Introduction

Have you ever found yourself craving a gourmet meal but discovered you only had 30 minutes to prepare dinner? The trick lies in the right combination of ingredients, and that’s where Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous comes in. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also challenges the notion that gourmet meals require hours of preparation. With juicy shrimp and light, fluffy couscous infused with fresh lemon and garlic, you can whip up a delicious dish that’s sure to impress in record time!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you need to create this vibrant and flavorful dish:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup couscous
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Substitutions: For a low-carb option, consider cauliflower rice in place of couscous. You can also use frozen shrimp—just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. For a vegan twist, substitute shrimp with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth.

Timing

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous is incredibly efficient, requiring a total of just 20 minutes from start to finish. Comparatively, many recipes take around 30-40 minutes, so this dish saves you significant time, allowing you to enjoy a delightful meal without the wait.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Couscous

Begin by bringing the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, pour in the couscous, cover, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This method allows the couscous to absorb the flavors from the broth, giving it a rich taste.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the couscous is resting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon juice, zest, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss everything together gently to coat the shrimp with the lemony goodness. Finally, fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the skillet, combining everything well. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous is ready to be served! Plate it up, adding extra lemon wedges and parsley for garnish if desired. Enjoy this delightful dish while it’s warm!

Nutritional Information

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous packs a nutrient-rich punch. Here’s a breakdown per serving:

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make your dish even healthier? Here are some simple modifications:

• Use whole wheat couscous instead of regular for added fiber.
• Opt for grilling the shrimp rather than sautéing for a lower-fat version.
• Incorporate more vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for additional nutrients.
• Replace the olive oil with a light spray of cooking oil to reduce calories.

Serving Suggestions

This couscous dish is versatile and can be served in several appealing ways:

• Pair it with a fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the leftover lemon-garlic sauce.
• Top it with a sprinkle of feta cheese or avocado slices for added creaminess.
• For a snack option, use it as a filling for lettuce wraps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go awry if you’re not careful. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly—overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove them from heat as soon as they are pink and opaque.
• Neglecting the couscous water ratio: Using too much or too little broth can ruin the consistency. Stick to the 1:2 couscous to broth ratio for perfect results.
• Skipping the seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential! Don’t forget to season the shrimp and couscous adequately.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and maintain the dish’s flavor:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on stovetop with a splash of broth to add moisture back into the dish.
• For meal prep, cook the couscous and shrimp separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat to prevent mushiness.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous is a quick, flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Try this recipe and experience a delightful meal in just 20 minutes! We would love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment or share your feedback below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

FAQs

A: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and better texture.

B: What is couscous, and can I substitute it?

Couscous is a type of pasta made from semolina wheat, widely used in Mediterranean and North African cuisines. You can substitute it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even traditional pasta, if desired.

C: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be made a few hours ahead. Store the shrimp and couscous separately and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

D: What herbs can I use instead of parsley?

You can use a variety of fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, or dill as substitutes for parsley, depending on your flavor preference.

E: Is this dish gluten-free?

Standard couscous is not gluten-free as it’s made from wheat. However, you can choose gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or gluten-free couscous available in stores.

Irresistible Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous: A Flavorful Delight

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• Author: jamal
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the zesty combination of lemon garlic shrimp and couscous in this easy, delicious dish. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup couscous

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

Begin by bringing the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, pour in the couscous, cover, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.

While the couscous is resting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon juice, zest, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss everything together gently. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the skillet, combining well. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Plate the dish, adding extra lemon wedges and parsley for garnish if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous is a quick, flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, ready in just 20 minutes!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g