Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring succulent garlic butter shrimp served atop creamy, perfectly mashed potatoes, making for an elegant yet easy-to-prepare meal.
Equipment
- large pot
- potato masher
- large pan
- paper towels
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic chopped very fine
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil salted 1-inch potato pieces for 15-20 minutes until tender, then drain and return to the hot pot to dry. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste; keep warm.
Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Season dried shrimp with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a pan, add garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink, then remove from heat and stir in parsley and lemon juice.
Serve
- Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately over the warm mashed potatoes, garnishing with extra fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, ensure potatoes are thoroughly drained and dried before mashing to achieve a creamy texture. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery; cook just until pink and opaque.