Can You Put Frozen Shrimp in a Slow Cooker? Everything You Need to Know

Frozen shrimp is a handy ingredient to keep in the freezer. It thaws quickly when you need it and adds lots of flavor to soups, curries, pasta dishes and more. But can you safely cook frozen shrimp in a slow cooker?

I did some research on this topic and have all the answers in this detailed guide. Read on to learn whether you can put frozen shrimp in a slow cooker tips for doing it right recommended cook times, and answers to common questions.

The Short Answer

Yes you can cook frozen shrimp in a slow cooker! However. there are some best practices to follow for getting the best results

• Thaw the shrimp first
• Add flavor like olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs
• Cook for the last 30-60 minutes only to avoid overcooking
• Follow recipe guidelines for amount of liquid

Thawing the shrimp helps it cook more evenly. Flavorings give it tons of taste. And cooking it just at the end prevents rubbery, overdone shrimp. Follow those tips and you’ll have deliciously cooked frozen shrimp from your slow cooker.

Thawing Frozen Shrimp Before Cooking

I highly recommend thawing frozen shrimp before putting it in the slow cooker Here’s why thawing helps

• It allows the shrimp to cook more evenly since thawed pieces cook faster than frozen pieces.

• Thawed shrimp absorbs flavors better from sauces, broths or seasonings.

• The texture turns out better when thawed first. Slow cooking frozen shrimp can make it rubbery.

You have a few options for thawing frozen shrimp:

• Refrigerator: Place frozen shrimp in a bowl and put in the fridge overnight. This thaws it gradually at a safe temperature.

• Cold Water: Put shrimp in a colander and run cold water over it for 10-15 minutes until thawed. Change the water every few minutes so it stays cold.

• Microwave: Microwave shrimp on defrost setting based on package directions, stopping to stir/rearrange shrimp halfway through.

Avoid thawing shrimp at room temperature or in hot water, as bacteria can start growing rapidly above 40°F.

Once thawed, pat shrimp dry with paper towels before adding to the slow cooker.

Seasoning Shrimp Before Slow Cooking

Before mixing the thawed shrimp into your slow cooker dish, take a moment to add flavor. This step makes a big difference in the finished taste.

Easy seasoning ideas:

• Marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs for 15+ minutes
• Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning or taco seasoning
• Coat shrimp in melted butter, garlic powder, salt and pepper
• Brush with barbecue sauce or teriyaki marinade

You can also add shrimp to flavorful liquids in the slow cooker like broth, salsa, barbecue sauce or coconut curry sauce. The sauce will infuse the shrimp with yummy flavors as it slowly cooks.

Cook Times for Frozen Shrimp in Slow Cooker

Shrimp cooks fast, so you only want to add it to the slow cooker near the end of the cooking time.

Here are some general guidelines for cook times:

• For a 4-6 hour recipe, add shrimp in the last 30-60 minutes
• For a 6-8 hour recipe, add in the last 45-60 minutes
• For a 8-10 hour recipe, add in the last 60 minutes

These short cook times at the end prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked and rubbery in texture.

If adding unthawed, frozen shrimp you may need to add 5-15 more minutes to the cook time. Check for doneness by cutting into a few shrimp – they should be opaque in the center when fully cooked.

Best Practices for Slow Cooker Shrimp

Follow these tips every time you make shrimp in the slow cooker for the best results:

• Always thaw shrimp if possible before adding to slow cooker
• Season shrimp with garlic, lemon, herbs, spices, sauces for flavor
• Add shrimp only during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time
• Make sure shrimp is fully submerged in liquid while cooking
• Check doneness and adjust time if needed based on thickness of shrimp
• Avoid lifting lid repeatedly as this can increase cook time

Adding other ingredients like vegetables, pasta or rice? Put those in at start of cooking time and add shrimp right at the end.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Shrimp

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about cooking frozen shrimp in a slow cooker:

Can you cook frozen breaded shrimp in a slow cooker?

Yes, but add it in the last 30 minutes only. This helps maintain the crispy breading texture.

How long does it take to cook 1 lb of frozen shrimp in a slow cooker?

Aim for 30-45 minutes on low heat, but check for doneness at 30 minutes. Cook time varies based on size of shrimp and thickness of slow cooker dish.

Is it ok to cook frozen shrimp without thawing first?

You can cook frozen shrimp without thawing, but the texture may suffer. Thawing helps shrimp cook more evenly.

Can you put frozen shrimp in slow cooker pasta dishes?

Yes! Add any pasta and vegetables at start of cook time, then mix in shrimp during last 30 minutes on low heat.

What are some flavorful slow cooker shrimp recipes?

BBQ shrimp, coconut curry shrimp, shrimp & sausage jambalaya, shrimp scampi pasta, shrimp tacos or soup, shrimp dip and more!

How can you tell when frozen shrimp is done in the slow cooker?

Check for opaque, pink shrimp with a slightly firm texture. If undersized or thin, they may cook faster than 30 minutes.

Is it safe to put frozen uncooked shrimp in a slow cooker?

Yes, as long as you follow cook time recommendations and cook on low heat it is safe. Always thaw shrimp first if possible.

Can you overcook frozen shrimp in a slow cooker?

Yes, overcooking can happen if shrimp is cooked more than an hour on low. That’s why it’s added at the end of cook time.

Tips for Serving Slow Cooker Shrimp

Once your shrimp is cooked perfectly in the slow cooker, here are some serving suggestions:

• Mix with pasta and top with Parmesan cheese
• Serve shrimp over rice with lime wedges
• Fill warmed tortillas with shrimp taco toppings
• Spoon shrimp dip into a bread bowl with crackers
• Skewer shrimp and vegetables for easy kabobs
• Pile shrimp on top of fresh garden salad
• Stir shrimp into hot soup right before serving

Include some crusty bread, coleslaw, or corn on the cob for easy sides. A crisp white wine or light beer also pairs nicely with shrimp off the slow cooker.

Satisfying Slow Cooker Shrimp Recipes

To get you started, here are a couple full recipes for delicious shrimp dishes you can make in the slow cooker:

Slow Cooker BBQ Shrimp

Cook time: 1 hour on low

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs peeled, deveined shrimp
• 3 Tbsp butter, melted
• 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving
• French bread

Instructions:

1. Combine melted butter, Worcestershire, garlic, and BBQ sauce in slow cooker
2. Add shrimp and gently toss to coat with sauce
3. Cook on low for 1 hour
4. Serve shrimp over bread with lemon wedges

Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Shrimp

Cook time: 4-6 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 1 lb peeled, deveined frozen shrimp
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp curry powder
• 1 (15 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Rice or naan bread for serving

Instructions:

1. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, coconut milk and tomatoes to slow cooker
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours
3. Add shrimp and peas and cook 30 more minutes
4. Serve curry over rice or with naan bread

More Slow Cooker Shrimp Inspiration

Now get ready to enjoy lots of easy shrimp dishes, all with the convenience of your slow cooker. This handy kitchen appliance makes weeknight dinners, party appetizers, and potluck contributions a breeze.