Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp
This recipe features succulent shrimp gently cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a bright hit of lemon. The slow cooker helps meld the flavors beautifully while keeping the shrimp tender—just add them at the end to avoid overcooking. It’s an ideal, fuss‐free entrée for busy weeknights that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, melted
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- Juice of 1 lemon plus optional zest for extra zing
- 1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, broth, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Meld the Flavors:
- Pour the mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes. This allows the garlic and spices to infuse the butter.
- Add the Shrimp:
- After 30 minutes, gently stir in the shrimp so they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Final Cooking:
- Cover and continue to cook on low for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. (Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking and a rubbery texture.)
- Serve:
- Once the shrimp are done, turn off the slow cooker, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy over your favorite side such as rice, pasta, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
- Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes (30 minutes for the sauce + 15–20 minutes for shrimp)
- Total Time: Approximately 55–60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood, Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American / Fusion
- Diet: Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free broth)
- Keywords:
- Slow Cooker, Shrimp, Garlic Butter, Seafood, Easy Dinner, Low Carb, High Protein, Quick Meal
- Nutrition (per serving):
- (Approximate values — may vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes)
- Serving Size: ~1/4 of recipe
- Calories: ~315 kcal
- Sugar: ~1 g
- Sodium: ~500 mg
- Fat: ~25 g
- Saturated Fat: ~15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: ~25 g
- Cholesterol: ~200 mg
Notes
Timing is Key: To ensure the shrimp remain tender, add them only during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter base in advance and refrigerate it (up to 24 hours) before using.
Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash (about 1/4 cup) of white wine with the garlic butter base during the initial cooking phase.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or your choice of carb (rice, pasta, or bread).
Adjusting Spice: Modify the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter base in advance and refrigerate it (up to 24 hours) before using.
Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash (about 1/4 cup) of white wine with the garlic butter base during the initial cooking phase.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or your choice of carb (rice, pasta, or bread).
Adjusting Spice: Modify the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.