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Mediterranean Couscous with Shrimp served in a white bowl with pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs, and vegetables.
Reda

Mediterranean Couscous with Shrimp

Plump shrimp and fluffy couscous tossed with bright lemon, herbs, and tangy feta for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a coastal vacation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Couscous
  • 1.5 cups Israeli couscous also called pearl couscous
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 2.25 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
For the Shrimp and Vegetables
  • 1.5 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails off
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced, about 1 small
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice plus zest of 1 lemon
  • 0.25 cup fresh dill chopped
  • 4 oz feta cheese crumbled
  • black pepper freshly ground, to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium Saucepan with Lid
  • Microplane or fine grater

Method
 

Cook the Couscous
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the Israeli couscous and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and nutty-smelling, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed, 10-12 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. While the couscous cooks, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels - this is crucial for browning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half the shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt, and cook undisturbed until pink and just opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and shrimp.
Build the Flavor Base
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften and release their juices, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Add the cooked couscous, shrimp, diced cucumber, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss gently to combine and warm through. Fold in the fresh dill and half the feta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and plenty of black pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining feta and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Buy shrimp already peeled and deveined to save time, or use frozen - just thaw completely and pat very dry before searing. Israeli couscous holds its texture better than instant, but if you only have instant couscous, use 1.5 cups dry with 1.5 cups boiling water, cover, and let stand 5 minutes. This dish is excellent served slightly warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for entertaining or packing for lunch the next day.