Can You Cook Shrimp in a Crockpot? Everything You Need to Know

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As a seafood lover and avid home cook, I often get asked if you can cook shrimp in a crockpot The short answer is yes, absolutely!

Cooking shrimp in a slow cooker is an easy, hands-off way to make flavorful shrimp dishes. The gentle, moist heat of the crockpot perfectly cooks shrimp while infusing them with spices, herbs and other ingredients.

In this article I’ll share my tips on how to cook shrimp in a crockpot successfully. I’ll cover how to prep and season shrimp what recipes work best, cook times, common mistakes and more.

So let’s dive right in and explore the wonderful world of crockpot shrimp!

Why Cook Shrimp in a Crockpot?

Here are some of the benefits of using a crockpot for shrimp:

  • Convenience – Once you add the ingredients to the slow cooker, it does the work for you. No need to slave over the stove or oven.

  • Moist heat – The enclosed environment traps steam, resulting in tender, juicy shrimp.

  • Infused flavors – The long cook time allows seasonings and aromatics to penetrate the shrimp.

  • No monitoring required – Walk away once you start the crockpot. The shrimp cooks low and slow.

  • Versatility – Use the crockpot to make shrimp entrees, appetizers, soups and more.

  • Less cleanup – With only one cooking vessel, cleanup is a breeze.

So if you want fuss-free, flavor-packed shrimp, grab your slow cooker!

Tips for Preparing Shrimp for the Crockpot

Proper prep is key to ensuring your crockpot shrimp turns out tender and delicious. Here are my tips:

  • Buy raw, shell on shrimp – The shell protects the delicate shrimp meat and adds flavor as it slowly cooks.

  • Peel and devein – Removing the shell and dark vein down the back allows seasonings to directly flavor the shrimp.

  • Pat dry – Drying the shrimp prevents excess moisture that can make the dish watery.

  • Season simply – A little salt, pepper and garlic or Old Bay seasoning is all you need.

  • Quick brine option – Soak peeled shrimp in salted water for 30 minutes to boost flavor.

With the prep work done, you’re ready to start layering flavors.

Best Recipes for Cooking Shrimp in a Crockpot

The possibilities are endless when cooking shrimp in a slow cooker! Here are some of my favorite recipes to try:

Spicy Shrimp Boil

  • Shrimp
  • Smoked sausage
  • Corn on the cob
  • Red potatoes
  • Zesty seasonings like Old Bay, paprika, garlic, lemon

Simmer everything together for a hearty, flavor-packed meal.

Coconut Curry Shrimp

  • Shrimp
  • Coconut milk
  • Curry paste or powder
  • Diced aromatics like onion, peppers, garlic
  • Cilantro

Create a creamy, lightly spicy dish with Thai flavors. Serve over rice.

Shrimp Scampi

  • Shrimp
  • Chicken broth or wine
  • Minced garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Butter
  • Parsley

The classic Italian dish adapted for the crockpot. Toss with pasta or zucchini noodles.

Shrimp Creole

  • Shrimp
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Trinity aromatics (onion, celery, bell pepper)
  • Creole seasoning
  • Okra or filé powder

All the flavors of New Orleans in one pot. Serve over grits or rice.

With endless combinations of seasonings, veggies, beans and more, you can create amazing shrimp dishes in the crockpot.

How Long to Cook Shrimp in a Crockpot

The cooking time can vary based on the quantity and size of the shrimp. Here are general guidelines:

  • 1 lb medium shrimp on LOW – 2 to 21⁄2 hours
  • 1 lb large shrimp on LOW – 21⁄2 to 3 hours
  • 2 lbs shrimp on LOW – 3 to 4 hours

For quicker cooking, set the crockpot to HIGH and reduce times by about half.

No matter what recipe you make, always cook just until the shrimp turn opaque and are firm to the touch. It’s easy to overcook shrimp in a crockpot, so err on the side of less time.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned home cooks can slip up when cooking shrimp in a crockpot. Here are some common mistakes and fixes:

Mistake: Tough, rubbery shrimp
Fix: Don’t overcook! Check for doneness early and often.

Mistake: Watery, diluted flavor
Fix: Pat shrimp dry before adding to the crockpot.

Mistake: Bland, unseasoned shrimp
Fix: Layer bold flavors and seasonings into the dish.

Mistake: Soupy consistency
Fix: Use less braising liquid or thicken with a roux or cornstarch.

Mistake: Burned ingredients
Fix: Stir occasionally and keep crockpot on low heat.

With the right prep, recipes and cook times, your crockpot shrimp will be tender, juicy and bursting with flavor.

Tips for Serving Crockpot Shrimp

Once your shrimp is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, here are some serving tips:

  • Serve shrimp over hot cooked rice, grits or pasta to soak up the delicious cooking liquid.

  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or dill. This adds color and bright flavor.

  • Include slices of crusty bread or cornbread to dip into the sauce.

  • Top dishes with lemon or lime wedges for a burst of freshness.

  • For a heartier meal, add a salad or steamed vegetable on the side.

  • Shrimp also makes a fantastic taco filling. Provide warm tortillas and toppings for DIY tacos.

With the right sides and garnishes, your crockpot shrimp will impress everyone at the dinner table.

FAQs About Cooking Shrimp in a Crockpot

If you’re new to cooking shrimp in a slow cooker, chances are you have some questions. Here I’ll tackle some of the most common FAQs:

Can you overcook shrimp in a crockpot?

Yes, it’s easy to overcook shrimp in a crockpot if cooked too long. That’s why it’s important to check for doneness early and not go over the recommended cook times.

Should shrimp be thawed before adding to the crockpot?

For food safety, it’s best to thaw frozen shrimp first. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water for a few hours before adding to the slow cooker.

Is it necessary to peel shrimp before cooking in the crockpot?

You can cook shrimp with the shell on, but peeling helps the flavors penetrate better. I recommend peeling, then adding the shells to the crockpot for flavor.

Can you cook already cooked shrimp in the crockpot?

It’s not recommended. Pre-cooked shrimp will get rubbery if cooked again in the crockpot. Always start with raw shrimp.

What size shrimp works best?

Larger shrimp like jumbo and colossal hold up best to long, slow cooking. But medium shrimp also works if that’s what you have on hand.

Do you need extra liquid to cook shrimp in the crockpot?

Some, but not a lot. Shrimp releases moisture as it cooks. Chicken or seafood broth adds extra flavor.

Satisfy Your Shrimp Cravings with these Crockpot Recipes

The crockpot does all the work, infusing the shrimp with unbelievable flavors as you go about your day.

Try out a Spicy Shrimp Boil, Coconut Curry Shrimp or Shrimp Creole. The possibilities are endless.

Just be sure to prep the shrimp properly, build bold flavors, and don’t overcook.

If you follow my tips and recommended recipes, you’ll have tender, juicy and flavor-packed shrimp to enjoy anytime.

can you cook shrimp in a crockpot

Make the Shrimp

  • Gather the ingredients. The Spruce
  • In the insert for a slow cooker, mix the butter, oil, garlic, Creole seasoning, and black and cayenne peppers. The Spruce .
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 25 to 30 minutes. The Spruce .
  • Meanwhile, peel the shrimp. The Spruce
  • Cut each shrimp in half down the back with a small, sharp knife. You can either pull out the dark vein or use the tip of the knife to scrape it out. The Spruce .
  • Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat dry. The Spruce .
  • Put the shrimp that have been cooked into the slow cooker and stir them around to coat them with the butter mixture. The Spruce .
  • Place the lid on top and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir the food once during the cooking time. When the shrimp are opaque and pink, they are done. The Spruce .
  • Put them on a plate to serve, and then pour the sauce over them. The Spruce .
  • Garnish with the parsley, if desired. Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
  • Some store-bought seasonings don’t have salt in them, so add about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, or more to taste, to the butter mixture in the crock pot.
  • Instead of peeling the shrimp yourself, buy shrimp that have already had their shells taken off. This will save you time.
  • If the shrimp are frozen, run them under cold water until they are completely defrosted.
  • Before you cook, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and one to two tablespoons of lemon juice to the sauce.
  • Add red potatoes, corn, and sausage to this recipe to make it a low-country boil. First put the corn and potatoes in the crock pot and cook for three to four hours. Then add the sausage and cook for another thirty minutes. Finally, add the shrimp and cook for another thirty minutes.

Steps to Make It

  • Gather the ingredients. The Spruce
  • Salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme should all be mixed together in a small bowl. The Spruce .
  • Leave out 1 teaspoon of the seasoning and cover the rest and keep it in a cool, dark place for another time.

Crockpot shrimp scampi!

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