If you’re craving a dish that feels comforting yet fresh, the Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant bowl brings together tender, garlicky shrimp sizzling in rich butter paired beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and bright green peas. It’s a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that’s effortless to make yet impressive enough to serve any day of the week. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a dish to share with family, this recipe guarantees smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering those comforting flavors, smooth textures, and fresh pops of color. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring this bowl of yumminess to life:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: These juicy shrimp cook quickly and soak up the garlicky butter perfectly.
- 4 tbsp butter (plus more for mashed potatoes): Butter is the hero that makes everything luscious and flavorful.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds that irresistible, aromatic punch which pairs so well with shrimp.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped: Potatoes provide the creamy base for the mash that’s both comforting and hearty.
- ¼ cup cream or milk: This keeps the mashed potatoes silky smooth and perfectly moist.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out every flavor in the dish.
- 1 cup green peas, steamed or blanched: Peas add a fresh burst of color and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the whole bowl beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Create Your Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling your peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender—about 15 to 20 minutes. Once drained, mash them with butter, cream (or milk), salt, and pepper until you achieve that perfect creamy consistency. This mash isn’t just a side; it’s the cozy, velvety foundation of your bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Bright Green Peas
While your potatoes are cooking, steam or blanch your green peas until they’re just tender but still brilliantly green. This step not only locks in their fresh flavor but ensures they add a delightful pop of texture and color to your bowl.
Step 3: Sear the Garlic Butter Shrimp
In a hot skillet, melt your butter and add the minced garlic, letting it cook just 30 seconds until fragrant. Quickly add your shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous pink and develop a slight crispness. The garlicky butter coats each shrimp with rich, mouthwatering flavor.
Step 4: Assemble Your Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe
Now comes the fun part—spoon your creamy mashed potatoes into serving bowls, layer the garlicky shrimp on top, and nestle the bright peas alongside. Drizzle the leftover garlic butter from the skillet over the bowl for an irresistible finish. Don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges for a fresh zing that pulls all the flavors together.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to take your Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe to the next level, consider topping it with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. These herbs add a lovely burst of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the richness of the butter and garlic perfectly.
Side Dishes
Although this bowl is a complete meal, pairing it with a crisp side salad or crusty garlic bread can add textural variety and make your meal feel extra special. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving your bowl in a rustic ceramic dish or a shallow bowl that showcases those vibrant greens and pink shrimp. Adding a small ramekin of extra garlic butter on the side invites guests to drizzle more as they please — it’s all about customization and that comforting experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the mashed potatoes, shrimp, and peas separately in airtight containers to maintain their best textures and flavors. Keep them refrigerated and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe freezes best when the mashed potatoes are stored separately. Shrimp tends to get rubbery when frozen and reheated, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh. Freeze the mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat mashed potatoes slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or butter to revive their creaminess. Gently warm peas in a steamer or microwave. For shrimp, a quick pan sauté with a little butter will bring back some of that fresh-cooked taste without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking so they cook evenly and retain their juicy texture.
Can I substitute the green peas with other vegetables?
Yes! Steamed broccoli, asparagus tips, or even sautéed spinach would be delicious alternatives that keep the bowl colorful and nutritious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the entire Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten.
How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
Adding a bit more butter and cream or milk while mashing will enhance creaminess. For an extra smooth texture, try passing the potatoes through a potato ricer before mashing.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they sear perfectly without overcrowding the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a quick, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. Its blend of buttery shrimp, creamy mash, and fresh peas is simple yet totally satisfying. I hope you give it a try soon and see how easily it transforms your dinner routine into something memorable and delicious.
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (serves 2–3)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Mash Bowl is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender seared shrimp in garlic butter served over creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant green peas. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients with easy cooking techniques to create a hearty and satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Garlic Butter
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter (plus more for mashed potatoes)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup cream or milk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Butter (additional for mashing, quantity as desired)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup green peas, steamed or blanched
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Boil and Mash Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well, then mash them with butter, cream or milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Peas: Steam or blanch the green peas until they are just tender and bright green, then set them aside to keep warm.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slightly crisp texture.
- Assemble the Bowl: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes into serving bowls. Top with the seared garlic butter shrimp and add the steamed peas. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the shrimp for extra flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative for lighter mashed potatoes.
- For an extra touch, add chopped fresh parsley or chives to the mashed potatoes.
- Adjust garlic quantity to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- To make this dish quicker, prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and gently reheat before serving.
