Baked Potato with Lemon Shrimp Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a Baked Potato with Lemon Shrimp Recipe that just hits all the right notes. The creamy, fluffy potato pairs perfectly with the zesty, garlicky shrimp, making it a dish that feels both comforting and a little special. I especially love making this recipe when I want something quick but impressive enough to serve to company or even just to treat myself after a busy day.
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Baked Potato with Lemon Shrimp Recipe is how easy it is to customize and how fresh it tastes. The lemon really brightens the shrimp, balancing out the richness of the potato. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seafood without fussing over complicated techniques. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, but they work together to create amazing flavors. When you shop, picking fresh shrimp and good-quality potatoes will make a big difference in how the dish turns out.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined works best for easy cooking and eating.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that complements the lemon.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs the best punch of flavor here.
- Lemon zest: This brightens the whole dish with fresh citrus notes.
- Lemon juice: Balances the richness of shrimp and potatoes with a tangy punch.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to your taste.
- Potatoes: Medium starchy potatoes are ideal for that fluffy interior once baked and diced.
- Jalapeno: Adds a subtle, zesty heat that wakes up the flavors; slice thin for balance.
- Feta cheese: Use crumbled feta for a salty, creamy garnish that complements lemon well.
- Green onions: Fresh and mild, they add a nice crunch and color finish.
Variations
I love making this dish my own depending on the mood or what’s in season. Feel free to tweak any elements to make it yours—cooking is all about having fun and feeding your soul, right?
- Variation: Sometimes I swap jalapeno for smoked paprika if I want a smoky twist without the heat. It’s surprisingly delicious and more approachable for heat-sensitive diners.
- Variation: For a dairy-free version, skip the feta and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to keep that fresh finish.
- Variation: If you want a heartier meal, toss in some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for extra greens and texture.
- Variation: Make it spicy! Adding a dash of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes to the shrimp before cooking can really up the flavor profile.
How to Make Baked Potato with Lemon Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Potatoes
Start by washing and dicing medium potatoes into even pieces—about 1-inch cubes work well so they cook evenly. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in a 425°F oven for around 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The goal is tender, lightly browned potatoes with a bit of crisp on the edges. This step is critical — if your potatoes aren’t tender, the dish won’t come together as well, so give them a fork test before pulling from the oven.
Step 2: Cook the Lemon Shrimp
While your potatoes roast, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—but don’t let it burn! Add your shrimp, season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the lemon zest and pour in the lemon juice. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook; shrimp can become tough quickly. I find the lemon juice brightens the shrimp beautifully—don’t skip it.
Step 3: Combine and Add the Heat
Once your potatoes are ready and your shrimp are cooked, toss them together in the skillet with the jalapeno slices. Let them warm together for a minute or two to marry the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice really finishes it off. This quick step makes a big difference in flavor, trust me!
How to Serve Baked Potato with Lemon Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes
I almost always finish this dish with crumbled feta and chopped green onions for that creamy tang and fresh crunch. Sometimes, I add a little extra lemon zest on top to brighten it up. These garnishes aren’t just for looks — they add layers of flavor that make every bite sing.
Side Dishes
This goes great with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. If I’m feeling indulgent, I pair it with a buttery corn on the cob. The lightness of the shrimp and potato is balanced perfectly with fresh, crunchy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to serve individual portions by scooping the baked potato and shrimp mix into small ramekins or hollowed-out mini potatoes. It’s a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy the flavors and feels fancy without extra work. Adding a lemon wedge on the side always scores brownie points with guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp and potatoes hold up well, but I find it’s best to eat soon after cooking to enjoy the freshest textures. When storing, keep the garnishes separate so they stay vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing this dish can be a bit tricky because the potatoes might get a little mushy when thawed, and shrimp texture can be affected. If you do freeze leftovers, I recommend laying them flat in freezer bags and eating within a month for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or lemon juice to keep things moist. Microwave works in a pinch, but watch out for rubbery shrimp. If you want crispiness back in your potatoes, a quick blast in a hot oven or skillet does wonders.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Baked Potato with Lemon Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain the shrimp well before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan, which can prevent proper browning. Patting them dry with paper towels helps get a better sear.
-
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
I recommend medium-starch potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They roast nicely and hold their shape when diced. Russets can work too but might become fluffier and break apart more.
-
How spicy will the jalapeno make the dish?
It adds a gentle heat that lingers but doesn’t overpower. If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and membranes before slicing to tone it down. You can always leave it out or substitute for bell pepper for zero heat.
-
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you watch out for any added ingredients like pre-seasoned shrimp with gluten-containing additives. Always check labels to be sure.
-
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It keeps well for a couple of days in the fridge and reheats nicely. Just store garnishes separately and add fresh green onions or feta before eating to keep things bright.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Potato with Lemon Shrimp Recipe has become one of my favorite weeknight go-tos because it feels like you’re treating yourself without any fuss. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to pull together, which is a winning combo in my book. I hope you give it a try and find as much comfort and joy in it as I do — it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Baked Potato with Lemon Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make baked potato topped with flavorful lemon shrimp, combining tender shrimp cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce with fluffy baked potatoes, garnished with spicy jalapeno, creamy feta, and fresh green onions for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 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
Baked Potatoes
- 3 medium potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), diced
- 1/2 jalapeño, sliced
Garnish
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Dice the potatoes into even pieces to ensure they bake evenly. Toss the potatoes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and golden brown, turning halfway through for even cooking.
- Cook the Lemon Shrimp: While the potatoes are baking, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and pour in the lemon juice. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Sauté the Jalapeño: In the same skillet, quickly sauté the sliced jalapeño for 1-2 minutes to soften slightly but still retain a bit of heat.
- Assemble the Dish: Once the potatoes are baked, plate them. Top the potatoes with the cooked lemon shrimp and sautéed jalapeño slices. Garnish generously with crumbled feta cheese and chopped green onions to add a fresh and tangy finish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the baked potato with lemon shrimp hot, accompanied by your favorite side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute feta with goat cheese or parmesan for different flavors.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your heat preference.
- For crispier potatoes, parboil them before baking.
- This dish can be turned gluten-free easily by ensuring all seasonings and feta are gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: baked potato, lemon shrimp, garlic shrimp, easy dinner, seafood recipe, baked potato toppings, lemon zest shrimp
