Description
This Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil combines tender shrimp, smoky bites of smoked turkey bacon, sweet corn, and hearty baby red potatoes in a flavorful one-pot dish. Slow cooking infuses every ingredient with rich, mouthwatering flavors, creating an effortless and delicious meal perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 8 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1.5 lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs baby red potatoes, rinsed and halved
- 2 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (natural)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent dissolved in 2 tbsp water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse and halve the baby red potatoes for even cooking. Husk the corn and cut it into 2-inch pieces. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped smoked turkey bacon until crispy, releasing smoky oil. Transfer the crispy bacon and drippings to the slow cooker.
- Layer vegetables and seasonings: Add the halved potatoes, corn chunks, garlic cloves, bay leaves, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Pour in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar for balanced flavor.
- Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This allows the potatoes to soften, corn to sweeten, and spices to meld.
- Add shrimp and finishing touches: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the shrimp and the dissolved natural gelling agent to lightly thicken the broth. Add lemon juice and zest, cover, and cook until shrimp turn pink and firm, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove bay leaves, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve directly from the pot for a comforting communal meal experience.
Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Cut potatoes evenly for uniform cooking and to avoid mushy or undercooked pieces.
- Add shrimp last to prevent rubbery texture from overcooking.
- Reserve some crispy smoked turkey bacon to sprinkle on top as garnish for extra crunch.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil, Shrimp Boil, Seafood, One-Pot Meal, Slow Cooker Recipe, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free