If you are craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, comfort, and a pop of vibrant color, the Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines buttery, garlicky shrimp with creamy mashed potatoes and bright green peas to create a bowl that feels indulgent but balanced at the same time. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner yet impressive enough for when you want to treat yourself or loved ones to something truly special. The mix of textures and rich flavors truly makes this dish a standout in any recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of simple, fresh ingredients come together to make this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe shine. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding creamy smoothness, a burst of garlicky richness, or vibrant color and freshness.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, tender and quick to cook for that perfect sear.
- 4 tbsp butter (plus more for mashed potatoes): Essential for that luscious, creamy texture and deep garlic flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides the punchy, aromatic base that infuses the shrimp and butter.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped: The creamy comfort foundation for this bowl, mashed to silky perfection.
- ¼ cup cream or milk (for mashed potatoes): Adds richness and helps achieve a smooth, fluffy mash.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every component without overshadowing.
- 1 cup green peas (steamed or blanched): A fresh, sweet pop of green that adds color and a slight crunch.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: When squeezed over the finished bowl, the citrus balances the richness beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling the chopped potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. The salt in the water seasons the potatoes from within, which is key for flavorful mashed potatoes. After draining, mash them with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until you get a smooth, creamy texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Peas
While the potatoes are boiling, steam or blanch your peas just until they turn bright green and tender. This quick cooking keeps their vibrant color and sweet snap intact, providing a nice contrast to the creamy potatoes and succulent shrimp.
Step 3: Sear the Garlic Butter Shrimp
In a hot skillet, melt your butter and toss in the minced garlic. Let it stir until fragrant but not browned—only about 30 seconds. Then add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear each side for about 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and develop a slight crispiness on the edges. This step infuses the shrimp with that irresistible garlicky butter flavor, making every bite divine.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl
It’s bowl time! Spoon a generous amount of mashed potatoes into each bowl, layer the garlicky shrimp on top, scatter the peas around, and drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the skillet over everything. Add lemon wedges for squeezing, which brightens and finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a subtle herbal note that complements the richness, while a dusting of cracked black pepper introduces a bit more heat. Lemon wedges are a must, lending an uplifting acidity to every forkful.
Side Dishes
This vibrant bowl stands well on its own but serves wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad or crusty artisan bread that’s perfect for soaking up any extra garlic butter. A light cucumber salad with dill balances the heaviness with cool freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner guests, try serving the components separately so everyone can build their own bowls—the mashed potatoes as a base, shrimp arranged artfully, and a small bowl of peas on the side. Alternatively, use colorful ceramic bowls to make the greens and buttery tones really pop, turning mealtime into an experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe components can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp separate from the mash and peas if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes freeze well, shrimp tends to lose texture when frozen and reheated. For best results, freeze only the mashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat mashed potatoes with a splash of cream or milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring to restore creaminess. Warm the shrimp quickly in a skillet or microwave just until heated through to avoid rubberiness. Reheat peas briefly to retain their snap.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to achieve that perfect sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What can I substitute for cream in the mashed potatoes?
Milk, half-and-half, or even a dollop of sour cream works well. Adjust the quantity to get the consistency you prefer—smooth and creamy is the goal!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap regular butter for a dairy-free alternative or olive oil, and use a plant-based milk for the mash. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp cook very quickly—when they turn pink and opaque with slightly curled tails, they are ready. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep a close eye!
Can I add other vegetables to the mash bowl?
Definitely! Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or even caramelized onions can add exciting layers of flavor and texture to this dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and joyful about the Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a warm embrace after a long day, yet it’s fresh and bright enough to satisfy any seafood lover’s cravings. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and make it a new favorite in your rotation—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl featuring succulent seared shrimp, creamy mashed potatoes, and tender green peas, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Garlic Butter
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter (plus more for mashed potatoes)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup cream or milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup green peas (steamed or blanched)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes: In a large pot, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot for mashing.
- Mash the potatoes: Add butter, cream or milk, salt, and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Prepare the peas: Steam or blanch the green peas until they are just tender and bright green. Set aside for assembling later.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat butter in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink with a slight crispness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the bowl: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes into serving bowls, top with the seared garlic butter shrimp, drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top, and add the steamed peas. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrus finish.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for quicker cooking and better texture.
- For extra creaminess, add more butter or cream to the mashed potatoes.
- Adjust garlic amount based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- To save time, use frozen peas that are already blanched.
- Lemon wedges add a nice bright acidity that balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
