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- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup couscous - 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon slices for garnish The main ingredients for lemon garlic shrimp couscous are simple yet powerful. The shrimp provide a fresh taste, while couscous adds a nice base. The broth gives the dish depth. Next, flavor enhancers like olive oil and garlic bring warmth and richness. The lemon zest and juice add brightness and balance to the dish. Seasonings play a vital role. Paprika adds a mild smokiness, and red pepper flakes bring a hint of heat. Don't forget salt and pepper to round things out. Fresh parsley gives color and freshness. This combination makes for a quick, flavorful dish that delights the senses. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Enjoy creating this vibrant meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Bring broth to a boil. Use vegetable or chicken broth for flavor. 2. Stir in couscous and let it sit. Remove from heat. Cover it for about 5 minutes. 3. Fluff with a fork. This makes the couscous light and fluffy. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Use medium heat to avoid burning. 2. Sauté minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until it smells great. 3. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. 1. Add lemon juice and zest to shrimp. This gives a fresh, tangy flavor. 2. Mix shrimp with fluffed couscous and parsley. Stir well to blend all the ingredients. 3. Adjust seasoning to taste. Add more salt, pepper, or spices as you like. To cook shrimp perfectly, aim for 2-3 minutes on each side. Shrimp cook fast. Overcooking makes them tough. When they turn pink, they’re done. Remove them from heat right away. This keeps them juicy and tender. Spice things up with extra seasonings. You can try cayenne pepper or garlic powder. For a fresh taste, add herbs like dill or basil. You can also add veggies for more nutrition. Spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes work great. They add color and vitamins. Pair Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous with a simple salad. A green salad complements the dish well. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a hearty meal. For drinks, consider white wine or sparkling water. Both enhance the flavors in this dish. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp Matters: Always use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp can be watery if not thawed correctly. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if desired. Perfectly Fluffy Couscous: Make sure to fluff the couscous with a fork after it has absorbed the liquid, which helps to prevent clumping. Garnish for Color: Adding fresh parsley and lemon slices not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a burst of freshness to each bite. {{image_2}} You can switch out couscous for other grains. Quinoa is a great choice. It adds a nutty flavor. Orzo is another fun option. It looks like rice but has a unique taste. Both grains cook well and pair nicely with shrimp. If you need gluten-free options, quinoa is perfect. It is naturally gluten-free. You can also try gluten-free couscous, which is made from corn or rice. This way, you can enjoy the dish while sticking to your diet. Adding vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Seasonal veggies work great. Zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes add color and taste. You can roast or sauté them before adding to the dish. Spinach is a fantastic addition. It cooks down quickly and adds vitamins. Toss in a handful just before serving. Bell peppers also add crunch and a sweet taste. Slice them thin and sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. If you want to switch proteins, there are many options. You can use scallops, crab, or even fish like salmon. They all cook quickly and taste great with lemon and garlic. For vegetarian alternatives, try chickpeas or tofu. Both soak up flavors well. Chickpeas add protein and texture. Tofu can be sautéed until golden and crispy. These swaps make the dish exciting and satisfying for everyone. After you finish your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous, store the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can refrigerate it for about 3 days. Remember to let it cool down first before sealing it up. This keeps moisture from building up inside the container. To freeze your dish, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When it's time to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for the best preservation. They seal tightly and keep flavors locked in. To avoid sogginess in couscous, make sure it cools completely before storing. You can also separate the couscous and shrimp if you plan to keep them for a longer time. This keeps everything fresher until you're ready to enjoy it again. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous. The prep time is just 10 minutes. You will need 15 minutes for cooking. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prep in advance, cook the couscous and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just combine them. This helps keep the shrimp tender. If you want a substitute for shrimp, try chicken, scallops, or tofu. Chicken will need a bit more cooking time. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or diced vegetables. These options still give you great flavor. Yes, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous is a healthy dish. Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein. The dish also has healthy fats from olive oil and fresh herbs. Couscous adds fiber, making it a good choice for meals. You can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just thaw the shrimp first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Then, pat them dry before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous is a delicious and easy dish to make. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. You also learned about variations and storage methods. This meal is flexible and fits different diets. With fresh herbs and simple spices, you create big flavor. Enjoy this tasty dish for any meal, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your kitchen will shine with this recipe!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Couscous

A delicious and quick dish featuring shrimp, couscous, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • for garnish lemon slices

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the couscous and remove from heat. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous has absorbed the liquid. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  • While the couscous is resting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Zest and juice the lemon, then pour the juice and zest over the cooked shrimp. Toss until the shrimp are well coated.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous with the shrimp mixture and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with lemon slices and additional parsley if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Keyword couscous, garlic, lemon, quick meal, shrimp