This crockpot shrimp boil is a perfect dinner for any night of the week. This seafood boil is so easy to make in the slow cooker. It has juicy shrimp, andouille sausage, corn, red potatoes, and of course, traditional Cajun spices.
Cooking frozen shrimp in a crockpot can lead to some deliciously easy shrimp dishes, from classic shrimp scampi to shrimp boils and more. But getting that shrimp cooked just right can take a bit of finesse Undercook it and you’ll end up with rubbery, unappetizing shrimp Cook it too long and your shrimp will be dry and tough. So how long should you cook frozen shrimp in the crockpot for perfect results? Here’s what you need to know.
Thawing the Shrimp First is Ideal
For evenly cooked shrimp, it’s best to thaw frozen shrimp before adding to the crockpot Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or place in a bowl of cool water for 10-15 minutes. Adding thawed shrimp to the crockpot allows the shrimp to cook through gently and absorb all the flavors of the sauce or seasonings you add
Putting frozen shrimp directly into the crockpot can lead to uneven cooking with the outer parts cooking faster than the inside. The frozen inner shrimp may not get up to a safe temperature fast enough. Thawed shrimp cooks more consistently.
Cook Times Depend on Shrimp Size and Crockpot Heat
Cooking time can vary based on how big your shrimp are and what temperature you cook them on. Here are some general guidelines:
- Small shrimp (under 10 per pound): 1-2 hours on HIGH, 2-3 hours on LOW
- Medium shrimp (16-20 per pound): 1.5-2.5 hours on HIGH, 3-4 hours on LOW
- Large/jumbo shrimp (10-15 per pound): 2-3 hours on HIGH, 4-6 hours on LOW
The warmer the setting, the less time needed. Cook on LOW when you’ll be away from home for longer periods. Cook on HIGH for quicker cooking when you’re short on time.
Look for Visual Doneness Cues
It’s difficult to set exact shrimp crockpot times since so many factors impact cooking, like the particular model of crockpot, amount of liquid, temperature of ingredients, and more. That’s why relying on visual cues is so important.
Check the shrimp every 30 minutes once they’ve cooked for at least half the estimated time. Look for these signs they’re done:
- Shrimp turned opaque and pinkish-orange throughout
- Shrimp flesh feels firm yet moist when cut into or bitten
- Shrimp separates easily from the shell
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the shrimp has reached 145°F internally.
Avoid Overcooking with Proper Serving
It’s easy to overcook shrimp in the crockpot since the heat continues cooking them even after being unplugged. Prevent rubbery, overdone shrimp by:
- Cooking shrimp just until done, avoiding extra cook time
- Quickly moving shrimp to a serving dish instead of leaving in crockpot
- Only keeping shrimp on WARM setting if necessary, checking frequently
Serve shrimp immediately or cool then refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Handy Tips for Crockpot Shrimp Success
Follow these useful tips for tender, juicy shrimp from your crockpot every time:
- Don’t overload crockpot – Leave room for steam to circulate and cook evenly
- Put shrimp on top to cook – Keeps delicate shrimp from overcooking
- Add shrimp when dish is nearly done – Prevents too much cook time
- Stir in shrimp gently – Keeps shrimp intact instead of breaking apart
- Brine provides moisture – Add 1 tbsp salt to 2 cups water, soak 10 minutes
Sample Shrimp Crockpot Recipes
Here are a couple delicious shrimp crockpot recipes to try that are sure to be new favorites:
Easy Crockpot Shrimp Boil
Cook time: 4 hours on HIGH
Ingredients: Shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, potatoes, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, onion, chicken broth, lemon
Steps:
- Add corn, potatoes, sausage to crockpot. Sprinkle with Old Bay, garlic, onion.
- Cook 3 hours on HIGH.
- Add shrimp and lemon juice. Cook 30 minutes more.
- Squeeze over more lemon at serving.
Crockpot Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Cook time: 3 hours on LOW
Ingredients: Shrimp, fettuccine, Alfredo sauce, garlic, onion, pepper, parsley, lemon
Steps:
- Add ingredients except shrimp and pasta to crockpot.
- Cook 2.5 hours on LOW.
- Add shrimp and pasta. Cook 30 minutes more.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley before serving.
So for perfectly cooked shrimp in the crockpot, thaw shrimp first, follow recipe cook times, and use visual cues to test doneness. Avoid overcooking with prompt serving or cooling. With the right technique, your crockpot shrimp will turn out tender and moist each time.
Can I freeze slow cooker shrimp boil?
You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. However, it is best when enjoyed immediately.
What should I serve with it?
Some good things to serve with this shrimp boil in a crock pot are melted butter, seafood seasoning, cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, and parsley.
Not sure what to serve with your main dish? I love having biscuits or beer bread. Or opt for a tasty salad, or a simple vegetable side dish.
It goes well with my light cheesecake fluff salad, strawberry pie, or even my ranger cookies for dessert. They are always a hit after a hearty slow cooker dinner!.
Like most seafood recipes you want something refreshing to pair with. Consider sipping on this old fashioned lemonade. Or if you want an adult beverage whip up this quick ranch water recipe. Or a sweet and tart blackberry lemonade.
- You can season your seafood with either Old Bay or Creole seasoning. You can add a little cayenne pepper to make it spicier if you want to.
- Try kielbasa or andouille instead of the smoked beef sausage.
- You can substitute red potatoes with yellow or russet potatoes.
- Instead of chicken broth opt try beer. Use a cold pale ale beer to bring out the flavor. After adding one beer, make sure you have enough broth (or water) to make 4 cups of liquid.
- To make your last dish taste even better, drizzle it with melted butter or sprinkle it with hot sauce.