Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Minted Couscous

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp sautéed in lemon and garlic paired with fluffy couscous infused with fresh mint for a light, bright meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in 1 cup couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint.
  2. Step 2: While couscous cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and drizzle 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice over the shrimp, tossing gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lemon-garlic shrimp atop the minted couscous for a vibrant and fresh meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Minted Couscous take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 with Minted 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Minted 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 with Minted 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Minted 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.

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