The Easiest Shrimp and Lemon-Basil Pearl Couscous Delight Recipe

Zesty shrimp and lemon-basil pearl couscous dance together in a culinary symphony that promises pure excitement.

Mediterranean influences weave through this light yet satisfying dish, creating complex flavor profiles.

Delicate seafood mingles with aromatic herbs, promising an irresistible dining experience.

Coastal inspirations blend seamlessly with vibrant ingredients, crafting a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Bright citrus notes complement tender protein, while delicate grains provide a perfect textural canvas.

Each bite delivers a refreshing combination of Mediterranean-inspired elements that tantalize your palate.

Ocean-fresh ingredients elevate this recipe beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

You can want to savor every nuanced, delightful spoonful of this remarkable creation.

Shrimp and Lemon Couscous That Feels Fresh

• This recipe combines zesty lemon, aromatic basil, and succulent shrimp for a taste explosion that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Creating a homemade shrimp stock elevates the entire dish, infusing deep ocean flavors into every bite of pearl couscous without extra complicated steps.
• From preparation to plate, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality dining in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with protein from shrimp, greens from spinach and herbs, and complex carbohydrates from pearl couscous, this meal offers a balanced and satisfying dining experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Ingredients for Shrimp and Pearl Couscous

• Shrimp: Sweet ocean protein, best when fresh and deveined, wild-caught preferred.
• Shrimp Shells: Essential for creating rich flavor base in stock, provides depth.

• Olive Oil: Primary cooking fat, adds smooth flavor and prevents sticking.
• Water: Neutral liquid for creating stock and cooking couscous.
• Shrimp Stock: Homemade liquid with concentrated seafood essence.

• Leek: Two-part usage with white and green sections, provides mild onion-like sweetness.
• Shallots: Delicate onion flavor, adds subtle complexity to dish.
• Garlic: Robust flavor booster, enhances overall taste profile.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for balancing flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and aromatic warmth.

• Basil: Fresh herb with bright, peppery notes, used both fresh and as garnish.
• Spinach: Tender green that wilts quickly, adds nutrition and color.
• Lemon: Provides zest and juice for citrusy brightness, enhances seafood.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich topping with nutty undertones.

• Pearl Couscous: Small, round pasta with delightful chewy texture, absorbs flavors well.

How to Cook Shrimp and Couscous Perfectly

Step 1: Marinate the Ocean Gems

• Olive oil
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the shrimp rest in the refrigerator while preparing other components.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Seafood Broth

• Heat olive oil
• Add shrimp shells
• Incorporate leek greens
• Pour water
• Season with salt

Simmer and reduce until you have a rich, aromatic stock. Strain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Aromatic Companions

• Leek whites
• Shallots
• Garlic
• Fresh basil
• Spinach

Keep ingredients within easy reach.

Step 4: Craft Zesty Herb Topping

• Chiffonade basil
• Remaining lemon zest
• Freshly ground pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Set aside for final garnish.

Step 5: Cook Pearly Grains

• Sauté leek whites and shallots
• Add minced garlic
• Introduce pearl couscous
• Pour seafood stock

Simmer until grains become tender and absorb liquid.

Step 6: Sizzle the Seafood

• Heat olive oil
• Cook marinated shrimp
• Ensure opaque and perfectly cooked

Remove and keep warm.

Step 7: Final Symphony

• Fold in fresh spinach
• Add chopped basil
• Squeeze lemon juice
• Adjust seasoning

Gently stir until spinach wilts.

Step 8: Plate with Passion

• Spoon couscous onto plates
• Arrange sizzling shrimp
• Sprinkle herb topping
• Drizzle optional olive oil

Serve immediately and enjoy your dish.

Pro Tips for Light but Flavorful Sauce

• Boost Shrimp Flavor: Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and absorb more seasoning.
• Master Stock Technique: Use shrimp shells to create a deeply rich, concentrated stock that adds incredible depth to the entire dish.
• Perfect Couscous Texture: Stir frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even, fluffy pearl couscous with ideal consistency.
• Maximize Fresh Herb Impact: Add fresh basil at the very end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities and vibrant green color.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt levels progressively, remembering the shrimp stock and Parmesan already contribute significant saltiness.

Keep It Fresh with Smart Storage

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled shrimp and couscous to an airtight container, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of shrimp stock or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Refresh Flavor: Sprinkle fresh basil and an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving to revive the bright, zesty taste.

Crisp Greens and Sides for Serving

• Zesty Wine Complement: Pair this dish with a crisp sauvignon blanc or an unoaked chardonnay to match the bright lemon and herb flavors of the shrimp and couscous.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side Salad: Create a light cucumber and tomato salad with feta cheese and olive oil to enhance the Mediterranean profile of the pearl couscous dish.
• Refreshing Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon juice and a hint of basil to echo the recipe's citrus and herbal notes, providing a clean palate cleanser between bites.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, toasted rustic bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil to complement the shrimp and absorb the flavorful couscous juices.

Substitutions for a New Take on the Dish

• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with grilled calamari and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Coastal Remix: Season shrimp with Cajun spices, incorporate andouille sausage, and use red bell peppers for a New Orleans-style approach.
• Vegetarian Pearl Comfort: Swap shrimp with roasted chickpeas and add grilled zucchini, creating a protein-rich vegetarian alternative that maintains the dish's creamy texture and herb-infused essence.
• Coconut Tropical Escape: Introduce coconut milk into the stock, use Thai basil instead of regular basil, and add a touch of green curry paste for a Southeast Asian transformation.

FAQs About Couscous with Shrimp

• Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?

No, pearl couscous has a different texture and cooking method. Regular couscous will change the dish’s overall consistency and cooking time.

• How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp for about 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating longer to prevent the acid from breaking down the shrimp’s delicate texture.

• What if I can't find fresh basil?

If fresh basil is unavailable, you can substitute with dried basil, though the flavor will be less vibrant. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried basil compared to fresh.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving. The couscous and shrimp stock can be made in advance, but cook the shrimp fresh to maintain its best texture and flavor.

Shrimp And Lemon-Basil Pearl Couscous Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Shrimp and Lemon-Basil Pearl Couscous Delight brings zesty coastal flavors to your dinner table. Delicate shrimp nestled in herbed couscous promises a quick, elegant meal you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

Grains:

• 2 cups pearl couscous

Produce and Herbs:

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 leek, trimmed and scrubbed
• 1 shallot, peeled and diced
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 4 ounces (113 grams) baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 20 basil leaves

Dairy and Cheese:

• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) finely grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids and Oils:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) olive oil

Other Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) water
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredient:

• Shrimp shells (reserved)

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Instructions

1. Marinate shrimp with olive oil and lemon zest, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Allow to rest in refrigerator while preparing other components.
2. Create a flavorful shrimp stock by sautéing shrimp shells and leek greens in hot olive oil. Pour water, season with salt, and simmer until liquid reduces to approximately 3 cups. Strain carefully, discarding solid remnants.
3. Finely chop remaining vegetables and herbs, ensuring ingredients are prepped and ready for subsequent cooking stages.
4. Craft a vibrant garnish by delicately slicing basil leaves and combining with reserved lemon zest, freshly ground black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Transform pearl couscous by gently sautéing leek whites and shallots in olive oil. Introduce minced garlic and couscous, toasting briefly before adding strained shrimp stock. Simmer patiently until grains become tender and liquid absorbs.
6. Quickly sear marinated shrimp in hot olive oil, cooking until they turn opaque and develop a slight golden exterior. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
7. Elevate couscous by folding in fresh spinach, chopped basil, and a splash of lemon juice. Allow spinach to wilt gently, then season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
8. Plate the dish by spreading couscous as a base, arranging seared shrimp on top, and generously sprinkling the prepared basil-Parmesan garnish for a final flourish.

Notes

• Homemade shrimp stock transforms this dish, infusing deep seafood flavor into every bite of couscous.
• Refrigerating seasoned shrimp helps develop richer, more concentrated taste before cooking.
• Chiffonade technique for basil releases delicate herb oils, enhancing overall recipe aromatics.
• Cooking pearl couscous in shrimp stock instead of water dramatically elevates the dish’s complexity and umami profile.
• Fresh ingredients like zesty lemon, fragrant basil, and tender shrimp create a light, Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for summer dining.
• One-pot cooking method minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor development throughout the entire recipe.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg