Keto Crockpot Garlic Butter Shrimp: The Ultimate Low-Carb Dinner!

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and keto-friendly meal, this Keto Crockpot Garlic Butter Shrimp is a perfect choice.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious, low-carb dish that’s full of rich garlic butter flavor.

Cooking shrimp in a crockpot ensures that the shrimp stay tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors of the butter, garlic, and seasonings.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal on a keto diet.

Plus, it’s quick, convenient, and full of healthy fats to keep you energized.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is everything you want in a keto meal: simple, quick, and mouthwatering. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Minimal Ingredients: Only a few basic ingredients are required, making this recipe both affordable and easy to prepare.
• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: The crockpot method ensures that the shrimp stay moist, tender, and never overcooked.
• Rich & Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce is the star of the dish, infusing the shrimp with rich flavors while keeping everything low-carb.
• Keto-Friendly: It’s an ideal recipe for anyone following a ketogenic diet, as it’s high in healthy fats and low in carbs, making it perfect for keeping your macros in check.
• Meal Prep Ready: You can make this dish ahead of time, and it stores well in the fridge for a quick meal throughout the week.

Ingredients Needed

For this Keto Crockpot Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen large shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best. The shrimp’s sweetness pairs beautifully with the rich garlic butter sauce.
• Butter: Grass-fed butter is preferred for a cleaner, richer taste, but you can use any unsalted butter you like.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced finely, is essential for infusing the shrimp with that bold, aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice adds a burst of citrus that cuts through the richness of the butter.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning balance the flavors, with optional chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil adds color and a light herbal freshness to the dish.
• Optional Add-Ins: You can add parmesan cheese for extra creaminess, or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe. It allows enough room for the shrimp to cook evenly and soak in all the flavors.
• Garlic Press: If you want perfectly minced garlic with minimal effort, a garlic press will come in handy.
• Tongs: For stirring the shrimp gently during the cooking process, tongs are the perfect tool to avoid overhandling.
• Serving Dish: A beautiful serving plate or bowl to showcase your garlic butter shrimp once it’s cooked and garnished.

How to Make Keto Crockpot Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing your ingredients. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure that they’re fully thawed before cooking.

You can rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Mince the garlic cloves finely, and if you like a bit of zest, squeeze fresh lemon juice.

Measure out your seasonings, and chop any fresh herbs you want to use.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

Next, you’ll layer the ingredients in your crockpot. Place the shrimp at the bottom, followed by the minced garlic and seasonings.

Add the butter on top, making sure it’s evenly spread over the shrimp.

This will help the butter melt slowly and infuse all the flavors into the shrimp as they cook.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

If you’re in a hurry, you can cook them on high for about 45 minutes, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

Keep an eye on them and check at the 45-minute mark.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once the shrimp are cooked, gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce.

You can sprinkle in some fresh parsley, squeeze in a bit more lemon juice for brightness, and optionally, stir in a touch of parmesan for added richness.

For a little extra kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will take it to the next level.

Serving Suggestions

This Keto Crockpot Garlic Butter Shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of keto-friendly sides.

Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• Cauliflower Rice: A light, low-carb alternative to regular rice, cauliflower rice is a perfect base for soaking up the rich garlic butter sauce.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): These tender, low-carb noodles provide a great texture and flavor that complements the shrimp. You can sauté them lightly in butter or olive oil for extra flavor.
• Keto Bread: If you miss bread, a slice of keto-friendly garlic bread is an excellent choice for dipping in the garlic butter sauce.
• Simple Salad: A fresh side salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the shrimp.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair your shrimp with roasted keto-friendly veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty, nutritious meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, this dish stores well and can be enjoyed later. Here are some storage and reheating tips:

• Refrigerating: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the garlic butter sauce with the shrimp to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freezing: While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them without the sauce to prevent a change in texture. Store the shrimp separately from the sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent overcooking. If reheating from frozen, let the shrimp thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat them gently in the pan. Avoid using high heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Crockpot Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a game-changer for anyone following a keto diet or simply craving a quick, flavorful meal.

It’s a fantastic combination of convenience and taste, with tender shrimp enveloped in a rich, garlicky butter sauce.

Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner or prepping it for lunches, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

It’s perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, low-carb, high-fat meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure that they are fully thawed before adding them to the crockpot.

Thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker thaw.

2. How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking in the crockpot?

To avoid overcooking, make sure to cook the shrimp on low heat for no more than 2 hours.

Check the shrimp at the 1.5-hour mark, and once they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready to eat.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free by swapping the butter for coconut oil or ghee.

These alternatives still provide a rich, buttery flavor while keeping the recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.

4. What can I use in place of Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, try using a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.

These herbs will give a similar flavor profile and enhance the garlic butter sauce.

5. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the crockpot along with the garlic and seasonings.

Adjust the level of heat to your taste preferences.