Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Introduction
Looking for an easy and delicious seafood dish that’s ready in just a couple of hours? This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp is a dream come true! With only 5 simple ingredients, you can create a buttery, garlicky, and flavorful shrimp dish that melts in your mouth. Perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or even as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by cleaning, peeling, and deveining your shrimp if it’s not already done. Pat them dry using a paper towel — this helps them cook evenly and absorb the buttery garlic flavor.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until all the ingredients are blended into a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the shrimp evenly in the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 1 to 2 hours, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them — shrimp cook quickly even in a slow cooker!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately. Spoon some of the delicious buttery sauce from the slow cooker over the shrimp for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp with:
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Steamed white or brown rice
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Buttered noodles or pasta
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Fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables
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Crusty bread to soak up that irresistible garlic butter sauce
Variations & Tips
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bold, spicy flavor.
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Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
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Citrusy Twist: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a slightly tangy, tropical flavor.
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Gourmet Touch: Add a splash of white wine to the slow cooker for a rich, aromatic sauce.
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Butter Substitute: If you prefer a lighter option, replace half the butter with olive oil.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
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Always use fresh or thawed shrimp — frozen shrimp can release excess water, diluting the sauce.
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For faster results, cook on high for 45–60 minutes (but keep an eye to avoid overcooking).
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Want extra flavor? Sauté the garlic in butter for 1–2 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~290 kcal
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Protein: 23g
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Carbohydrates: 2g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sodium: ~580mg
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a gourmet meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly buttery — a perfect comfort food for shrimp lovers. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become one of your seafood favorites.
