Dive into a burst of Mediterranean flavors with our delightful Lemon and Artichoke Couscous with Shrimp! This vibrant dish combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the tender heartiness of artichokes, and succulent shrimp, all nestled in fluffy couscous. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at your next gathering, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests begging for more. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp, drain and chop artichoke hearts, zest and juice the lemon, mince garlic, and chop fresh parsley.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are just opaque.
- Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Add chopped artichoke hearts to the couscous and mix gently.
- Pour lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the couscous and artichoke mixture.
- Add cooked shrimp to the couscous and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean-style lemon and artichoke couscous with shrimp.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare your ingredients in advance. Peel and devein the shrimp, chop the artichokes, and zest the lemon a few hours before cooking.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking. They should turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them tough.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on the fresh parsley garnish! It not only adds a beautiful touch but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemony goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 246kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
