Here’s a versatile base recipe you can adapt for any flavor profile 👇
🍤 Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp
(Serves 4–6)
Ingredients
-
1 ½ lbs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
-
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for more flavor)
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
1 tsp paprika (optional for color)
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the sauce base
-
In the slow cooker, combine butter, garlic, broth (or wine), lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 1–2 hours to let the flavors infuse.
2. Add the shrimp
-
Stir in the raw shrimp and cover again.
-
Cook on LOW for 20–30 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
⚠️ Don’t overcook — shrimp get rubbery if left too long!
3. Finish & serve
-
Stir well, garnish with parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
-
Serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
💡 Flavor Variations
-
🥥 Coconut Curry Shrimp: Replace broth with coconut milk, add 2 tsp curry powder.
-
🌶️ Cajun Shrimp: Add 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning + sliced sausage for a hearty meal.
-
🍅 Tomato Basil Shrimp: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes + Italian seasoning.
-
🧄 Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup Parmesan at the end.
Tips
-
If using frozen shrimp, thaw before adding — or add directly and cook on HIGH for about 45 minutes.
-
For meal prep, you can make the sauce ahead and refrigerate it, then just add shrimp when ready to cook.
Would you like me to give you a Cajun-style slow cooker shrimp and sausage recipe next? It’s spicy, creamy, and amazing over rice!