Lemon Herb Shrimp Orzo

$To make Lemon Herb Shrimp Orzo, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges for serving These ingredients work together to create a bright and tasty dish. You can add these optional items for extra flavor: - Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick - Cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color - Spinach for added nutrients and texture - Feta cheese for a creamy finish Each of these ingredients adds a unique twist to your meal. If you lack some ingredients, here are smart swaps: - Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein. - Use any small pasta if you don’t have orzo. - Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for more flavor. - Fresh herbs can replace dried herbs, just use more. These substitutions keep your dish flexible and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we need to cook our orzo. First, bring 3 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Once it’s boiling, add in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. This step is key for a perfect texture. While the orzo cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, add in 1 pound of large shrimp. Season the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for around 2 to 3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque. This step brings out the shrimp's best flavor. Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Let these flavors mix for another minute. Then, add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Toss everything together until it's well combined. If your dish looks a bit dry, add a splash of vegetable broth. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. This gives a nice fresh touch to the dish. Serve your Lemon Herb Shrimp Orzo in bowls, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy this crisp and flavorful delight! To keep shrimp tasty, cook them just right. Shrimp cook fast. They turn pink and opaque when done. Usually, it takes 2-3 minutes on each side. If you cook them too long, they get tough. So, stay nearby and watch them closely. Use a timer if you need to. Orzo needs care, too. Start by boiling water or broth. Make sure it’s bubbling before adding the orzo. Stir it well to keep it from sticking. Follow the package for cooking time, usually 8-10 minutes. Test it a minute before the time is up. It should feel firm but tender. Drain well and do not rinse. This keeps the flavor. Want to boost the taste? Here are some tips: - Add fresh herbs like basil or dill for more flavor. - Toss in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet twist. - A splash of white wine can add depth. - For a kick, mix in some capers or olives. These fun additions make this dish even more special. Experiment and find your favorite mix! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always use the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor. If possible, buy them from a local fish market. Cooking Orzo: Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking together and to ensure even cooking. Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the shrimp. Serving Suggestions: Pair the dish with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a refreshing meal. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well when diced into small pieces. Cook it until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Tofu is great for a vegetarian twist. Use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and sauté it until crispy. Both options soak up the lemon and herb flavors nicely. For a full vegan dish, skip the shrimp and add seasonal veggies. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. You can also toss in chickpeas for a protein boost. Sauté these veggies with garlic for flavor. The orzo will still shine with lemon and herbs, making it a fresh meal. Change the herbs for a new taste. Fresh basil or dill can give a different twist. You can also add capers for a briny kick. For a spicy version, increase the red pepper flakes. Each variation keeps the dish interesting while still being easy to make. To keep your Lemon Herb Shrimp Orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down to room temperature before sealing. This prevents moisture buildup. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of vegetable broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium heat, stirring often. You can also microwave it in a covered dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots and keeps the dish tasty. If you want to save your Lemon Herb Shrimp Orzo for later, freezing is a good option. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned before for best results. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Once they are thawed, peel and devein if needed. Using frozen shrimp can save you time and still give great flavor. Lemon Herb Shrimp Orzo pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad. You could also add roasted vegetables for extra color and taste. Garlic bread is a great choice, too. It helps soak up any leftover sauce. Cooking orzo takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Bring vegetable broth to a boil before adding the orzo. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set aside. This timing helps you keep the orzo firm and tasty. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for Lemon Herb Shrimp Orzo, from main to optional items. I walked you through clear steps to prepare this dish, including tips for perfect cooking. Remember to use my advice on storing leftovers and reheating. You can even try variations for different tastes. Cooking should be fun, and this meal is easy to make. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family. With these insights, you can make a delicious dish everyone will love.$

Lemon Herb Shrimp Orzo

A delicious and refreshing dish featuring shrimp and orzo pasta, enhanced with lemon and herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and black pepper
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
as needed lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque.
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, allowing the flavors to meld for another minute.
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a splash of vegetable broth.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley for added freshness.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.

Keyword herbs, lemon, orzo, pasta, shrimp