Shrimp Recipes in a Crock Pot: CRAZY Flavor Hacks!

If you love shrimp and crave stress-free cooking, shrimp recipes in a crock pot are about to rock your world! I’ve researched the best ones out there – think garlicky scampi, fiery Cajun flavor explosions, and creamy dreamy sauces. Get ready for ridiculously easy meals that taste fantastic!

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Key Takeaways

• Crock pots make shrimp recipes unbelievably easy and delicious.
• You can customize flavors to your heart’s content – spicy Cajun, creamy garlic, you name it!
• Shrimp cooks quickly in a crock pot, so keep an eye on it to avoid that rubbery texture.

Why You Should Be Making Shrimp in a Crock Pot

If you’re not already convinced, here’s why you should jump on the crock pot shrimp bandwagon:

• So Flavorful: The low and slow heat lets the flavors truly meld into the shrimp.
• Hands-Off: Perfect for busy weeknights, since prep is a breeze.
• Versatile: You can go classic scampi, fiery Cajun, or create your own taste adventure.
• Meal Prep Dream: Make a double batch and you’ve got lunches and dinners sorted.

Tips for Crock Pot Shrimp Success

Okay, before we dive into the recipes, let’s get a few basics down:

• Defrost First: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely for the best texture.
• Room in the Inn: Don’t crowd your crock pot. Cook in batches if needed, so the shrimp cook evenly.
• Size Matters: A smaller crock pot will cook things a bit faster, and vice versa.
• Lemon Later: Acid from ingredients like lemon juice can make shrimp tough if added too early. Stir it in near the end of cooking.
• Don’t Overdo It: Shrimp doesn’t need ages to cook. Start checking for doneness around the 1-hour mark in a smaller crock pot.

Classic Crock Pot Shrimp Scampi

You can’t go wrong with this garlicky, buttery classic. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Melt the butter and olive oil in your crock pot on low.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp, wine (if using), lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Set the crock pot to low and cook for 1-2 hours, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Over your favorite pasta
• With crusty bread for dipping in that sauce
• Over a bed of rice or quinoa

Spicy Cajun Shrimp in the Crock Pot

Get ready to kick things up a notch! This recipe has a good amount of heat but feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Optional: Corn on the cob, potatoes, andouille sausage

Instructions:

1. Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in your crock pot and sauté the onion and bell pepper for a few minutes.
3. Add the shrimp and any optional ingredients.
4. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until shrimp is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions:

• Perfect as a one-bowl meal with rice.
• Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This one is pure comfort food! The sauce is rich, flavorful, and absolutely addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in your crock pot on low heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes, just until they start turning pink.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the shrimp are fully cooked, and the sauce has thickened.

Serving Suggestions

• Toss with cooked pasta for the ultimate indulgence.
• Serve over zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
• Enjoy with a side salad and crusty bread.

FAQs

Let’s tackle some common questions that might pop into your head during your crock pot shrimp escapades:

• Can I use frozen shrimp in the crock pot?
  • Yes! Just thaw it fully beforehand. Patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel also helps prevent excess moisture.
• How long does shrimp need to cook in a slow cooker?
  • This depends on your crock pot size and the amount of shrimp. Start checking around 1 hour on low for a smaller batch. A larger batch might take closer to 2 hours.
• How do I keep shrimp from getting rubbery in the crock pot?
  • Don’t overcook it! Shrimp cooks quickly, so check early and often. They are done when they are pink and opaque.
• Can I add other ingredients to my crock pot shrimp recipes?
  • Absolutely! Get creative. Diced tomatoes, spinach, and other veggies are great additions.
• What are the best side dishes for crock pot shrimp?
  • Rice, pasta, crusty bread, quinoa, roasted veggies… the options are endless!

Let’s Talk Nutrition

Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, and it’s packed with nutrients:

Nutrient	Amount per 3 oz cooked shrimp	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	85	4%
Protein	20g	40%
Selenium	85 mcg	120%
Vitamin B12	2.2 mcg	90%
Iron	1.4 mg	8%

Conclusion:Shrimp Recipes in a Crock Pot

I hope by now you’re feeling inspired to give crock pot shrimp recipes a try. They open up a whole new world of easy and delicious seafood dinners. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, spicy, or creamy, there’s a recipe out there for you. And the best part? You can set it, forget it, and come home to a fantastic meal that’s practically ready to devour.

Don’t be afraid to play with these recipes and add your own flavor twists. The crock pot is a forgiving tool and allows for tons of experimentation. Who knows, you might just discover your new signature shrimp dish!