Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been experimenting with cooking frozen shrimp in my slow cooker lately, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned. If you’re wondering about the perfect timing for tender, juicy shrimp, you’re in the right place!
Quick Answer
For perfectly cooked frozen shrimp in a slow cooker:
- Small shrimp (36-40 count): 1-2 hours on low
- Medium shrimp (26-30 count): 1½-3 hours on low
- Large shrimp (16-20 count): 2-3 hours on low
- Jumbo shrimp (10-15 count): 2½-4 hours on low
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Frozen Shrimp?
I gotta tell you, using a slow cooker for shrimp has some pretty sweet advantages:
- Even heating (no more unevenly cooked shrimp!)
- Super moist results
- Hands-off cooking
- Better flavor absorption
- Easy cleanup (who doesn’t love that?)
Temperature Settings Matter!
Here’s what I’ve found works best
| Slow Cooker Setting | Temperature Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 275-300°F | Most recipes |
| Medium | 300-325°F | Quicker cooking |
| High | 325-350°F | Not recommended |
Pro tip Stick to low heat! I learned the hard way that high heat can make your shrimp tough and rubbery
How to Tell When Your Shrimp is Done
Look for these signs
- Color changes from gray to pink/white
- Forms a “C” shape
- Firm but still tender when poked
- Internal temp reaches 145°F
My Favorite Easy Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe I love:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen shrimp
- 1 diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 sliced red bell pepper
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup broth
- Seasonings to taste
Instructions:
- Dump everything except shrimp in the slow cooker
- Mix well
- Add frozen shrimp on top
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours
- Give it a quick stir before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trust me, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Don’t cook on high heat
- Don’t overcook (seriously, set a timer!)
- Don’t forget to season well
- Don’t skimp on liquid
Tips for Success
- Add aromatics like garlic and onions
- Use enough liquid (broth, wine, or coconut milk work great)
- Check doneness early rather than late
- Season generously
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No problem!
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Always cool to room temp first
- Reheat gently to avoid tough texture
Final Thoughts
Cooking frozen shrimp in a slow cooker might seem tricky at first, but once you get the timing right, it’s actually super easy! Just remember to keep an eye on the time, use low heat, and you’ll have perfect shrimp every time.
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your slow cooker shrimp adventures. Happy cooking!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Crockpot shrimp scampi!
FAQ
Can you put frozen shrimp in a slow cooker?
How long to cook raw shrimp in a slow cooker?
Place the shrimp in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
How long do shrimp take to cook from frozen?
Can I cook frozen shrimp without thawing them?
You can cook frozen shrimp without thawing it first. Simply adjust your cooking time to ensure that the shrimp is cooked through. This method is great for quick and easy meals.
Can you cook frozen shrimp in a slow cooker?
It’s easy to overcook shrimp, turning them from tender and juicy to rubbery and dry. Using a slow cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking shrimp. The low, steady heat gently cooks the shrimp until they are perfectly done. Cooking frozen shrimp in a slow cooker is convenient time saving and results in foolproof shrimp every time.
Can you cook thawed shrimp in a slow cooker?
You can use either frozen or thawed shrimp in your slow cooker recipes. Here’s the difference: Frozen: This is the quickest and easiest option. No need to plan ahead and defrost. Cook times remain the same. Thawed: Defrosting first can lead to more even cooking, but requires planning in advance. Cook thawed shrimp 1-2 hours on low.
How long do you cook shrimp in a slow cooker?
Add all ingredients, except shrimp and rice, to a slow cooker, in the order listed. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours to 3 ½ hours, or until chicken is cooked through. Remove cover and stir in the shrimp; continue to cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through. Add cooked rice and stir through. Remove bay leaf.
Can you cook shrimp in a crockpot?
Cooking shrimp in the slow cooker is an easy, fuss-free way to get perfect results every time. With just a few ingredients like broth, garlic, lemon and spices you can infuse big flavors into tender, juicy shrimp right from your crockpot. Follow the tips above like cooking in a single layer, adding enough liquid and resisting overcooking.
How do you cook frozen shrimp scampi in a crock pot?
Step One – Pour the frozen shrimp into the crock pot. Step Two – Add the remaining ingredients (except the parsley). Step 3: Put the lid on top and cook on HIGH for two hours, or until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked. Serving shrimp scampi straight from the slow cooker is one of the fastest and easiest ways to do it.
Why should you cook shrimp in a slow cooker?
Moist heat Slow cookers trap moisture resulting in tender juicy shrimp rather than dry, rubbery ones. Hands-off: Once you add the shrimp to the slow cooker, you can walk away. No need to constantly stir and monitor like when cooking on the stovetop. Infused flavors: The long cooking time allows flavors to fully develop and penetrate the shrimp.