The Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe with Juicy Steak and Tender Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic mashed potatoes are a beloved side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal, and when paired with a juicy steak and tender garlic butter shrimp, they become a standout main course. This recipe combines three classic favorites into one indulgent, hearty meal that will impress any dinner guest or simply elevate a weeknight dinner. The richness of the creamy garlic mashed potatoes, the succulent steak, and the flavorful shrimp, all infused with the aromatic taste of garlic butter, come together for an unforgettable experience.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making the best garlic mashed potatoes, paired with a perfectly seared steak and shrimp sautéed in a savory garlic butter sauce. This dish is a true feast for the senses, balancing rich, buttery textures with savory, umami-packed flavors.
Ingredients for Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Juicy Steak, and Garlic Butter Shrimp
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed (adjust based on how garlicky you want it)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for richness)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup whole milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Juicy Steak:
- 2 ribeye steaks or filet mignon (about 6-8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for basting)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start with the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Begin by preparing the garlic mashed potatoes as they take the longest to cook.
Peel and Chop the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 2 inches in diameter. This ensures that they cook evenly. If you’re using Russets, you can leave the skin on for added texture.
Smash the Garlic: Peel and smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife. This will help release their oils and flavor during cooking.
Boil the Potatoes and Garlic: Place the chopped potatoes and smashed garlic into a large pot. Cover with cold water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and garlic, and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher, or for smoother potatoes, you can use a hand mixer or potato ricer.
Add Butter and Cream: Gradually mix in the butter, followed by the heavy cream. If you want an even creamier texture, add the optional whole milk. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once the potatoes are smooth and creamy, keep them warm while you cook the steak and shrimp.
2. Prepare the Juicy Steak
While the potatoes are cooking, it’s time to prepare the steak. For this recipe, ribeye or filet mignon are excellent choices due to their tenderness and rich flavor.
Season the Steak: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let the steaks come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Sear the Steak: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the pan is smoking hot, add the steaks. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
Baste with Butter and Herbs: Add the 2 tablespoons of butter, smashed garlic cloves, and sprigs of rosemary or thyme (if using) to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly to pool the butter, and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter. This will enhance the flavor and create a rich, flavorful crust.
Rest the Steak: Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
3. Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
While the steak is resting, you can prepare the shrimp. The shrimp are quick to cook, and they come together perfectly in the same garlic butter sauce.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Lemon Juice: Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the lemon juice and cook for another 30 seconds to incorporate the tangy flavor.
Garnish with Parsley: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
4. Assemble the Dish
Now that all the components are ready, it's time to plate the dish:
Plate the Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Spoon a generous portion of the creamy garlic mashed potatoes onto each plate. Spread them out to create a bed for the steak and shrimp.
Add the Juicy Steak: Place the rested steak on top of the mashed potatoes. You can either serve the steak whole or slice it for a more elegant presentation.
Top with Garlic Butter Shrimp: Arrange the garlic butter shrimp on top or beside the steak. Spoon any remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan over the shrimp for extra flavor.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added zing.
Tips for Perfecting Your Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Steak, and Shrimp
Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your steak. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C), for medium, 140°F (60°C), and for well-done, 160°F (71°C).
Butter for Shrimp: If you prefer an extra garlicky flavor in your shrimp, feel free to add more garlic or even a splash of white wine while cooking the shrimp. This will complement the buttery sauce and enhance the flavor profile.
Adjust the Creaminess: For even creamier mashed potatoes, feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream or butter to your taste. The key is to balance richness with texture.
Resting the Meat: Always allow your steak to rest after cooking. This simple step ensures it stays juicy and tender.
Garlic Variations: If you love garlic, you can roast some garlic along with the boiled garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor in your mashed potatoes. Additionally, consider using roasted garlic in the shrimp for a more nuanced garlic flavor.
Conclusion
This recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Juicy Steak, and Tender Garlic Butter Shrimp is a luxurious yet approachable dish that combines the best of land and sea. The creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly seared steak, and flavorful shrimp all come together in a dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion, a holiday, or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Rich, buttery, and full of flavor, this meal offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.