Shrimp and potatoes are a perfect combination of savory, crispy, and hearty flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy comfort meal, or a bold Cajun-style dish, this recipe is versatile, filling, and easy to customize.
One of the best things about this dish is the variety of ways to prepare it—you can roast, pan-fry, or boil the potatoes for different textures, while the shrimp can be grilled, sautéed, or baked to complement the flavors. With the right seasonings, you can make a garlic butter version, a spicy Cajun twist, or a creamy indulgent dish.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The best potatoes to use for texture and flavor
✅ How to cook shrimp and potatoes perfectly
✅ Delicious variations like garlic butter, Cajun spice, and lemon herb
✅ Pro tips for making the best shrimp and potatoes meal
This dish is simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to favorite for any occasion!
Ingredients for Shrimp and Potatoes
To make a delicious and well-balanced shrimp and potatoes dish, you’ll need fresh shrimp, hearty potatoes, and flavorful seasonings.
Essential Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Juice of ½ lemon (adds freshness)
For the Potatoes:
- 1½ pounds potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Optional Add-Ins for More Flavor:
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (adds sweetness and color)
- ½ small onion, sliced (enhances savory depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for extra aroma)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (for a cheesy finish)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Best Potatoes to Use
Not sure which potatoes to choose? Here’s a breakdown:
- Russet potatoes – Best for crispy roasted potatoes.
- Yukon Gold potatoes – Creamy texture, great for pan-frying.
- Red potatoes – Hold their shape well, ideal for roasting.
- Baby potatoes – Naturally tender and perfect for quick cooking.
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to how to cook shrimp and potatoes perfectly!
How to Make Shrimp and Potatoes
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step process to cook crispy, flavorful potatoes and perfectly seasoned shrimp for a delicious meal.
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
- Clean the Shrimp:
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for 10–15 minutes.
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice.
- Set aside while preparing the potatoes.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and cut 1½ pounds of potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Cooking the Potatoes
- Roasting Method (Crispy & Flavorful):
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Pan-Frying Method (Quick & Crispy):
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and tender.
🔥 Tip: If using baby potatoes, boil them for 5 minutes before pan-frying to speed up cooking!
Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp
- Heat the Pan:
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
🔥 Tip: Don’t overcook shrimp—they should be tender and juicy, not rubbery!
Step 4: Combining Everything
- Toss the Shrimp and Potatoes Together:
- In the same pan as the shrimp, add the cooked potatoes and toss everything together for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
- If using garlic or onions, sauté them for 30 seconds before mixing.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, green onions, or parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing finish.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve Shrimp and Potatoes with:
🍚 Steamed rice – For a more filling meal.
🥗 A fresh side salad – Balances the richness.
🥖 Crusty garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up flavors.
🌽 Grilled vegetables – A great healthy addition.
Your crispy, savory, and delicious Shrimp and Potatoes are now ready to enjoy! Would you like me to continue with delicious variations of this dish?
Variations of Shrimp and Potatoes
Shrimp and potatoes is a versatile dish, and you can easily customize it with different flavors, spices, and sauces. Here are some delicious variations to try!
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Potatoes 🧄🧈
For a rich, buttery, and savory twist, try this variation!
How to Make It:
- Replace olive oil with 3 tablespoons butter for a deeper flavor.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the shrimp while cooking.
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving.
🧄 Best Served With: Garlic bread or roasted asparagus!
2. Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Potatoes 🌶️
If you love bold, spicy flavors, this Cajun-inspired version is a must-try!
How to Make It:
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Add sliced andouille sausage for a Louisiana-style dish.
- Drizzle with hot sauce or sriracha for extra heat.
🔥 Best Served With: Corn on the cob or coleslaw!
3. Lemon Herb Shrimp and Potatoes 🍋🌿
For a light and refreshing flavor, this lemony version is perfect.
How to Make It:
- Toss the shrimp and potatoes with fresh lemon zest and juice.
- Add chopped parsley, basil, or thyme for an herby touch.
- Drizzle with a little honey or balsamic glaze for extra depth.
🍋 Best Served With: A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables!
4. Shrimp and Potatoes in Creamy Sauce 🥛
Want something rich and indulgent? Try this creamy version!
How to Make It:
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated parmesan to make a creamy sauce.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra texture.
- Use white wine or chicken broth for added depth of flavor.
🥄 Best Served With: Pasta or crusty French bread!
5. Shrimp and Sweet Potatoes 🍠
For a healthier, slightly sweet twist, swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes!
How to Make It:
- Roast sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
- Add a touch of cinnamon and smoked paprika for balance.
- Finish with crushed pecans or walnuts for a crunchy topping.
🍠 Best Served With: A fresh avocado salad!
Each of these variations adds a unique twist to classic Shrimp and Potatoes.
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Potatoes
To make restaurant-quality shrimp and potatoes, follow these pro tips for perfect texture, seasoning, and flavor balance!
1. Choosing the Right Potatoes 🥔
- Russet potatoes – Best for crispy roasted potatoes.
- Yukon Gold potatoes – Creamy and great for pan-frying.
- Red potatoes – Hold their shape well, perfect for roasting or boiling.
- Baby potatoes – Naturally tender, great for a quick cook.
🔥 Tip: Cut potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly!
2. How to Get Crispy Potatoes
- Pat potatoes dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
- Use high heat – Roast at 400°F (200°C) or pan-fry over medium-high heat.
- Toss in butter after cooking for extra crispiness and flavor.
🔥 Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry before cooking!
3. Cooking Shrimp Perfectly 🦐
- Use large shrimp (16/20 count) – They stay juicy and don’t overcook quickly.
- Cook shrimp for only 1–2 minutes per side – Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery.
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning – Helps them brown better in the pan.
🔥 Tip: Add shrimp last so they don’t sit in the pan too long and overcook!
4. Best Seasonings for Maximum Flavor
- Garlic and onion powder – Adds a deep, savory taste.
- Smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning – Perfect for bold flavors.
- Italian seasoning or fresh herbs – Brings a refreshing balance.
- Lemon juice or balsamic glaze – Enhances flavors and cuts richness.
🔥 Tip: Toss potatoes with parmesan cheese after cooking for extra umami flavor!
5. What to Serve with Shrimp and Potatoes
This dish pairs well with:
🍚 Steamed rice – For a more filling meal.
🥗 A fresh side salad – Balances the richness.
🥖 Crusty garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up flavors.
🌽 Grilled vegetables – A great healthy addition.
By following these tips, you’ll get crispy, flavorful potatoes and juicy shrimp every time!
FAQs About Shrimp and Potatoes
Here are answers to common questions to help you perfect your Shrimp and Potatoes every time!
1. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them properly:
- Place shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes.
- Drain and pat dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
🔥 Tip: Never use warm water to thaw shrimp—it can make them mushy.
2. What’s the Best Way to Cook Potatoes for This Dish?
- Roasting (Best for Crispy Texture) – Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Pan-Frying (Quick & Crispy) – Cook over medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes.
- Boiling (Soft & Tender) – Boil for 10–12 minutes, then sauté for extra flavor.
🔥 Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry before cooking!
3. Can I Make Shrimp and Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! Here’s how to store and reheat:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat potatoes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
- Reheat shrimp separately in a pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes to avoid overcooking.
4. Can I Make This Dish Low-Carb?
Yes! Swap regular potatoes for:
- Cauliflower florets – Roasted or mashed.
- Sweet potatoes – Lower glycemic index and extra nutrients.
- Turnips or radishes – A great keto-friendly alternative.
🔥 Tip: Use butter or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for a low-carb, high-fat version!
5. What Can I Serve with Shrimp and Potatoes?
This dish pairs well with:
- Corn on the cob – Great with Cajun seasoning.
- Steamed asparagus or broccoli – Adds freshness.
- Garlic butter dinner rolls – Perfect for dipping into sauces.
- A light lemon vinaigrette salad – Balances the dish.
These FAQs should help you customize and perfect your Shrimp and Potatoes.
Conclusion
Shrimp and potatoes is a hearty, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer crispy roasted potatoes, creamy garlic butter shrimp, or a spicy Cajun twist, this recipe is easy to customize and always satisfying.
To make the best Shrimp and Potatoes, remember:
✅ Choose the right potatoes – Russet for crispiness, Yukon Gold for creaminess.
✅ Roast or pan-fry potatoes for the best texture.
✅ Don’t overcook shrimp – 1–2 minutes per side is all they need!
✅ Experiment with variations like garlic butter, Cajun spice, or lemon herb.
This dish pairs well with rice, salads, roasted veggies, or garlic bread, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Now that you have a step-by-step guide, it’s time to grab your ingredients and enjoy a delicious homemade Shrimp and Potatoes dish!