Description
Mediterranean shrimp bowls blend zesty flavors from Greece and Spain into one delightful meal. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation create a quick, satisfying dinner perfect for weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
- ½ tsp sea salt
- olive oil, to cook the shrimp
Instructions
- Couscous Preparation: Cook couscous following package instructions, using a fork to fluff and separate grains for a light, airy texture.
- Shrimp Marinade: Toss raw shrimp with fresh lemon juice and kosher salt, allowing flavors to meld for several minutes.
- Shrimp Searing: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and golden, creating a delicate caramelized exterior.
- Pesto Creation: Blend basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and nutritional yeast in a food processor until achieving a smooth, vibrant green consistency.
- Flavor Fusion: Gently incorporate pesto into cooked couscous, ensuring even coating and maximum flavor distribution.
- Plating and Serving: Layer pesto-coated couscous in serving bowls, top with seared shrimp and halved grape tomatoes, presenting a colorful Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for immediate enjoyment while ingredients remain warm and texturally appealing.
Notes
- Maximize Shrimp Flavor: Marinate shrimp for exactly 5-7 minutes to enhance taste without making seafood tough or rubbery.
- Perfect Cooking Technique: Watch shrimp closely while searing; they cook quickly and can become chewy if overcooked past 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pesto Precision: Use nutritional yeast for dairy-free alternative that adds rich, cheesy flavor without compromising dietary restrictions.
- Temperature Control: Keep skillet at medium heat to achieve golden exterior on shrimp without burning or drying out the delicate protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg