There’s something magical about a recipe that feels like a culinary splurge — but takes minimal effort in the kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with this 3-ingredient slow cooker shrimp recipe: a buttery, garlicky seafood dish that delivers bold flavor and restaurant-quality texture with nearly no prep.
Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping for date night, or just need a quick protein-packed meal, this slow cooker shrimp will become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution. Simple, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying.
The Power Trio: 3 Simple Ingredients = Maximum Flavor
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Just these three pantry staples create a flavor-packed shrimp dish:
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1 to 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
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5–6 cloves minced garlic (or 2 tablespoons pre-minced garlic)
Optional Flavor Boosters:
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Red pepper flakes (for a gentle kick)
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Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
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Old Bay or Cajun seasoning (for southern flair)
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Fresh parsley (for color and freshness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
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If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold water or overnight in the fridge.
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Pat dry with paper towels.
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Peel and devein the shrimp if needed (you can leave the tails on for presentation).
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
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In a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, place the shrimp evenly at the bottom.
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Sprinkle the minced garlic over the shrimp.
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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 Perfection
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Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
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Set to LOW and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Stir gently halfway through to evenly coat the shrimp in the garlicky butter sauce.
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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:
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Over pasta – Toss with linguine or angel hair for a buttery shrimp scampi vibe.
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With rice or quinoa – A simple, filling meal with extra sauce spooned on top.
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In tacos or wraps – Pair with slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
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On toasted bread or garlic toast – Let the juices soak into a crusty baguette.
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With steamed veggies – Think asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a light, low-carb option.
Pro Tips & Variations
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Spicy Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
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Cajun-Style: Use 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning in place of Old Bay.
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Creamy Version: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream during the last 10 minutes.
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Don’t skip the butter: It creates the rich base that carries all the flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
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Effortless: Toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a fully cooked dish.
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No overthinking: Just 3 ingredients + optional add-ins.
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Restaurant-level flavor: The slow cooking intensifies the garlic-butter infusion.
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Crowd-pleaser: It’s easy to double for parties or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving seafood but don’t want to fuss over the stove, this slow cooker shrimp recipe is your dream come true. It’s buttery, garlicky, juicy — and effortlessly elegant. With just three ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create a meal that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.
Try it once, and it’ll be your go-to shrimp recipe for life.