéed veggies if you love that fiery heat throughout the dish.

Can I make Voodoo Shrimp ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the sauce and veggies up to a day ahead and store in the fridge. Right before serving, simply reheat the sauce, then add the shrimp and cook until just done. This keeps the shrimp plump and prevents overcooking.

What other proteins can I use if I’m out of shrimp?

You can easily substitute with crawfish tails, chunks of fish, or even chicken breast pieces. The Voodoo Shrimp method is deliciously adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If you’re itching to shake up your dinner routine with something truly memorable, don’t hesitate to give Voodoo Shrimp a try. It’s fun to make, bursts with flavor in every bite, and is sure to win over anyone lucky enough to taste it. Enjoy the magic!

More Bold Seafood Creations to Try

If you loved the spicy, buttery heat of our Voodoo Shrimp Recipe, don’t miss out on other sensational seafood bites at Clap Recipes. Craving another Southern twist? You’ll love these indulgent Shrimp Crab Nacho Corn Dogs that balance crunch with creamy seafood goodness. For an air-fried spin, try the quick and delicious Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. Want to stay spicy? Dive into the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos for fiery, creamy flavor in every bite. Or for a twist on comfort food, the Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla is melty magic. And if you want a dramatic appetizer, try the irresistible Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs—perfect for sharing… or not!

Voodoo Shrimp Recipe

---

4.9 from 67 reviews

• Author: Chef
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Voodoo Shrimp is a bold, flavorful main-course dish inspired by Cajun cuisine. Juicy shrimp are simmered in a creamy, smoky, and spicy sauce packed with aromatic vegetables and classic Cajun spices. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp & Proteins

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Fats

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Liquids & Sauces

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Other

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Cooked rice, pasta, or bread, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt completely before proceeding.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Spices: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to ensure the seasonings evenly coat the onions and peppers for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
5. Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp directly into the simmering sauce. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
6. Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed to suit your preference.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately over steamed rice, cooked pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Notes

• For extra spice, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu if desired, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
• The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated, but shrimp are best cooked fresh to avoid becoming rubbery.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• If serving with bread, opt for a rustic French or sourdough loaf ideal for dipping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main-course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 195mg