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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt completely before proceeding.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- 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