Lemon Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Green Beans

Lemon Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Green Beans is the kind of dish that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience. This meal brings together three components that work in perfect harmony: rich, flaky salmon infused with bright lemon butter, juicy shrimp cooked in aromatic garlic, velvety mashed potatoes that deliver comforting depth, and crisp-tender green beans that balance the plate with texture and freshness. Whether you’re preparing a celebratory meal for one or serving guests, this dish captures the essence of elegance without excessive effort.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its thoughtful layering of flavors. The salmon delivers a buttery richness complemented by a splash of lemon that lifts the palate, while the shrimp absorbs the garlic-lemon pan sauce, creating a balanced brightness that never overwhelms. The garlic mashed potatoes provide a luxurious, smooth foundation for the seafood, offering an earthy contrast that ties the dish together. To complete the plate, the sautéed green beans offer crispness and a mild vegetal sweetness, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy.
Despite its upscale presentation, this recipe is straightforward and achievable for cooks of any skill level. With only one skillet required for both the salmon and shrimp, minimal prep work, and an intuitive sequence of steps, it is easy to execute without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, the entire dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for nights when you want something satisfying, impressive, and comforting without committing to a lengthy cooking process.
From the golden-seared salmon to the velvety mashed potatoes and fragrant shrimp, every bite offers a blend of textures and aromas that bring warmth and satisfaction. This dish is ideal for date nights, holiday meals, or indulgent personal dinners—an elevated plate designed to delight. The following guide breaks down each component in detail, ensuring your final result is both visually stunning and delicious.

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
1/2 tsp paprika (optional for color)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
2 large russet or red potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Sautéed Green Beans:
1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 1 generous plate
Calories: ~750–850 kcal

Preparation Method

Step 1 – Prep the Potatoes

Begin by preparing the base of your plate: the garlic mashed potatoes. Peel and dice 2 large potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Add them to a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to break apart easily with a fork. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water, which ensures your mash stays creamy rather than watery. Return the potatoes to the pot, add 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover to keep warm.

Step 2 – Cook the Green Beans

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the trimmed green beans and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The goal is crisp-tender, not mushy. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 1 minced garlic clove to develop flavor without burning it. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the green beans to a plate and keep warm. This quick sauté process maintains the vegetable’s natural bite and contributes a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the seafood and potatoes.

Step 3 – Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillet dry with a paper towel to help achieve a clean sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika if using. Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and rich color but is optional. Allow the fish to sit for a minute or two to let the seasoning absorb while you heat the skillet.

Step 4 – Sear the Salmon

In the same skillet you used for the green beans, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the salmon skin-side down. Sear for 4–5 minutes without moving it—this helps create a beautifully crisp edge while locking in moisture. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until flaky and opaque. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. The pan’s residual fond will become the base of your lemon butter sauce.

Step 5 – Start the Lemon Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat slightly and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. As it melts, use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the salmon—these contribute depth and umami to the sauce. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 6 – Add the Lemon

Add the lemon slices to the bubbling butter and sauté them briefly, allowing the natural oils in the peel to perfume the sauce. This step infuses citrusy brightness directly into the butter. Squeeze in a small amount of fresh lemon juice—enough to brighten the sauce without overwhelming it. Lemon pairs beautifully with both shrimp and salmon, enhancing their natural flavors.

Step 7 – Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan, spreading them out so they cook evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so take care not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. As they cook, they absorb the lemon garlic butter, creating a luxurious flavor that complements the salmon.

Step 8 – Add Herbs and Finish the Sauce

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley into the pan, giving the sauce a fresh herbal finish. Stir gently to coat the shrimp and lemon slices. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice as needed. The finished sauce should be glossy, aromatic, and balanced between buttery richness and citrus brightness.

Step 9 – Assemble the Plate

Begin plating by placing a generous portion of garlic mashed potatoes onto the plate. Arrange the shrimp gracefully over the top. Add the seared salmon beside the potatoes and spoon a few lemon slices on top for visual appeal. Add the sautéed green beans along the side, creating a balanced and colorful presentation. The dish should feel both hearty and refined.

Step 10 – Drizzle and Serve

Finish by spooning the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over the shrimp, salmon, and potatoes. Garnish with additional parsley or lemon if desired. The final result is a beautifully composed plate with bright, contrasting colors and rich, satisfying flavors perfect for a one-person gourmet meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute the salmon with another type of fish?
Yes. Cod, halibut, trout, or sea bass all work well in this recipe.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

3. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the mashed potatoes.

4. Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

5. What can I use instead of green beans?
Asparagus, broccoli, or sautéed spinach pair well with the lemon butter sauce.

6. How do I keep salmon from overcooking?
Remove it from the heat when the center is slightly translucent; it continues cooking as it rests.

7. Can I add spices to the shrimp?
Smoked paprika, chili flakes, or Cajun seasoning make great additions.

8. Can I bake the salmon instead of searing it?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes.

9. Are red potatoes or russet potatoes better for this recipe?
Russets give fluffier mashed potatoes, while red potatoes provide a creamier texture.

10. How long does the dish store?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently for best texture.

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Conclusion

Lemon Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Green Beans is a complete, elevated meal that balances richness, freshness, and comfort. Each component contributes something essential: the seafood offers brightness and depth from the lemon butter, the mashed potatoes deliver creamy warmth, and the green beans introduce satisfying texture. This combination creates a harmonious plate that feels luxurious without requiring complicated techniques.
This dish demonstrates how a few simple ingredients—lemon, garlic, butter, and fresh herbs—can elevate basic proteins and vegetables into something truly memorable. Whether you are preparing dinner for yourself or presenting a special meal to someone else, this plate delivers restaurant-quality flavors while remaining accessible for everyday cooking. Quick to prepare, visually stunning, and deeply flavorful, it is a recipe you will return to again and again.