Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $18.28 total, $4.57 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined (13‑15 count per pound, thawed if frozen)
- 1.5 pounds Small Potatoes (baby potatoes) (Halved if large, par‑boiled)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Divided, for sautéing)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Divided, for flavor and sauce)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely diced)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Flat‑Leaf Parsley (Leaves and stems, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cedar Wood Seafood Seasoning (Provides citrus‑smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic & Herb Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Plus extra for potatoes)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (Low‑sodium)
- 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (Minced)
- 1 large Lemon (Zest and juice)
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Chili Flakes (Optional for heat)
Instructions
Par‑boil the potatoes
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then add the potatoes. Cook 10‑12 minutes until just tender.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Boiling
Prepare shrimp seasoning
Pat shrimp dry, drizzle with a little oil, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cedar wood seafood seasoning, and garlic‑herb seasoning. Toss to coat.
Time: PT3M
Chop parsley
Rinse parsley, remove stems, then finely chop leaves and stems together. Set aside.
Time: PT2M
Sauté onions
Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Toast potatoes in the pan
Drain par‑boiled potatoes, add them to the skillet with the onions. Season with additional salt, pepper, and garlic‑herb seasoning. Add a splash of oil if pan looks dry and fry until potatoes are golden and crisp.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium
Set potatoes aside
Transfer the toasted potatoes to a plate and keep warm.
Time: PT1M
Cook shrimp
Add another 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and about halfway done.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium
Make lemon‑garlic butter sauce
To the shrimp, add the remaining butter, chicken broth, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Reduce heat to low and let simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Finish the dish
Stir in crushed red chili flakes and half of the chopped parsley. Return the toasted potatoes to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook another 2 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and potatoes are reheated. Garnish with remaining parsley.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Serve
Plate the shrimp and potatoes, drizzle any remaining sauce over the top, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Pescatarian
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Scallops, Firm white fish fillets
- Instead of Small Potatoes (baby potatoes): Yukon Gold potatoes, Red potatoes
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, ghee
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, leek
- Instead of Fresh Flat‑Leaf Parsley: Italian curly parsley, cilantro
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika, chipotle powder
- Instead of Cedar Wood Seafood Seasoning: Lemon pepper seasoning, Old Bay
- Instead of Garlic & Herb Seasoning: Italian seasoning, herbes de Provence
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, sea salt
- Instead of Ground Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Lemon: Lime, lemon juice only
- Instead of Crushed Red Chili Flakes: Cayenne pepper, hot sauce
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Microplane Zester (optional)
- Lemon Squeezer (optional)
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Plate
- Lid for Skillet (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Par‑boiling potatoes until just tender
- Ensuring shrimp are not overcooked (2 min per side)
- Creating a smooth lemon‑garlic butter sauce without boiling
- Crisping the potatoes after they are seasoned
Chef Tips from the Video
- Zest the lemon before juicing to capture maximum flavor.
- Use fresh parsley stems for extra green seasoning (saito).
- Add a splash of extra butter at the end for a glossy finish.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes are soggy instead of crispy.
Make sure the skillet is hot before adding potatoes and avoid crowding; finish with a lid for 2 minutes then uncover to crisp.
Shrimp become rubbery.
Cook shrimp only 2 minutes per side until pink; they will finish cooking in the sauce.
Sauce is too thin.
Increase simmer time on low heat to reduce, or add an extra teaspoon of butter to emulsify.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of shrimp and potatoes may degrade.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Par‑boil potatoes a day ahead and store in the fridge; re‑heat and crisp before serving.
- Season shrimp and keep refrigerated; add to pan just before cooking.
- The lemon‑garlic butter sauce can be prepared up to 30 minutes ahead; keep warm on low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes in American comfort food cuisine?
Garlic butter shrimp paired with buttery potatoes is a modern American comfort dish that blends classic seafood sauté techniques with the home‑style love for buttery potatoes. It reflects the American tradition of quick, one‑pan meals that can serve any daypart, from brunch to dinner.
What are the traditional regional variations of garlic butter shrimp and potatoes within United States cuisine?
In the Southern U.S., the dish often features Cajun seasoning and cornmeal‑coated shrimp, while West Coast versions may add avocado or fresh herbs like cilantro. In the Northeast, lemon and dill are common additions, giving a brighter flavor profile.
How is Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the skillet, sometimes over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to mop up the buttery sauce. A simple green salad or steamed asparagus often accompanies the dish for balance.
What occasions or celebrations is Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes traditionally associated with in American culture?
Because it’s quick yet elegant, the dish is popular for weekend brunches, casual family dinners, and even holiday gatherings where a seafood element adds a touch of festivity without extensive prep.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes versus acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include large shrimp, fresh lemon zest, garlic‑herb seasoning, and butter. Substitutes can include scallops for shrimp, Yukon Gold potatoes for baby potatoes, and lemon juice in place of fresh zest, though the flavor depth changes slightly.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes at home?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery, and overcrowding the pan, which prevents potatoes from crisping. Also, boiling the sauce instead of simmering can cause the butter to separate.
Why does this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes recipe use a low simmer for the sauce instead of a high boil?
A low simmer gently melds the butter, lemon, and broth without breaking the emulsion. Boiling would cause the butter to separate, resulting in a greasy, uneven sauce.
Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Par‑boil and refrigerate the potatoes, season the shrimp and keep them chilled, and prepare the sauce up to 30 minutes ahead. Reheat the skillet on medium, add the potatoes back, and finish cooking the shrimp before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes is done?
The potatoes should be golden‑brown and crisp on the edges while still tender inside. Shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly curled, with a glossy lemon‑garlic butter sauce coating everything.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Tammy specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cooking with Tammy focuses on quick, versatile home‑cooked meals that can transition between breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, often highlighting flavorful sauces and one‑pan techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Tammy's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Cooking with Tammy emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, bold seasoning combos like cedar wood seafood seasoning, and step‑by‑step explanations that encourage home cooks to experiment while keeping dishes approachable and fast.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
