Erickson Spicy Bayou Shrimp

Directions

1. 1. In a small bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and brown sugar or honey with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Mix until it forms a thick spice paste.
2. 2. Heat a cast-iron, carbon-steel, or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil.
3. 3. Pat the shrimp dry before cooking. When placing the shrimp into the hot skillet, lay them away from you so any hot oil or grease splashes away from your body. Cook for about 2 minutes, just until the shrimp begin turning pink. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4. Reduce the heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. 5. Add the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and stir in the prepared spice paste.
6. 6. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
7. 7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them through the sauce. Cook for about 1 minute more, just until the shrimp are hot and completely cooked through.
8. 8. Serve immediately. We like this over our stovetop rice or cilantro-lime rice.