There’s something about the fiery kick of Voodoo Shrimp that keeps pulling me back into the kitchen. It’s not just the bold Cajun heat or the silky, beer-kissed cream sauce—it’s the way this dish delivers restaurant-level flavor in under 40 minutes, right from your stovetop.
Whether you’re spicing up a regular weeknight or impressing dinner guests with something wildly flavorful, this recipe checks all the boxes. What sets Voodoo Shrimp apart is the perfect storm of smoky Worcestershire, tangy tomato paste, and velvety heavy cream, all tied together with a bold punch of voodoo seasoning.
And let’s not forget that splash of dark lager it adds deep malty notes that balance the spice just right. The shrimp stays juicy, the sauce clings beautifully, and the aroma? Absolute magic.
Serve it over fluffy Basmati Rice to soak up every drop of that saucy heat or cool things down with a refreshing Strawberry Daiquiri on the side.
This dish has become a staple in Southern-style kitchens for a reason Google searches for “voodoo shrimp” have spiked by over 40% in the past year, as people crave bold, comforting meals with a little Louisiana flair.
And yes, the sauce is so good, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon. Have you made your own twist on it? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop it in the comments!
Why This Voodoo Shrimp Recipe Stays on My Weekly Menu!

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s become one of those go-to meals I return to again and again. Here’s why I think you’ll love it just as much as I do:
- It brings back bold, authentic flavors: I stumbled across this recipe after a trip to New Orleans, and it instantly reminded me of those smoky, spicy street food stalls on Bourbon Street. Every bite takes me right back.
- Big flavor, minimal effort: It looks and tastes like a restaurant dish, but it’s surprisingly fast to pull together—perfect for busy nights when you still want something impressive.
- Adaptable for the whole family: I’ve swapped the dark beer for extra broth when making it for the kids, and the flavor still shines. It’s one of those dishes that bends to your kitchen without losing its soul.
- The leftovers are next level: I’ve drizzled the leftover sauce over pasta, roasted veggies, even a baked potato. Every variation has been a hit.
- It supports my protein goals: With shrimp as the main star, it fits right into my high-protein meal planning—without ever feeling like “diet food.”
Voodoo Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife and chopping board
- Garlic press or grater
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tomato diced
- 1/2 small onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red chili pepper diced seeds removed
- 1 lemon squeezed
- 3 1/2 tbsp voodoo seasoning 2 1/2 tbsp for the shrimp and 1 tbsp for the sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1/4 cup fish broth
- 5 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups dark lager beer
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 bay leaves
- oil for cooking the shrimp
- chives for garnishing
Instructions
- Season peeled and deveined shrimp with 2½ tbsp voodoo seasoning and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat oil and sauté diced onion, tomato, garlic, red chili, and bay leaves until fragrant.
- Add sriracha, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, fish broth, and remaining voodoo seasoning. Stir well.
- Pour in dark lager beer and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add heavy cream and butter. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
- Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and stir in chopped chives.
- Serve hot over rice and garnish with extra chives if desired.
Nutrition
Try More Such Recipe!
- Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Breaded Shrimp Recipe
- Beer Braised Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
- Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions About Voodoo Shrimp!

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work just as well as fresh ones, as long as you properly thaw them before cooking. The key is to place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator for a few hours or run them under cold water if you’re short on time.
Once thawed, make sure to pat them dry using a paper towel before seasoning. This prevents extra moisture from thinning out the flavorful sauce and ensures the shrimp cook evenly without getting rubbery.
2. What can I use instead of dark lager beer?
If you don’t have dark lager beer on hand or prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can easily substitute it with fish broth, chicken broth, or even vegetable broth. The dark lager gives the sauce a deep, malty flavor, but broth will still provide richness and allow the spices to shine through.
For a hint of sweetness and complexity, you can even mix a splash of apple juice or balsamic vinegar with broth to mimic that depth.
3. Is voodoo seasoning the same as Cajun or Creole seasoning?
Not exactly. While voodoo seasoning shares similarities with Cajun and Creole blends—like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne it often includes more intense heat, deeper herbal notes, and even a touch of smoky or sweet spices.
It’s designed to be bold and flavorful with a touch of “mystery,” which is perfect for dishes like this. If you can’t find voodoo seasoning, you can mix Cajun seasoning with a pinch of smoked paprika, thyme, and a little brown sugar to mimic it.
4. How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
Voodoo Shrimp is meant to have a kick, thanks to the red chili, sriracha, and voodoo seasoning. However, you’re totally in control of the heat level. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red chili and use half the sriracha.
You can also swap the voodoo seasoning for a milder Cajun blend or use more cream to mellow out the spice. If you’re a spice lover, feel free to add hot sauce or extra chili flakes at the end!
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a skillet and add the shrimp right before serving.
Shrimp cook very quickly, and reheating them too many times can make them rubbery, so it’s best to cook them fresh. This approach saves time without compromising taste.
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Instead of heavy cream, use full-fat coconut milk or any dairy-free alternative like oat cream or cashew cream. These substitutes will still give you a luscious texture while making the dish lighter and suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Just make sure the cream you use can handle simmering without curdling—unsweetened coconut cream works especially well and adds a lovely tropical note that pairs nicely with the Cajun flavors.










