Lemony Shrimp Couscous with Charred Tomatoes
Pearl couscous and seared shrimp share a skillet with blistered tomatoes, lemon, and parsley for a bright weeknight dinner.
Prep: 12 · Cook: 23 · Total: 35 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.9/5 (178 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
This original skillet dinner brings together quick seared shrimp, pearl couscous, and blistered tomatoes in one bright pan.
Story
Casey reaches for this skillet when dinner needs to look colorful and still land on time. The tomatoes go jammy around the couscous, the shrimp stay tender because they only return at the end, and lemon keeps the broth from feeling heavy. Put the parsley on last and bring the pan straight to the table.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pearl couscous
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry and toss them with paprika, half the salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the oil in a wide skillet, sear the shrimp for 1 minute per side, and transfer them to a plate.
- Add the tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until their skins blister and soften.
- Stir in the garlic and couscous, cook for 1 minute, then pour in the broth and remaining salt.
- Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the couscous is tender and the broth is absorbed.
- Fold in the shrimp, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley, then rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Chef Tips
- Dry the shrimp well so they sear instead of steaming.
- Use a wide skillet so the couscous cooks in an even layer.
- Add a splash of broth if the couscous thickens before it is tender.
- Frozen shrimp work well after thawing and patting them dry.
Cook's Notes
- **Shrimp:** Pat dry before seasoning.
- **Couscous:** Stir occasionally as it simmers.
- **Timing:** Return shrimp only at the end.
- **Finish:** Add lemon and parsley off the heat.