Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Couscous
This dish combines juicy grilled shrimp marinated in lemon and garlic with fluffy couscous infused with lemon zest and fresh herbs. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Lemon Couscous:
1 cup couscous (or pearl couscous for more texture)
1 ¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt & pepper.
Toss shrimp in marinade, cover, and let rest for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Couscous
In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Add broth and bring to a boil.
Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat (let sit 5 minutes).
If using pearl couscous → simmer for 10 minutes until tender.
Fluff with a fork, stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt & pepper.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Thread shrimp onto skewers (optional).
Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spoon garlic lemon couscous onto plates.
Top with grilled shrimp.
Garnish with parsley and extra lemon wedges.
Notes & Tips
Don’t overcook shrimp — they cook very fast and should be just pink and firm.
Add roasted cherry tomatoes or zucchini to the couscous for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Can replace couscous with quinoa or bulgur for more fiber.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the shrimp marinade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook shrimp without a grill?
✅ Yes, use a skillet or bake in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 7–8 minutes.
Q: Can I meal prep this dish?
✅ Best eaten fresh, but you can store shrimp and couscous separately in the fridge for 2 days.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
✅ Yes, just thaw and pat dry before marinating.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 2 g