🍋 Lemon Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Green Beans
Description
A rich yet balanced seafood dinner, this dish combines juicy lemon-butter glazed salmon and shrimp with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and tender, sautéed green beans. The result is a luxurious plate bursting with freshness, comfort, and indulgent flavor — perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion meal that feels gourmet but is easy to make at home.
🐟 Ingredients
For the Lemon Butter Salmon & Shrimp:
- 1 salmon fillet (~6 oz)
- 6–8 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra for juice)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 large russet or red potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
For the Sautéed Green Beans:
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- In a medium pot, boil diced potatoes in salted water for about 12–15 minutes, until fork-tender.
- In a small saucepan or skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant (do not brown).
- Drain potatoes, return them to the pot, and mash.
- Add the garlic butter, cream (or milk), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning; keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Lemon Butter Salmon & Shrimp
- Pat salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the salmon (skin side down, if applicable) and cook for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes, until opaque and golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add lemon slices and squeeze in extra lemon juice. Let the sauce bubble for 1–2 minutes.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Return salmon to the skillet briefly to coat with lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
Step 3: Sauté the Green Beans
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds.
- Toss in green beans and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until crisp-tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Plate
- Spoon a generous serving of garlic mashed potatoes onto a plate.
- Place the salmon fillet alongside and top with shrimp.
- Drizzle lemon butter sauce over everything.
- Serve with sautéed green beans on the side and a fresh lemon wedge.
💡 Chef’s Notes & Tips
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor; frozen works if thawed properly.
- Don’t overcook shrimp or salmon — they’re done when opaque and flaky.
- Add a splash of white wine to the lemon butter sauce for a restaurant-style touch.
- For extra creaminess in potatoes, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the lemon butter for a subtle kick.
- Substitute broccolini or asparagus for the green beans if preferred.
🍽️ Servings
- Makes 2 servings (each with salmon, shrimp, potatoes, and green beans).
🔢 Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Approximate values — may vary by ingredients used)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~580 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Cholesterol | 180 mg |
🌿 Health Benefits
- Salmon & Shrimp: Excellent sources of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health.
- Garlic: Boosts immunity and supports cardiovascular health.
- Olive Oil & Butter: Provide healthy fats and rich flavor.
- Green Beans: Packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, and K for digestion and skin health.
- Potatoes: Source of potassium and complex carbohydrates for energy.
❓ Q&A Section
Q1: Can I bake the salmon and shrimp instead of pan-searing?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes for the salmon, adding shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Q2: How can I make this dish lighter?
A: Use olive oil instead of butter in the sauce, and swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash.
Q3: Can I meal prep this recipe?
A: Yes. Store salmon, shrimp, and potatoes separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
Q4: What wine pairs best with this meal?
A: A crisp Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the lemon-butter seafood.
Q5: Can I add extra vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Roasted cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or spinach make excellent additions.