Slow Cooker Creole Garlic Shrimp

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/10/22
Tested by
Young Sun Huh
Young Sun Huh
Tested by Young Sun Huh
Young Sun is a freelance recipe developer, tester, and food stylist with over 15 years of experience in the food industry.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Slow cooker garlic shrimp

The Spruce

Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Total: 85 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
300 Calories
19g Fat
6g Carbs
27g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 300
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 7g 33%
Cholesterol 260mg 87%
Sodium 1888mg 82%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 27g
Vitamin C 1mg 7%
Calcium 125mg 10%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 278mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This Creole garlic shrimp is a snap to prepare and cook in a slow cooker making it perfect for a busy day or when you just don't have the stovetop or oven space for another dish. The shrimp are cooked with butter, garlic, and Creole seasoning, creating a delicious sauce that just calls for some crusty bread. This recipe makes a fabulous appetizer or main course served over hot boiled rice or angel hair pasta.

If you prefer not to make the Creole seasoning, feel free to sub in a pre-made seasoned salt blend, or a mixture of plain kosher salt, paprika, and a dash of thyme or dried leaf basil. Drizzle a few tablespoons of lemon juice over the shrimp before serving or serve the shrimp with lemon wedges.

"I was skeptical about using a slow cooker for shrimp, but it made for a very easy, stress-free way of cooking that would be perfect for dinner parties or when there is no room to spare on the stovetop. The shrimp actually benefits from the gentle cooking and comes out more tender." —Young Sun Huh

Slow Cooker Creole Garlic Shrimp/Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

For the Creole Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Garlic Shrimp:

  • 4 tablespoons (2-ounces) unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 1/2 pounds extra-large or jumbo shrimp

  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps to Make It

Make the Creole Seasoning

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for seasoning
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  2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.

    Combine all seasoning in a bowl
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  3. Set aside 1 teaspoon and store the remaining seasoning for another use, covered, in a cool, dark place.

Make the Shrimp

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for slowcooker garlic shrimp
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  2. Combine the butter, oil, garlic, Creole seasoning, and the black and cayenne peppers in the crockery insert of a slow cooker.

    Combine garlic and butter
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  3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 25 to 30 minutes.

    Cover and cook on high
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  4. Meanwhile, peel the shrimp.

    Shrimp
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  5. Run a small, sharp knife down the back of each shrimp. Pull out the dark-colored vein or scrape it out with the tip of the knife.

    Score shrimp
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  6. Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat dry.

    Shrimp on paper towel
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  7. Add the prepared shrimp to the slow cooker and stir to coat them with the butter mixture.

    Add the prepared shrimp
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  8. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring about halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp are done when they are opaque and pink in color.

    Cover and cook on high
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  9. Remove them to a serving dish and pour the sauce over them.

    Remove to serving dish
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  10. Garnish with the parsley, if desired. Serve as an appetizer or main dish.

Tips

  • ​If you are using store-bought Creole seasoning or another type of seasoning and it is salt-free, add about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, or to taste, to the butter mixture in the crock pot. 
  • To speed up preparation, buy shrimp that are already deveined; if you can find some that are also previously peeled, even better.
  • If the shrimp are frozen, thaw them by running under cold water until fully defrosted.

Recipe Variations

  • Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the sauce ingredients before cooking.
  • Turn this recipe into a low-country boil by adding red potatoes, corn, and sausage. The potatoes and corn should go into the crock pot first and cook for 3 to 4 hours; add the sausage and cook for 30 minutes, then add the shrimp and cook for another half hour.

What is Creole seasoning used in?

Creole seasoning is a very versatile spice blend and can be used in many other dishes, so it's worth it to make your own. Try these recipes using Creole seasoning:

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders

Chicken Breasts in Creamy Creole Sauce

Butter Beans with Andouille Sausage