Spicy Cajun Shrimp Recipe

5 from 9 votes

This Cajun shrimp recipe is wonderfully spicy with succulent shrimp simmered in tomato sauce spiced with chilies, Cajun seasonings and more. Great for dinner or an appetizer.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cajun, recipe, shrimp, spicy

Servings:

Calories: 240kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 jalapeno peppers chopped (use bell peppers for a milder version)
1 medium onion chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
4 cloves garlic chopped
2 tablespoons butter
15 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend see recipe notes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Hot sauce to taste Crystal preferably, or similar, about 2-3 tablespoons is good
1 tablespoons sweet chili sauce Sriracha is good here
Salt and pepper to taste
1-1/2 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined
Juice from 1 lemon
FOR GARNISH: Chopped fresh parsley, sliced jalapenos or serrano peppers, sliced cherry tomatoes, spicy chili flakes, extra hot sauce
FOR SERVING: Crusty bread

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pan to medium heat and cook down the peppers, onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook another minute, until you can smell that gorgeous garlic.
Stir in the butter, tomato sauce, Cajun seasonings, Worcestershire, vinegar, hot sauce and sweet chili sauce. Adjust with salt and pepper.
Bring to a quick boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. You can simmer longer to develop more flavor.
Add the shrimp and cover them with the sauce. Simmer about 5 minutes, stirring here and there, or until the shrimp are cooked through.
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Garnish and serve.

Video

Notes

Heat Factor: Medium. You can easily up the heat factor with spicier peppers and hotter hot sauce choices.

Check out my homemade Cajun seasoning blend. Or, use your own favorite store bought blend.

Nutrition