Zingy Shrimp and Lemon-Basil Pearl Couscous Recipe

Summers sizzle with vibrant flavors when this shrimp and lemon-basil pearl couscous recipe dances onto your plate.

Fresh herbs and plump shrimp create a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of taste.

Bright citrus notes mingle with delicate pearl couscous, promising a light yet satisfying meal.

Tender seafood nestles among fragrant basil leaves, delivering an elegant culinary experience.

Each forkful brings a burst of zesty freshness that awakens the palate.

The dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend entertaining.

Dive into this delightful recipe and let your taste buds embark on a Mediterranean adventure.

Tips for Cooking Shrimp Just Right

• Seafood Swap: No shrimp in your kitchen? Try using scallops, crab meat, or even grilled chicken for a protein-packed alternative that still delivers amazing flavor.
• Stock Shortcut: If making homemade shrimp stock feels overwhelming, use store-bought seafood or chicken stock as a quick and easy replacement that maintains rich depth.
• Herb Garden Twist: Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint to create unique flavor profiles that complement the delicate seafood and bright lemon notes.
• Veggie Boost: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled zucchini, or sautéed bell peppers to increase vegetable content and create a more substantial one-pan meal with extra nutritional value.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning enthusiasts who want delicious, ready-to-eat meals.

How to Serve with Salad or Wine

• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the lemony, herbal flavors and complement the shrimp's delicate taste.
• Mediterranean Plate Partner: Serve alongside a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that balances the couscous's richness.
• Herb-Infused Garnish Surprise: Sprinkle extra fresh basil and lemon zest on top just before serving to add brightness, aroma, and a pop of color that elevates the entire dish's presentation.
• Texture-Boosting Crunch: Scatter toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the couscous to introduce a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp and soft couscous.

Store This Dish Without Overcooking Shrimp

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cook extra couscous and shrimp to create quick lunch bowls for the next 2-3 days. Store components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Refrigeration Guidelines: Keep prepared dish in sealed containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out the shrimp and couscous.
• Freezing Recommendations: Couscous base freezes beautifully for 4-6 weeks when placed in freezer-safe containers. Separate shrimp and add fresh herbs after thawing to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Flavor Refresh: When reheating, brighten leftover dishes with additional fresh lemon zest, chopped basil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. These simple additions will instantly revive the meal's vibrant flavors and make leftovers feel like a new culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Shrimp with Lemon-Basil Couscous

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet ocean gems that bring delightful protein and oceanic flavor, select medium-sized with firm texture and clean smell.
• Shrimp Shells: Essential for creating rich, deep stock with concentrated seafood essence, save these when peeling shrimp.

• Leek: Mild onion-like vegetable offering subtle sweetness, choose bright green and white stalks without blemishes.
• Shallots: Delicate allium that provides gentle, sophisticated flavor, pick firm bulbs with smooth skin.
• Garlic: Powerful flavor booster adding incredible depth, select plump cloves without sprouts.

• Lemon: Citrusy zinger that elevates entire dish with tangy notes, choose firm, heavy fruits with vibrant yellow skin.
• Basil: Herbaceous green that brings Mediterranean sunshine, pick leaves with intense aroma and no dark spots.
• Spinach: Tender green delivering nutrients and earthy undertones, select crisp, bright leaves without wilting.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that adds luxurious complexity, opt for freshly grated wheel for maximum flavor.
• Black Pepper: Warm, sharp spice creating depth, grind whole peppercorns for most intense taste.

• Pearl Couscous: Delightful round pasta bringing textural intrigue, select high-quality imported varieties.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity base for cooking and enriching flavors, choose extra virgin for best taste.

Tools You’ll Need for Shrimp and Couscous

• Large Pot: Essential for making shrimp stock and cooking couscous.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping leeks, shallots, and herbs.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Strainer: Needed to strain shrimp stock and remove solids.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for sautéing shrimp and cooking couscous.
• Mixing Bowls: Great for marinating shrimp and mixing toppings.
• Wooden Spoon: Helpful for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and oil measurements.

Cooking Instructions for a Light Seafood Dish

• Shrimp Marination

Toss fresh shrimp with a splash of olive oil and bright lemon zest. Let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator while preparing other components.

• Flavorful Stock Creation

Transform shrimp shells into a rich, aromatic liquid by simmering with leek greens. Strain the golden broth, concentrating the ocean’s essence into a fragrant base.

• Couscous Foundation

Soften delicate leeks and shallots in a warm pan, then introduce pearly couscous grains. Pour the homemade stock, allowing the tiny pearls to absorb all the savory goodness until perfectly tender.

• Green Revival

Gently fold vibrant spinach and fresh basil into the couscous, letting the leaves wilt and infuse their verdant spirit. A squeeze of lemon brightens the entire dish.

• Shrimp Finale

Quickly sear the marinated shrimp in a hot pan until they turn a delicate pink, preserving their sweet, tender texture.

• Elegant Presentation

Sprinkle a zesty mixture of basil, lemon zest, and parmesan over the dish, creating a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on the plate.

Vibrant Shrimp and Lemon-Basil Pearl Couscous

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired shrimp and lemon-basil pearl couscous delight brings coastal flavors to your dinner table. Zesty herbs, succulent shrimp, and pearl couscous combine for a refreshing meal you’ll savor with Mediterranean charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb (907 g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups pearl couscous
• 20 basil leaves
• 4 oz (113 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 leek, trimmed and scrubbed
• 1 shallot, peeled and diced
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 tbsps (90 ml) olive oil
• 6 cups (1.4 L) water
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper, to taste
• Shrimp shells (reserved)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Marinate shrimp with olive oil and lemon zest, seasoning thoroughly with salt and pepper. Refrigerate while preparing other components.
2. Stock Creation: Sauté shrimp shells and leek greens in olive oil. Add water, season, and simmer until reduced to approximately 3 cups. Strain meticulously, discarding solids.
3. Ingredient Preparation: Chop vegetables and herbs precisely.
4. Couscous Cooking: In a pan, sauté leek whites and shallots in olive oil. Add garlic and couscous, toasting briefly. Pour strained shrimp stock and simmer until grains become tender and liquid absorbs completely.
5. Shrimp Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet and quickly sear marinated shrimp until opaque with a golden exterior. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking.
6. Final Assembly: Fold spinach, chopped basil, and lemon juice into couscous, allowing spinach to wilt gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Plating: Create a vibrant garnish by combining sliced basil leaves, lemon zest, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Spread couscous as a base, arrange seared shrimp on top, and generously sprinkle the prepared garnish for a sophisticated finish.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let shrimp rest in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderize meat, ensuring maximum taste infusion.
• Stock Secret: Homemade shrimp stock intensifies overall dish complexity, providing deeper seafood essence compared to store-bought alternatives.
• Prevent Overcooking: Sear shrimp quickly over high heat, watching carefully as they turn opaque and golden to maintain tender, juicy texture without becoming rubbery.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Use fresh basil and zest right before serving to preserve vibrant aromatics and maximize flavor profile, preventing wilting and flavor degradation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg