Authentic Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Herb Couscous
Succulent shrimp grilled with olive oil and herbs, paired with light, fluffy couscous infused with lemon and parsley for a refreshing Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1.5 cups basmati couscous
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat. In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Thread shrimp onto skewers. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: For couscous: bring 2.5 cups water to a boil with 1 tsp salt. Remove from heat, stir in 1.5 cups basmati couscous, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Step 4: Toss couscous with 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Serve with grilled shrimp skewers.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Herb Couscous take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Herb Couscous?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shrimp, peeled and deveined from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Herb Couscous?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Herb Couscous for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Herb Couscous?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to seafood dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
