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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The key to making garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is having the right ingredients. You need large shrimp for a juicy bite. Potatoes are the base for the creamy side. Garlic gives a strong flavor that pairs well with shrimp. Heavy cream and butter make your mashed potatoes rich and smooth. Seasonings bring the dish to life. Paprika adds color and warmth. Lemon zest brightens the shrimp and adds freshness. Salt and pepper are essential for flavor. Finally, fresh parsley gives a pop of color and taste. Now, let’s get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to cook the potatoes. Grab four medium potatoes, peel and cube them. Place the cubes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when you poke them with a fork. Once done, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Next, you will make them creamy. Add half a cup of heavy cream, a quarter cup of unsalted butter, and some salt and pepper to taste. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. If you need to, adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Set the mashed potatoes aside while you prepare the shrimp. Now, it's time to cook the shrimp. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add four minced garlic cloves to the hot oil and sauté them for about one minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but be careful not to let it burn. After that, add one pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of paprika, one teaspoon of lemon zest, and some salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for three to four minutes. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Finish by squeezing the juice of one lemon over the shrimp. Toss everything together to combine the flavors. Once cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Now it’s time to plate your dish. Spoon a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Make a small well in the center of the potatoes for a nice presentation. Top the mashed potatoes with the garlic shrimp mixture. To add a pop of color and freshness, garnish each plate with chopped fresh parsley. For an extra touch, drizzle some of the shrimp cooking oil around the plate. Enjoy your Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes! Choosing the right potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They are starchy and creamy. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes. Tips for mashing: - Boil the cubed potatoes until they are very tender, about 15-20 minutes. - Drain them well before mashing. - Use a potato masher or a ricer for a smooth texture. - Add heavy cream and butter while mashing. This makes them rich and creamy. - Always taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper. Ensuring shrimp are cooked properly: Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet. They should turn pink and opaque in 3-4 minutes. - Avoid overcooking; they will become rubbery. - Stir occasionally for even cooking. Adjusting seasoning for taste: Start with salt, pepper, and paprika. Adjust based on your taste. - Add more lemon juice if you want a tangy flavor. - Fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the taste. Plating techniques: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto the plate first. - Create a well in the center for the shrimp. - It adds height and looks great! Enhancing visual appeal: Drizzle the shrimp cooking oil around the plate. - This adds color and flavor. - Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top. - It gives a fresh look and vibrant color. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp Matters: Always choose fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Perfectly Creamy Potatoes: For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher to achieve a smooth consistency. Garlic Timing: Add minced garlic to the oil just until fragrant; overcooking can lead to bitterness. Keep an eye on it! Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens the dish. Consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for an extra zing! {{image_2}} You can switch up the seafood in this dish. Instead of shrimp, try scallops or fish. Both options cook quickly and work well with garlic. You can also use crab meat for a sweet twist. If you want a vegetarian version, mushrooms are a great choice. Portobello or cremini mushrooms can add a rich flavor. Sauté them in the same way as shrimp for a hearty meal. Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes to the shrimp. This will give your dish a nice kick. Start with a pinch and adjust according to your taste. You can also enhance the dish with fresh herbs. Basil, cilantro, or thyme can add bright notes. Just chop them finely and sprinkle on top before serving. Pair this dish with sides like steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. Both will balance the richness of the mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For creative serving, use a bowl or a deep plate. Create a well in the mashed potatoes and place shrimp in the center. Drizzle some shrimp cooking oil around the dish for flair. It makes the plate look stunning and adds flavor. Store your garlic shrimp and mashed potatoes in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. They last about 3 days. Make sure they cool down before storing. This helps prevent sogginess. Label the containers with the date. This way, you know when to eat them. You can freeze leftovers for later meals. First, let the shrimp and potatoes cool completely. Then, place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. This keeps them from freezer burn. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat your garlic shrimp and mashed potatoes easily. For the shrimp, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently until heated through. For the mashed potatoes, use the microwave or stove. Add a splash of cream to keep them creamy. Heat them slowly and stir often. Enjoy your meal as if it were fresh! You can use several options if you need a heavy cream substitute. Here are some ideas: - Milk and butter: Mix 1/4 cup of melted butter with 3/4 cup of milk. - Greek yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt for a thick and creamy texture. - Coconut cream: This gives a rich flavor and is dairy-free. - Soy or almond milk: Use with a bit of cornstarch for thickness. These substitutes can change the taste slightly, so choose based on your preferences. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here’s how to do it: - Mashed potatoes: Make them a day prior. Store in the fridge in a sealed container. Reheat gently with a splash of milk. - Garlic shrimp: Cook them up to a few hours beforehand. Store in the fridge. Reheat carefully to avoid overcooking. This makes serving easy and quick! Shrimp cook quickly and are easy to check. Here are some signs: - Color change: They turn from gray to pink. - Texture: They should be firm and opaque. - Time: Typically, shrimp need about 3-4 minutes in the pan. When they look like this, they are ready to enjoy! This blog post detailed a simple, delicious dish featuring garlic shrimp and creamy mashed potatoes. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for the best results. Remember, using fresh ingredients improves flavor. Experiment with variations like different seafood or spices to suit your taste. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Enjoy the joy of cooking and sharing this meal with friends and family. With the right steps, you can make a dish worth repeating. Let your creativity shine in the kitchen, and happy cooking!

Garlic Shrimp Delight over Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A delicious dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon juice of

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: In a large pot, add the cubed potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
  • Make the Creamy Base: Add the heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and set aside.
  • Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Season the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, followed by paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
  • Finish with Lemon: Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to combine. Remove from heat once cooked through.
  • Serve: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto plates and top with the garlic shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.

Notes

Create a well in the center of the mashed potatoes before adding the shrimp for an appealing presentation.
Keyword garlic, mashed potatoes, shrimp