Looking for a seafood dinner that cooks itself? This easy slow cooker shrimp boil brings all the classic flavors of a summer seafood feast into one simple pot. Tender potatoes, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and juicy shrimp soak up a buttery Old Bay seasoning.
The slow cooker does most of the work. You simply layer the ingredients, set the timer, and come back to a warm, comforting meal. It works well for busy weeknights and relaxed weekend gatherings alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 4 hours with very little hands-on time
- Budget-friendly ingredients you can find at any supermarket
- A true family favorite that kids and adults both enjoy
- Beginner friendly, with no special skills needed
- Full of buttery, savory flavor
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved if large
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 3 ears corn, cut into thirds
- 1 1/2 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning, plus more to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Substitutions: Use kielbasa instead of smoked sausage. Frozen corn pieces work well too. Swap in any small waxy potato if baby potatoes are hard to find.
Kitchen Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for melted butter
- Tongs or a large spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the vegetables. Halve the baby potatoes and cut the corn into thirds. Slice the sausage into 2-inch pieces.
- Layer the slow cooker. Add the potatoes, sausage, and corn to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the broth or water.
- Season the base. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Old Bay and the salt. Squeeze in the lemon halves and toss them in.
- Cook on low. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender when pierced.
- Make the garlic butter. While the mixture cooks, stir the minced garlic and remaining Old Bay into the melted butter.
- Add the shrimp. Gently stir the shrimp into the pot. Pour half the garlic butter over the top.
- Finish cooking. Cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes more. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C shape.
- Serve. Drizzle with the remaining garlic butter and serve right away with extra lemon wedges.
Expert Tips
Avoid Overcooked Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly. Add them only during the last 15 to 20 minutes. Once they curl tightly into an O shape, they are overcooked.
Best Vegetables to Add
Corn and baby potatoes hold up well during long cooking. Halved green beans can also work if added during the last hour.
Cooking Shortcuts
Use pre-peeled shrimp and pre-cut sausage to save time. Keep a bag of frozen corn on hand for quick weeknight dinners.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter.
- Kid Friendly: Skip the Old Bay and use a little extra butter and lemon.
- Low Carb: Leave out the potatoes and add extra zucchini or green beans.
- High Protein: Add extra shrimp or use chicken sausage instead of smoked sausage.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth, then add extra vegetables. Skip the shrimp.
What to Serve With
- Crusty French bread for soaking up the buttery juices
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Iced tea or sparkling lemonade
- Fresh fruit salad or a slice of key lime pie for dessert
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Shrimp can become rubbery when reheated, so eat them first.
Freezer: This dish is best eaten fresh. Freezing is not recommended because the shrimp texture suffers.
Reheating: Warm leftovers gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of broth until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before adding them.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes. Cook the potatoes and sausage on high for 2 hours, then add the shrimp and cook 10 to 15 minutes.
Why are my potatoes still hard?
Smaller potatoes cook faster. Cut larger ones into smaller pieces and cook a bit longer.
Can I make this ahead?
Prep the vegetables and sausage the night before. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then cook the next day.
Is this dish spicy?
Old Bay has some heat, but the dish is mild. Add cayenne pepper if you like more spice.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 6-quart slow cooker fits everything comfortably. A smaller pot may require cooking in two batches.
Nutrition
Estimated values per serving, based on 6 servings:
- Calories: about 450
- Protein: about 30 g
- Fat: about 24 g
- Carbs: about 30 g
- Fiber: about 3 g
- Sugar: about 4 g
- Sodium: about 1,100 mg
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
Conclusion
Give this easy slow cooker shrimp boil a try on your next busy weeknight. Leave a comment to tell us how it turned out, and rate the recipe if you loved it. Browse more recipes on our site for your next family dinner.
