🍤 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp
There’s something magical about a recipe that feels like a culinary splurge—but takes minimal effort in the kitchen. This slow cooker shrimp delivers bold flavor and restaurant-quality texture with nearly no prep. Simple, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying.
✨ The Power Trio: 3 Simple Ingredients
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Just these three pantry staples create a flavor-packed shrimp dish:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 5–6 cloves minced garlic (or 2 tablespoons pre-minced garlic)
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- Red pepper flakes (for a gentle kick)
- Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
- Old Bay or Cajun seasoning (for southern flair)
- Fresh parsley (for color and freshness)
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the ShrimpIf using frozen shrimp, **thaw them completely** under cold water or overnight in the fridge.
Pat dry with paper towels.
Peel and devein the shrimp if needed (you can leave the tails on for presentation).
- Step 2: Layer the IngredientsIn a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, place the shrimp evenly at the bottom.
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the shrimp.
Add the cubed butter on top, distributing evenly.
Optional: Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of Old Bay for extra layers of flavor.
- Step 3: Slow Cook to PerfectionCover the slow cooker with the lid.
Set to **LOW and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours**.
Stir gently halfway through to evenly coat the shrimp in the garlicky butter sauce.
Shrimp are done when they are pink, opaque, and firm to the touch.
🔥 Do not overcook! Overdone shrimp can become rubbery. Start checking around the 1-hour mark.
🍽️ How to Serve This Buttery Garlic Shrimp
This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some mouthwatering ways to serve it:
- Over pasta – Toss with linguine or angel hair for a buttery shrimp scampi vibe.
- With rice or quinoa – A simple, filling meal with extra sauce spooned on top.
- In tacos or wraps – Pair with slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
- On toasted bread or garlic toast – Let the juices soak into a crusty baguette.
- With steamed veggies – Think asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a light, low-carb option.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Spicy Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Cajun-Style: Use 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning in place of Old Bay.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream during the last 10 minutes.
- Don’t skip the butter: It creates the rich base that carries all the flavor.