How Long to Cook Frozen Shrimp in a Crock Pot for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time

Cooking frozen shrimp in a crock pot can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. How long should you cook it for? Will the shrimp come out rubbery and overcooked? Fear not – cooking frozen shrimp in the crock pot is easy once you know a few simple tips and tricks. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook frozen shrimp in the crock pot perfectly every time.

Why Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Crock Pot?

Cooking frozen shrimp in the crock pot has several advantages

• It’s convenient You can just toss the frozen shrimp right into the crock pot without having to thaw them first This saves time and makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

• It infuses flavor. The long slow cooking time allows the shrimp to fully absorb spices sauces, and other flavorings in the pot.

• It’s hands-off. Once you’ve prepped and added your ingredients to the crock pot, you can walk away. The crock pot does the work for you.

• It’s gentle. The low, moist heat of the crock pot perfectly cooks delicate shrimp without overcooking them. They turn out tender and juicy.

• You can customize flavors easily. Experiment with different seasonings and liquids like broth, tomatoes, wine etc. to create your own signature shrimp dish.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Frozen Shrimp in a Crock Pot?

The cooking time can vary quite a bit based on the size of your shrimp as well as the temperature setting on your crock pot. Here are some general guidelines:

• Small shrimp (36-40 count per pound): Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours on HIGH or 2 to 3 hours on LOW.

• Medium shrimp (26-30 count per pound): Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours on HIGH or 3 to 4 hours on LOW.

• Large shrimp (16-20 count per pound): Cook for 2 to 3 hours on HIGH or 4 to 6 hours on LOW.

• Jumbo shrimp (10-15 count per pound): Cook for 3 to 4 hours on HIGH or 6 to 8 hours on LOW.

These times are just estimates. The most reliable way to check doneness is by using a food thermometer. Frozen shrimp is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, check for visual cues – the shrimp will turn opaque and pink when fully cooked.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof frozen shrimp in the crock pot:

1. Prep the shrimp

For even cooking, try to use shrimp that are similar in size. Thaw the shrimp by placing them in a colander under cold running water for 10-15 minutes. Peel, devein, and pat the shrimp dry if desired. Leave them thawed but still chilled.

2. Prep the crock pot

Grease the crock pot lightly with cooking spray or butter. You can also use a liner for easy cleanup.

3. Add flavorings

Add seasonings, sauce, or broth to the crock pot. Great options include garlic, lemon juice, chili powder, cayenne, paprika, cajun seasoning, salsa, tomato sauce, coconut milk, wine, chicken/seafood broth. Get creative!

4. Add the shrimp

Add the thawed, peeled shrimp to the crock pot and gently stir to coat with the sauce/seasonings.

5. Cook on LOW

Put the lid on and cook on LOW, so the shrimp cooks gently. Resist peeking!

6. Check often

Check and stir the shrimp every hour, especially toward the end of the cook time. Bump up the heat to HIGH if needed to finish cooking faster.

7. Remove when done

Use a thermometer to check doneness or look for the shrimp to turn opaque. Serve shrimp immediately once ready.

Tips for Perfect Results

Follow these tips and tricks for tender, juicy shrimp from the crock pot every time:

• Don’t overload the crock pot. Cook shrimp in a single layer, otherwise it steams instead of simmers.

• Use a thermometer for doneness, not time. Shrimp cooks fast and overcooks easily.

• Add acid (lemon/lime juice, wine) at the end to prevent tough shrimp. Acid can make shrimp tough if cooked too long.

• Sprinkle a little baking soda in the crock pot water to give shrimp a tender texture.

• Cook similar sized shrimp together for even cooking.

• Cook shrimp with the shells on if you want extra flavor infusion, just peel before eating.

• Add veggies like corn, potatoes etc. during the last 30 minutes so they don’t overcook.

Delicious Frozen Shrimp Crock Pot Recipes to Try

Here are some of my favorite recipes for cooking frozen shrimp in the crock pot:

Easy Crock Pot Shrimp Boil

Simmer shrimp with sausage, corn, and potatoes in a broth flavored with Old Bay seasoning for a classic shrimp boil taste without having to boil a huge pot of water.

Coconut Curry Shrimp

Cook shrimp in a sauce of coconut milk, curry paste, and veggies for a quick Thai-inspired dinner. Serve over rice.

Lazy Jambalaya

Make a simple jambalaya by cooking shrimp with tomatoes, onion, celery, spices, and rice right in the crock pot.

Cheesy Shrimp & Grits

Mix cream cheese into the crock pot for rich, creamy grits studded with shrimp. So comforting!

Crock Pot Shrimp Fajitas

Cook shrimp with peppers and onions in a Mexico-inspired blend of chili powder, cumin and garlic. Pile onto tortillas.

Crock Pot Shrimp Scampi

Buttery, lemony shrimp scampi is easy to make in the crock pot. Cook shrimp with garlic, wine, and herbs.

The Takeaway

Cooking frozen shrimp in the crock pot takes a little trial and error to get the timing right for your preferred shrimp size. But once you’ve nailed down the time, you’ll have tender, flavorful shrimp without much effort at all. The crock pot does the work for you. Thaw the shrimp, add some seasoning, set it, and forget it. In just a few hours, you’ll have amazing shrimp ready to eat or add to your favorite dishes.