Spicy Cajun Shrimp Sauce
Dive into the bold and vibrant flavors of the bayou with this Spicy Cajun Shrimp Sauce. Loaded with succulent shrimp, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a robust blend of spices, this dish resonates with the heart of Cajun cooking. The harmonious balance between the sweetness of bell peppers and the heat from cayenne pepper provides a delightful kick that can be adjusted to your heat preference. Perfect for serving over fluffy rice, this dish brings a taste of Louisiana to your table and is sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shrimp
2 lbs (peeled and deveined)
Onions
4 (finely chopped)
Bell Peppers
3 (finely chopped)
Green Onions
1.5 cups (chopped)
Parsley
1.5 cups (chopped)
Oil
1/2 cup
Tomato Paste
1 (6 ounce) can
Tomatoes and Green Chilies
1 (10 ounce) can
Sugar
1 pinch
Water
1 cup
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Cayenne Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and bell peppers, and sauté until the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in half of the chopped green onions and half of the chopped parsley, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3
Add the tomato paste, canned tomatoes with green chilies, sugar, and water to the mixture, stirring well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
After the sauce has simmered, carefully fold in the peeled and deveined shrimp, along with the remaining green onions, parsley, salt, and cayenne pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to continue cooking for another 20 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and tender.
5
Serve the shrimp sauce piping hot over a bed of cooked rice, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cajun Shrimp Sauce?
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is a bold, vibrant dish from the Louisiana bayou featuring succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a robust blend of spices simmered to perfection.
How many shrimp do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires 2 pounds of shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined before cooking.
What vegetables are in the Spicy Cajun Shrimp Sauce?
The sauce is made with a medley of onions, bell peppers, green onions, and fresh parsley.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for 3 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before adding the shrimp.
What should I serve with Spicy Cajun Shrimp Sauce?
This dish is best served piping hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, the heat can be adjusted to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper used.
Why is there sugar in the recipe?
A pinch of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomato paste and canned tomatoes.
How many onions are used?
The recipe calls for 4 onions, finely chopped.
How many bell peppers are needed?
You will need 3 bell peppers, which should be finely chopped.
What type of canned tomatoes are used?
One 10-ounce can of tomatoes and green chilies is used for extra flavor and a bit of heat.
How much oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of oil to sauté the vegetables and start the sauce base.
What kind of tomato paste should I buy?
A standard 6-ounce can of tomato paste is sufficient for this recipe.
When do I add the shrimp?
The shrimp are folded in after the sauce has simmered for 3 to 4 hours.
How long do the shrimp take to cook in the sauce?
Once added, the shrimp need to cook for about 20 minutes until they are tender and cooked through.
Do I use all the green onions at once?
No, half are sautéed at the beginning, and the other half are added at the end with the shrimp.
How much parsley is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of chopped parsley, divided between the beginning and the end of the cooking process.
Is water added to the sauce?
Yes, 1 cup of water is stirred into the mixture before the long simmering process.
What are the primary spices used?
The main seasonings are salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, added to taste.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed, peeled, and deveined before adding them to the sauce.
Is this a traditional Cajun recipe?
Yes, it uses the foundations of Cajun cooking, including long simmering times and a heavy focus on onions, peppers, and seafood.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is thick and hearty, filled with softened vegetables and tender shrimp.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While the recipe specifies a skillet or pot, the 3-4 hour simmering stage is very well-suited for a slow cooker on low.
How do I garnish this dish?
You can garnish the final dish with additional fresh parsley for a burst of color.
Can I substitute the oil?
A neutral oil is best, but you can use butter for a richer flavor, though it may brown differently during the long simmer.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much during the 3-4 hour simmer, you can add a small amount of additional water.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
No, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses oil instead of butter.
Is the dish gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your canned tomato and paste labels.
How many servings does this make?
With 2 pounds of shrimp and a heavy vegetable base, this recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It is not recommended, as pre-cooked shrimp will become rubbery if simmered for the final 20 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are often even more flavorful the next day.