Savor the Simplicity: Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Introduction: Prepare to delight your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and simplicity—Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and the convenience of your slow cooker, you can whip up a gourmet-worthy meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a fuss-free weeknight dinner, this recipe is a game-changer. So let’s dive into the tantalizing world of lemon, garlic, and succulent shrimp, and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth (low-sodium is best!)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In the slow cooker, combine the raw shrimp, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir gently to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasonings.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the unsalted butter until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp scampi and stir to combine.
- Serve the lemon garlic shrimp scampi hot, garnished with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of white wine or dry vermouth to the slow cooker along with the chicken broth.
- Customize the level of heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or baby spinach to the slow cooker for added color and nutrition.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- To make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb, omit the chicken broth and use dry white wine or seafood broth instead.
- Substitute the butter with ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Serve the lemon garlic shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to keep it low in carbs.
With its vibrant flavors and effortless preparation, Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just appreciate the simplicity of a one-pot meal, this dish has something for everyone. So why wait? Grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a taste of gourmet dining right in the comfort of your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the slow cooker.
- How do I know when the shrimp are cooked? Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, and the tails curl inward.
- Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? While pre-cooked shrimp can be used in this recipe, they may become tough if cooked for too long in the slow cooker. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking just to heat through.
- Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker? Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop by cooking the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Simply follow the same instructions, but cook on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through.
- What can I serve with lemon garlic shrimp scampi? This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
- Can I add other herbs to the shrimp scampi? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as basil, thyme, or oregano for added depth of flavor.
- Can I use lime instead of lemon? Yes, you can use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a slightly different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Can I add cheese to the shrimp scampi? While cheese is not traditional in shrimp scampi, you can certainly sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the finished dish for extra flavor.
- Can I freeze leftovers of lemon garlic shrimp scampi? Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe? Yes, you can use other types of seafood such as scallops, lobster, or even fish fillets in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of seafood used
