Garlic Shrimp Potatoes – A Simple, Savoury Skillet Meal Loaded With Comfort

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Potatoes is the kind of dish that feels rustic yet indulgent, bringing together golden, crisp potatoes and tender shrimp coated in aromatic garlic butter. It is uncomplicated, filling, and deeply satisfying, ideal for evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The balance between the buttery garlic sauce and the natural sweetness of shrimp makes this recipe stand out. The potatoes add a grounding, comforting element, soaking up the flavours beautifully. I especially like how flexible the preparation is—whether you pan-fry the potatoes until crisp or roast them to deepen the flavour, the final dish still comes together seamlessly. I tried this once using smoked paprika in the butter, and it added a warm, mellow undertone that paired wonderfully with the shrimp. This is the kind of reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll turn to repeatedly.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly and bring a naturally sweet, delicate flavour that pairs perfectly with rich garlic butter.

Potatoes

Potatoes provide a hearty base with crisp edges and a soft, fluffy centre. They soak up the buttery garlic sauce, making each bite savoury and comforting.

Butter

Butter binds the flavours together, creating a velvety coating that enhances both shrimp and potatoes.

Garlic

Fresh minced garlic adds bold aroma and flavour, becoming the dominant but balanced note in the dish.

Olive oil

Used primarily for cooking the potatoes, olive oil helps develop golden crispness without burning.

Lemon juice

A small splash brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the butter.

Paprika

Adds mild warmth and colour. Smoked paprika works beautifully if you want deeper flavour.

Parsley

Fresh parsley adds brightness and a pop of colour at the end.

Salt and black pepper

Essential for seasoning each component properly so the flavours remain balanced.

Directions

Begin by preparing the potatoes. Cut them into small cubes to ensure even cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the potatoes, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until they are crisp on the outside and fork-tender on the inside, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the potatoes are golden, transfer them to a plate.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and tender. Return the potatoes to the skillet, tossing gently to combine them with the garlic butter and shrimp. Add a splash of lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. I once tried adding a pat of extra butter at the end for a silkier finish, and it worked beautifully.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people
Preparation time: about 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: approximately 30–35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a small amount of butter or oil to revive the potatoes and prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as shrimp can overcook quickly.

Variations and Customizations

Lemon-Herb Shrimp Potatoes

Add extra lemon zest and fresh dill for a brighter, herbal profile.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for gentle heat.

Roasted Potato Version

Roast the potatoes in the oven before combining them with the shrimp for deeper flavour and crispness.

Cajun-Style Twist

Season the shrimp with Cajun spice to add bold, smoky heat.

Creamy Garlic Sauce

Add a splash of cream to the skillet before returning the potatoes for a velvety finish.

Parmesan Finish

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the dish just before serving for added richness.

Mediterranean Variation

Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and a pinch of oregano for a Mediterranean touch.

Lemon-Butter Shrimp Potatoes

Increase the butter and lemon ratio to create a more pronounced sauce.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Fold in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added vegetables and colour.

Paprika-Butter Potatoes

Melt butter with paprika and pour over the potatoes before serving for smoky warmth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

What type of potatoes work best?

Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and crisp nicely.

Should I peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional; the skins add flavour and texture.

Can I bake the entire dish instead of using a skillet?

You can roast the potatoes, then add the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.

How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook them just until pink and opaque; overcooking leads to toughness.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers work well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use olive oil instead of butter. I tried this once, and the dish remained flavourful though lighter.

Conclusion

Garlic Shrimp Potatoes is a dependable, flavour-forward recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying, comforting meal. With crisp potatoes, tender shrimp, and an aromatic garlic butter sauce, every bite offers warmth and richness. Whether you follow the classic method or experiment with your own variations, this dish fits beautifully into weeknight rotations and relaxed weekend cooking alike.

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