Mediterranean Couscous with Shrimp Recipe
This vibrant Mediterranean Couscous with Shrimp recipe is a quick, flavorful dish combining juicy cherry tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, tangy feta, and tender shrimp cooked in garlic-infused olive oil. The pearl couscous soaks up a savory vegetable broth, finished with a fresh lemon juice drizzle and a sprinkle of parsley for a perfect light yet satisfying meal ready in just 22 minutes.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Dairy
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Pantry
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced and pitted
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups pearl couscous
Instructions
- Prepare the Mediterranean Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, drained capers, and black pepper. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Sprinkle salt over the peeled and deveined shrimp. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add olive oil, then add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they are opaque, about 2 ½ minutes on each side. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the minced garlic to infuse flavor. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to the bowl with the tomato and olive mixture.
- Cook the Couscous: In the same skillet, add the low sodium vegetable broth and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the pearl couscous, stir well, then cover and reduce heat to medium. Let it simmer until the couscous absorbs all the liquid, about 10 to 12 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the bowl containing the shrimp and Mediterranean mixture.
- Finish and Serve: Pour the fresh lemon juice over the combined ingredients and toss well to combine all flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth for a different flavor.
- Adjust the salt according to your dietary preference; the olives, capers, and feta add natural saltiness.
- If pearl couscous is unavailable, regular couscous can be used but will require less cooking time.
- To keep the shrimp tender, avoid overcooking them; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long on heat.
- This dish is great served warm or at room temperature.
