Citrus Herb Shrimp with Zesty Couscous
Elevate your dinner experience with this vibrant Citrus Herb Shrimp served over a bed of flavorful zesty couscous. Infused with fresh lemon juice, fragrant oregano, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, this Middle-Eastern dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a nutritious option for health-conscious food lovers. The addition of crunchy diced red bell pepper ensures a delightful contrast in texture, while the optional sprinkle of pine nuts and feta cheese adds a rich creaminess to the dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive date night dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!
2
Servings
280
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic clove
1 (minced fine)
Dried oregano
1.5 teaspoons
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
Black pepper
0.5 teaspoon
Large shrimp
12 (shelled and deveined)
Red bell pepper
0.5 (cut into fine dice)
Chicken broth
1.25 cups (may substitute with vegetable broth)
Red pepper flakes
1 pinch
Olive oil
2 teaspoons
Couscous
3/4 cup
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
Dry white wine
1/2 cup
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (cold and cut into small pieces)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2
To prepare the couscous, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and olive oil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3
Once boiling, stir in the couscous. Cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to steam.
4
After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork. Set aside, keeping it warm.
5
Remove the shrimp from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until hot.
6
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they curl and turn almost opaque.
7
Pour in the white wine and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce by half, which will take about 2 to 3 minutes.
8
Remove the pan from heat and add the cold butter, swirling it into the sauce until fully melted and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
9
To serve, place a generous scoop of couscous in shallow bowls, top with the succulent shrimp, and drizzle the rich sauce over everything. For an extra treat, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese before enjoying!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Herb Shrimp with Zesty Couscous?
It is a vibrant Middle-Eastern inspired dish featuring shrimp marinated in lemon and oregano, served over flavorful couscous with red bell peppers.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
How long should the shrimp be marinated?
The shrimp should be covered and refrigerated for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What ingredients are needed for the shrimp marinade?
The marinade consists of minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
What is the primary grain used in this recipe?
The primary grain used in this dish is couscous.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, you may substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth if preferred.
How do you prepare the zesty couscous?
Boil broth with diced red bell pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and olive oil, then stir in couscous and steam for 5 minutes.
How long do you cook the shrimp in the pan?
Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they curl and turn almost opaque.
Why is white wine added to the pan?
Dry white wine is used to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits to create a flavorful sauce.
What is the purpose of adding cold butter to the sauce?
Swirling cold butter into the sauce at the end helps it thicken and adds a rich creaminess.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious option for health-conscious food lovers.
What are the recommended optional toppings?
Toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese are recommended for an extra treat.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the shrimp?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to sauté the shrimp over medium-high heat.
How many shrimp are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 large shrimp that have been shelled and deveined.
Is there any heat or spice in this dish?
Yes, red pepper flakes are added to the couscous to provide a hint of heat.
What is the fat content per serving?
The recipe contains 12.5g of fat per serving.
What type of lemon juice should I use?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor in the marinade.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses dried oregano.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and an easy recipe.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced fine before being added to the marinade.
How should the red bell pepper be cut?
The red bell pepper should be cut into a fine dice for the couscous mixture.
What does deglazing the pan involve?
It involves adding wine to the pan and using a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.
By how much should the white wine be reduced?
The wine should be allowed to reduce by half, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
How should the shrimp be arranged in the pan?
The shrimp should be added to the pan in a single layer for even cooking.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 17.5g of protein in each serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 14 ingredients in total.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How is the sauce adjusted for seasoning?
Once the butter is melted, you can add additional salt and pepper to taste.
What is the final step for serving the dish?
Place a scoop of couscous in a bowl, top with shrimp, and drizzle the rich sauce over everything.