Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Herb Couscous
Succulent shrimp marinated in zesty lemon and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with a light, herbaceous couscous for a refreshing Mediterranean dish. This mediterranean-inspired grilling (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs shrimp, lemon, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 lb shrimp
- 2 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp dill
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 grilled lemon slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Add 1 lb shrimp, tossing to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, add 1 cup couscous, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1 tbsp chopped dill. Stir to combine, then cover and let sit for 10 minutes until couscous absorbs liquid.
- Step 3: Thread shrimp onto skewers, alternating with 2 grilled lemon slices per skewer. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side until shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Serve skewers with couscous, garnished with additional parsley and dill. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Herb Couscous take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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.
Is Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Herb Couscous gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.