A rich and satisfying seafood dinner, this Lemon Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Green Beans brings comfort and freshness together on one elegant plate. With buttery seafood, creamy potatoes, and crisp-tender green beans, it’s a restaurant-quality meal made right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a complete dinner that looks and tastes impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. The buttery lemon sauce infuses the salmon and shrimp with brightness and richness, while the creamy mashed potatoes and garlicky green beans provide the perfect comforting sides. It’s ideal for a cozy night in, date night, or any time you want to elevate your dinner without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lemon Butter Salmon & Shrimp:

• 1 salmon fillet (~6 oz)

• 6–8 large shrimp, peeled and 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 and black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for color)

For the 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 and 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 and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prep the Potatoes
   Boil diced potatoes in salted water for about 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with butter, garlic, cream (or milk), salt, and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.

2. Cook the Green Beans
   Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add trimmed green beans and sauté for 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender. Add garlic during the last 2 minutes and season to taste.

3. Sear the Salmon
   Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Shrimp & Make the Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic with lemon slices for 1–2 minutes. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley.

5. Assemble & Serve
   Spoon mashed potatoes onto the plate, top with shrimp, add the salmon and lemon slices, and serve with sautéed green beans on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Creamy Sauce Twist: Add a splash of heavy cream to the lemon butter sauce for a richer flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add a touch of cayenne to the shrimp.

• Vegetable Swap: Substitute asparagus or roasted broccoli for green beans.

• Low-Carb Option: Use mashed cauliflower in place of potatoes.

• Grilled Version: Grill the salmon and shrimp for a smoky, charred finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep components (seafood, potatoes, and vegetables) separate if possible.

Reheating:

• Reheat the salmon and shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid overcooking.

• Mashed potatoes can be reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

• Green beans reheat well in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure even searing.

What type of salmon works best?

Fresh Atlantic or wild-caught salmon fillets are ideal. Skin-on fillets sear well and hold their shape.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the mashed potatoes and green beans ahead, but seafood is best cooked fresh for the best texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels if using store-bought seasonings or butter.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk or cream alternatives in the mashed potatoes and sauce.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the lemon butter flavors beautifully.

Can I bake the salmon instead of searing it?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes depending on thickness.

What’s a good substitute for parsley?

Chopped fresh dill or chives make excellent substitutes for parsley in seafood dishes.

Can I add more vegetables to the plate?

Absolutely. Roasted carrots, asparagus, or even a simple side salad would pair well.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Green Beans is a flavorful, elegant dinner that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and fresh, vibrant flavors—ideal for both casual nights in and special occasions. Once you try this, it just might become a staple in your seafood rotation.