Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe
Oh, this Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe is one of those meals that never disappoints. It’s bright, fresh, and just a little bit indulgent, perfect for when you want something quick but also feel like you’re treating yourself. I love how the tangy lemon elevates the shrimp while the baked potatoes add that hearty comfort. It’s a meal that suits casual weeknights but can easily impress if you’re entertaining.
Whenever I’m in the mood for something that feels light yet filling, this Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe is my go-to. The combination is simple, but the flavors really pop — plus, it’s straightforward to make without spending too much time prepping. I think you’ll find it equally satisfying and refreshing, especially when life’s busy and you want a home-cooked meal that’s fuss-free but full of personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are what make this dish shine together — fresh shrimp kissed with lemon and garlic, paired with comforting baked potatoes that soak up every bit of flavor. When shopping, aim for the freshest shrimp you can find, and pick firm potatoes for baking.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp make cooking quicker and easier—totally worth buying them ready-to-go.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps the shrimp stay juicy during cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the dish that savory punch—no substitutes for the real thing here.
- Lemon zest: This adds a fragrant, citrusy brightness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed is best—it brings acidity that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Fundamentals—season to taste for the best flavor.
- Potatoes: Medium-sized and diced evenly; I prefer Yukon Gold for their creamy texture after baking.
- Jalapeño: Adds a subtle kick that pairs wonderfully with the lemon—optional but highly recommended.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for a salty, tangy finish that elevates the dish.
- Green onions: Freshly sliced, they add crunch and a mild onion flavor as garnish.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe to keep it exciting. Don’t be afraid to tweak it based on what you love or what’s in season—you’ll end up making it your own favorite in no time.
- Spicy variation: I’ve added crushed red pepper flakes or swapped jalapeño for serrano peppers to dial up the heat when I’m craving something bolder.
- Herb twist: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill stirred in at the end add a burst of freshness that’s really lovely for spring and summer.
- Low-carb option: Try swapping the potatoes for cauliflower chunks roasted the same way, and you’ll keep the heartiness with fewer carbs.
- Cheese swaps: Sometimes I use goat cheese instead of feta—it melts beautifully and gives a creamier texture.
How to Make Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. They’ll take about 25-30 minutes to roast, and you’ll want to flip them halfway so they crisp up all over. I find roasting the potatoes first ensures they’re perfectly tender when the shrimp are ready—avoid crowding the pan to get that golden, crispy exterior.
Step 2: Cook the Lemon Shrimp
While the potatoes roast, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds to a minute, don’t let it burn or it’ll turn bitter. Toss in the shrimp, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the jalapeño slices if you’re using them. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Then stir in the lemon zest and juice—it’s best to add these last so the shrimp stay tender and soak up that fresh lemon flavor. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if you’re not watching.
Step 3: Assemble and Garnish
Once the potatoes are roasted and the shrimp cooked, it’s time to bring it all together. Plate a generous helping of potatoes topped with the lemon shrimp. Scatter crumbled feta and green onions on top while everything’s still warm—the heat slightly softens the feta for a wonderful creamy texture. This little finishing touch really makes the dish sing.
How to Serve Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of feta—it adds freshness and richness all at once. Sometimes, I zest a bit more lemon on top for that final pop of brightness, especially if the meal feels a little heavy. If you like a bit of heat, a few red pepper flakes do wonders here too.
Side Dishes
This recipe is pretty complete on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or steamed broccoli for some green goodness. A simple cucumber and tomato salad also plays nicely alongside, balancing the richness of the feta and potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the lemon shrimp over potato skins scooped out and baked until crispy—it feels fancy but is surprisingly easy. Another fun way I’ve tried is layering the shrimp and potatoes in individual ramekins sprinkled with cheese and broiled just until bubbly. It’s a great way to impress guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 2 days to keep everything tasting fresh. The potatoes might firm up a bit, but reheated gently, they still taste great. Just be sure to keep the shrimp separate if you’re making a larger batch.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked shrimp before, but honestly, for this Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe, I prefer to freeze just the potatoes if needed. Shrimp tend to lose their texture after freezing and reheating, so fresh is best. Freeze potatoes on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a bag to prevent clumping.
Reheating
To reheat, I find the oven or toaster oven works best for the potatoes — it brings back their crispiness nicely. The shrimp only need a quick warm-through in a skillet on low heat to keep them juicy. Microwaving tends to make the shrimp rubbery, so I avoid that when possible.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. This helps them sear nicely and not steam.
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What type of potatoes work best in this recipe?
I personally prefer Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they get tender inside while holding their shape. Russets work too if you want fluffier insides, but dice them evenly for even roasting.
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Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses fresh ingredients and no breadcrumbs or sauces with gluten. Just check your feta for any additives if you’re sensitive.
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How spicy does the jalapeño make the dish?
The jalapeño adds a gentle, pleasant heat that complements the lemon without overpowering the shrimp. If you prefer milder flavors, feel free to leave it out or use just a small slice.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can roast the potatoes a few hours in advance and refrigerate. It’s best to cook the shrimp fresh, though, since they cook quickly and taste best right off the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those underrated weeknight heroes that’s quick, fresh, and downright tasty. I love how it balances comfort and brightness, making it easy to whip up but still impressive enough for guests. If you’re looking for a straightforward dish that feels a little special, give this one a try—you might just find it becoming one of your favorites too.
Print
Lemon Shrimp and Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Baked Potato with Lemon Shrimp combines tender, crispy baked potatoes with juicy shrimp infused with fresh lemon zest and juice. Enhanced with garlic, jalapeno, and a finishing touch of feta and green onions, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Potatoes
- 3 medium potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), diced
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 jalapeno, sliced
- Feta cheese, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to ensure the shrimp are well coated. Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and sliced jalapeno. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve: Once the potatoes are baked and crispy, transfer them to a serving dish. Top with the cooked lemon shrimp and jalapeno slices. Garnish generously with crumbled feta cheese and chopped green onions. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use medium-sized potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for best baking results.
- You can adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your spice preference.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: baked potato, lemon shrimp, easy dinner, quick meal, seafood, healthy recipe, oven baked, feta garnish
