Looking for a quick, tasty dinner idea? Try my Garlic Butter Shrimp Potatoes Sheet Pan Delight! This dish mixes juicy shrimp and tender baby potatoes, all bathed in rich garlic butter. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze thanks to one pan! Let’s dive into the details of this delicious meal that you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, juiced and zested
The main ingredients form the base of this dish. Large shrimp give a sweet taste. Baby potatoes add heartiness and texture. Butter brings richness. Garlic adds a punch of flavor, while lemon brightens everything up.
Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings are key to enhancing the dish. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky taste. Dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Salt and pepper balance the flavors and bring everything together.
Garnish and Serving
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Garnishing adds a fresh touch. Chopped parsley makes the dish look vibrant. Lemon wedges offer a burst of extra flavor. They make each bite even more refreshing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Ingredients
– Preheat Oven: First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps cook everything evenly.
– Preparing Potatoes: Grab 1 pound of baby potatoes. Cut them in half. This size helps them cook fast.
Seasoning the Potatoes
– Mixing Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the halved potatoes with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
– Coating Potatoes: Stir everything well. This step ensures each potato gets the tasty mix.
Roasting Process
– Initial Roasting of Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in one layer on a large sheet pan. Roast them in the oven for 20 minutes. This makes them tender and nice.
– Adding Shrimp and Final Roasting: While the potatoes cook, toss 1 pound of shrimp with the remaining melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. After 20 minutes, take the pan out. Push the potatoes to one side. Pour the shrimp on the other side. Roast for another 8-10 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. The potatoes will be soft.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Shrimp Texture
To get shrimp just right, follow these tips. First, cook shrimp for 8-10 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. Watch closely, as shrimp cook fast. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and rubbery.
To avoid overcooking, pull the shrimp out as soon as they change color. If you see them curling tightly, stop cooking right away. Shrimp should be firm but tender.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
You can boost flavors easily. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. If you like a sweeter taste, mix in a bit of honey or brown sugar.
For more depth, consider marinating the shrimp. Use lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs to soak the shrimp for 30 minutes. This makes the shrimp even tastier.
Sheet Pan Best Practices
Using parchment paper helps with cleanup. It prevents sticking and makes serving easier. Lay it flat on the sheet pan before adding your food.
Proper spacing is key, too. Give shrimp and potatoes room to cook evenly. If ingredients crowd each other, they won’t brown nicely. Spread them out to achieve that perfect crisp.
Variations
Different Protein Options
Substituting Shrimp with Chicken
You can swap shrimp for chicken easily. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Follow the recipe as you would with shrimp. Chicken takes a bit longer to cook, so roast it for 20-25 minutes. Ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Vegetarian Alternatives
If you prefer a meat-free dish, try using tofu or chickpeas. Cut tofu into cubes and marinate it in the garlic butter mix. For chickpeas, use canned ones for ease. Drain and rinse them. Mix them with the same seasonings and toss them in the pan. Both options add protein while keeping it delicious.
Additional Vegetables
Incorporating Asparagus
Asparagus brings a fresh crunch. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces. Add it to the sheet pan alongside the potatoes. It cooks well at the same temperature and time. The bright green color adds both nutrition and visual appeal.
Adding Bell Peppers
Bell peppers add sweetness and color to the dish. Slice them into strips or chunks. Mix them with the potatoes before roasting. They will caramelize beautifully and enhance the flavors of the garlic butter.
Flavor Infusions
Using Different Seasonings
Feel free to get creative with seasonings. Try adding chili flakes for heat or Italian herbs for a twist. You can also use garlic powder if you want a different garlic flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite blend.
Experimenting with Citrus
Citrus fruits can brighten the dish. Besides lemon, try lime or orange juice. Zest adds a lovely aroma, too. Just replace the lemon with your chosen citrus. This small change can make a big difference in taste.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
– How Long It Lasts in the Fridge
You can store Garlic Butter Shrimp Potatoes in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the shrimp may lose flavor and texture.
– Proper Containers
Use an airtight container for best results. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the lid seals tightly to keep air out.
Reheating Instructions
– Best Methods for Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp and potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm.
– Maintaining Texture and Flavor
Cover the dish with foil while reheating. This keeps the shrimp moist and the potatoes tender. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it may make the shrimp rubbery.
Freezing Recommendations
– Compatibility with Freezing
You can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Potatoes for up to three months. However, the shrimp’s texture may change after freezing.
– Tips for Thawing
To thaw, place the dish in the fridge overnight. You can also use a microwave on the defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven to restore texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Cooking time may change a bit. If the shrimp are still icy, add a few more minutes to the cooking time. This helps them cook evenly. Always check for doneness before serving.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp & Potatoes?
This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some tasty options:
– Steamed broccoli
– Mixed green salad
– Garlic bread
– Rice or quinoa
– Grilled vegetables
These sides add color and balance to your meal. They also help soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Look for a few signs to know when shrimp are ready:
– The color changes to pink.
– They become opaque.
– The texture firms up.
Cooked shrimp should curl slightly but not be tight. If they look like a “C” shape, they are perfect. Always check a few to be sure. Enjoy your meal!
This recipe walks you through making Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes. Start with fresh shrimp, baby potatoes, garlic, and seasonings. Pan-roast them to get great flavor and texture. I shared tips on cooking shrimp right, storing leftovers, and even mixing it up with other proteins and veggies.
Enjoying this dish makes any meal special. Remember, cooking is all about exploring new flavors. Dive in and try different ideas to make it yours!
