Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Recipe

The Magic Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Recipe: Coastal Comfort Made Simple

A mouthwatering slow cooker shrimp boil promises a delightful culinary adventure that simplifies coastal cuisine.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this hassle-free method of preparing a classic Southern dish.

Tender shrimp, sweet corn, and spicy sausage combine in one effortless pot.

No complicated techniques or extensive cleanup required for this delectable meal.

Fresh ingredients and minimal preparation mean you can enjoy maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Juicy, succulent seafood awaits with just a few simple steps and some aromatic seasonings.

Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your dinner table.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the slow cooker to prevent excess water.

  • What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to create a similar flavor profile for your shrimp boil.

  • Is it okay to use water instead of chicken broth?

Chicken broth adds more flavor, but you can use water. Just increase the seasoning to ensure the dish remains tasty and well-seasoned.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, place everything in the slow cooker and start cooking for a convenient meal.

What Makes Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Special

  • Enjoy a complete meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time.
  • Easily adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra veggies to make this recipe perfectly tailored to your family's taste preferences.
  • Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend dinners, this slow cooker shrimp boil brings everyone together with its hearty and delicious appeal.
  • Simply layer ingredients, set the slow cooker, and walk away while a mouthwatering meal practically prepares itself with minimal active cooking time.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the star of this classic boil.
  • Baby Potatoes: Tender small potatoes that add heartiness to the dish.
  • Corn: Sweet corn pieces that complement the seafood perfectly.
  • Sausage: Flavorful meat that provides additional richness.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Minced to enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Onion: Quartered to add depth and sweetness.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend for traditional taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb for garnishing and fresh flavor.
Liquid and Supporting Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: Cooking liquid that keeps ingredients moist and flavorful.
  • Lemon: Adds citrusy brightness and traditional seafood boil touch.
  • Butter: Melted, served as a rich dipping sauce.

Cooking Instructions for Shrimp Boil

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker Canvas

Grab your trusty slow cooker and get ready for a flavor-packed seafood adventure.

This method will transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

  • Baby potatoes
  • Corn pieces
  • Smoked sausage
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Old Bay seasoning

Arrange these goodies in layers, creating a delicious foundation for your shrimp boil.

Step 2: Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is just barely covered.

This liquid will be the secret weapon that infuses every bite with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Low and Slow Cooking

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat.

Allow 4-5 hours for the potatoes to become perfectly tender – you’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in smoothly.

Step 4: Shrimp’s Grand Entrance

About 30 minutes before serving, introduce the peeled and deveined shrimp to the party.

Gently stir to make sure they’re nestled in the flavorful broth.

Step 5: Final Cooking Sprint

Continue cooking on low for an additional 20-30 minutes.

Watch for the shrimp to turn a beautiful pink color, signaling they’re perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Plating the Feast

Using a slotted spoon, transfer all the ingredients to a large serving platter.

This is where the magic comes together – a colorful, steaming display of seafood goodness.

Step 7: Dress to Impress

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve with the following crowd-pleasers on the side:
  • Extra Old Bay seasoning
  • Lemon wedges
  • Melted butter for dipping

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal right from your slow cooker!

Smart Tips for Shrimp Boil Success

  • Add shrimp during the last 20-30 minutes to keep them tender and juicy, avoiding rubbery texture.
  • Use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of white wine for richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Sprinkle extra Old Bay seasoning or add red pepper flakes for those who love more heat in their seafood dish.
  • Cut vegetables and sausage in advance, storing in refrigerator to streamline cooking process on busy days.
  • Check shrimp are completely pink and opaque before serving, ensuring they reach proper internal temperature.

Reheat and Store Shrimp Boil the Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring ingredients remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Carefully transfer cooled shrimp boil to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread leftovers in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of broth. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Shrimp Boil

  • Savor Crisp White Wine Pairing: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay that complements the seafood's delicate flavor and cuts through the richness of sausage.
  • Create Citrus Beer Match: Select a light wheat beer or Belgian-style witbier with orange peel notes that enhance the shrimp's sweetness and brighten the dish's overall profile.
  • Design Refreshing Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic gin and tonic with extra lime, which provides a tangy contrast to the savory ingredients and cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Elevate Herbal Mocktail Option: Craft a sparkling cucumber-mint spritzer that offers a cool, refreshing alternative with herbal undertones matching the parsley garnish and Old Bay seasoning.

Different Takes on Shrimp Boil Flavors

  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace Old Bay seasoning with Cajun seasoning and add diced jalapeños for extra heat and zest.
  • Vegetarian Seafood Alternative: Swap shrimp and sausage with plant-based sausage and heart of palm or artichoke hearts to maintain texture and protein.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free chicken broth and verify sausage is gluten-free. Confirm all seasonings are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Select low-sodium chicken broth, use reduced-sodium sausage, and decrease seasoning amount to control salt intake while maintaining flavor profile.
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Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Recipe

Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Louisiana coastal flavors mingle in this irresistible slow cooker shrimp boil, delivering a mouthwatering one-pot meal that brings the Gulf Coast straight to your kitchen. Succulent shrimp, tender corn, spicy sausage, and baby potatoes swim in a zesty seasoned broth you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into 1-inch pieces)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 pound baby potatoes (halved)
  • 2 ears of corn (shucked and cut into thirds)
  • 1 onion (peeled and quartered)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 4 cups chicken broth or seafood broth
  • 1 lemon (sliced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker by creating a flavorful base with baby potatoes, corn pieces, sausage slices, onion quarters, and minced garlic, generously seasoning with Old Bay for a robust coastal taste.
  2. Gently pour chicken broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring the liquid just covers the components to maintain moisture and infuse flavors during cooking.
  3. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the mixture to simmer for 4-5 hours, creating tender potatoes that can be easily pierced with a fork.
  4. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce peeled shrimp into the slow cooker, delicately stirring to submerge them completely in the aromatic broth.
  5. Continue cooking on low for an additional 20-30 minutes until the shrimp transform into a vibrant pink color and reach perfect doneness.
  6. Carefully extract all ingredients using a slotted spoon, transferring them to a large serving platter that showcases the colorful seafood medley.
  7. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley across the dish, complemented by side offerings of extra Old Bay seasoning, zesty lemon wedges, and rich melted butter for an interactive dining experience.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your slow cooker boil.
  • Layer ingredients carefully to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor infusion throughout the dish.
  • Use a digital meat thermometer to check shrimp doneness, ensuring they reach 145°F without overcooking.
  • Swap chicken broth with seafood stock or water with added clam juice for an extra oceanic flavor profile.
  • Adjust Old Bay seasoning quantity based on personal spice preference, starting with less and adding more to taste.
  • Prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery by adding them late in the cooking process and monitoring cooking time closely.
  • Transform this recipe into a low-carb version by replacing potatoes with cauliflower florets or reducing potato quantity.
  • Enhance meal prep by preparing ingredients the night before and storing them in the refrigerator for quick morning assembly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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