Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo & Feta

Need cooked shrimp recipes, pronto? My Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo is ready in 25 mins! A burst of Mediterranean flavor. Get my quick tips!

Right, let's dive in! are you ever stuck for a quick, tasty meal? i know i am! i've been playing around with cooked shrimp recipes lately, and honestly, i'm hooked.

This lemon garlic shrimp with orzo & feta is a total winner.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo & Feta: A Taste of the Mediterranean

This dish is inspired by the sunny flavors of the mediterranean. it's all about fresh lemon, fragrant garlic, and salty feta.

Think greek taverna, but in your kitchen! it’s dead easy, takes about 25 minutes, and feeds four hungry souls.

It's a doddle to make, perfect after a long day. plus, shrimp is packed with protein, making it a healthy choice.

This recipe is special because it's light, refreshing, and feels a bit fancy without the fuss. honestly, you'll feel like a proper chef!

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Shrimp Dish

One of the biggest wins? it's quick! you can whip this up faster than ordering takeout. and the bright, zesty flavors really wake up your taste buds.

This dish is perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a sophisticated summer brunch.

Gather Your Ingredients - Easy Peasy!

You'll need cooked shrimp, orzo pasta, olive oil, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, feta cheese, and lemon wedges.

Honestly, it's all pretty standard stuff, easily found in your local shop. if you want, use chicken stock instead of wine.

Next up, we’ll break down exactly how to get this deliciousness on your plate. It is simpler than you think, believe me!

Alright, so you want to make some delicious food with cooked shrimp recipes ? let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what you'll need for my lemon garlic shrimp with orzo & feta.

Trust me, this dish is a winner! it's like sunshine on a plate, especially if you're feeling a bit down with the usual british weather.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, let's get this show on the road. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need:

• Cooked Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) , peeled, deveined, and tails removed. Honestly, buying pre-cooked shrimp saves so much time. Just make sure it smells fresh and doesn’t look slimy. That’s a big no-no!
• Orzo Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . I love orzo because it's quick and cooks evenly.
• Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons (60ml) , extra virgin, because we're fancy like that!
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is best. You know?
• Dry White Wine (Optional): 1/2 cup (120ml) . Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works brilliantly. Or chicken broth if you're off the booze.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) . About 1-2 lemons . Bottled juice? Nah, go fresh.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g) , chopped.
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup (15g) , chopped.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste. For that little kick!
• Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup (115g) , crumbled. Salty and delicious.

Quality indicators: for the shrimp, look for a firm texture and bright color. avoid any that smell fishy (in a bad way!) or have any discoloration.

I swear, bad shrimp can ruin your week.

Seasoning Notes

Spice it up, darling! It's all about the flavor:

• Essential Spice Combo: Garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. It’s a classic for a reason.
• Flavor Enhancers: Lemon juice and fresh herbs really lift the dish. Honestly , it's the magic.
• Quick Sub Options: Don’t have fresh basil? Use dried, but halve the amount. No white wine? Chicken broth works a charm. You can even sneak in a Warm Spiced Apple Cider , or Apple Cider With Cinnamon Sticks to make a Homemade Spiced Apple Cider to make your sauce feel cozy. You know, like a Easy Hot Cider Recipe .

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, buttercup!

• Large Pot: For cooking the orzo. Any pot will do, really.
• Large Skillet: For the shrimp and sauce.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Household Alternatives: If you don’t have a fancy lemon juicer, a fork works just fine. You know?

Ready to get cooking? Let's do this! And if you are making Dutch Oven Apple Cider then I will forgive your lemon juicer!

Alright, let’s talk cooked shrimp recipes! honestly, who doesn't love shrimp? it's quick, easy, and totally versatile. we're gonna make lemon garlic shrimp with orzo & feta.

It's like a mini-holiday in a bowl, seriously.

Prep Like a Pro, Mate!

First things first, mise en place , yeah? get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. it's like getting your ducks in a row.

Nobody wants to be scrambling while the garlic's burning. mince your 4 cloves of garlic . juice your 1-2 lemons to get 1/4 cup .

Chop about 1/4 cup each of fresh parsley and fresh basil . measure 1 pound of cooked shrimp . time-saving tip: buy pre-cooked shrimp to save a chunk of time.

Safety wise, just remember to wash your hands!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Step-by-Step

This is where the magic happens. Don't worry, it’s easier than putting up Ikea furniture.

1. Cook 1 pound of orzo pasta. Follow the packet. Drain it. Don't overcook it, mind!
2. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a large skillet on medium heat. Sauté the garlic for like, 30 seconds to 1 minute . It should smell amazing but not be brown, yeah?
3. Fancy pants bit: deglaze with 1/2 cup of dry white wine. Scrape the pan bits. Skip this, use chicken broth. Cook for 1- 2 minutes .
4. Stir in lemon juice, herbs, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
5. Add cooked orzo and shrimp. Toss it all together. Heat for 2- 3 minutes . Shrimp should be heated through. Don't overcook!
6. Serve it up! Top with 1/2 cup crumbled feta and lemon wedges. Ta-da!

Top Tips to Elevate Your Shrimp Game

Honestly, this bit's gold.

• Pro Tip 1: Don't overcook the shrimp! It'll turn rubbery. Nobody wants rubbery shrimp, right?
• Pro Tip 2: Fresh lemon juice is boss. Seriously, bottled stuff is just not the same. It's like the difference between real sugar and sweeteners.
• Common mistake? Forgetting to season! Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Gotta get that flavour spot on!
• Dutch Oven Apple Cider or Easy Hot Cider Recipe isn't exactly what we are making here, but you could add a splash of Apple Cider Cinnamon Drink to the white wine for a autumn twist. This Homemade Spiced Apple Cider trick could add a bit of sweet warmth, even though it's typically a Hot Apple Cider Recipe Stovetop kind of treat. Think of it like a Mediterranean-meets-autumn mashup – a little unconventional, but hey, life's too short to be boring, innit?. Plus, talking about warm drinks might be a good idea on What Can You Make With Apple Cider , even it is unrelated here. A Crockpot Mulled Apple Cider is definitely out of scope here. Warm Spiced Apple Cider , with a hint of lemon could actually complement the shrimp.
• Make-ahead? You can prep the herbs and lemon juice earlier. But cook the shrimp and pasta just before serving.

There you have it, that's how you make the cooked shrimp recipes sing! This dish is amazing, trust me. Enjoy!

Right, let's dive into some extra bits about our lemon garlic shrimp with orzo & feta. honestly, the recipe is pretty straightforward, but these notes will help you nail it every single time.

Plus, i'll share some secrets i’ve learned over the years. it's all about making life easier, innit?

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, you know? Don't just chuck it on a plate. Think about it!

• Plating: Twirl the orzo with your fork as you place it on the plate. Then, artfully arrange the cooked shrimp around. Sprinkle the feta with a flourish.
• Garnish: A lemon wedge is a must! A sprig of fresh basil adds a touch of class.
• Side: A hunk of crusty bread? Yes, please! Also, this is great on its own.

It’s all about adding flair. Oh, and a Dutch Oven Apple Cider would be delightful with it.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

So, you've got leftovers? No worries, sorted!

• Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container. It'll be good for up to 3 days. Key cue: Make sure it's properly cooled before you refrigerate it.
• Freezing: Not recommended, the orzo might get a bit mushy. But, if you must, use a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat. A splash of broth keeps it moist. Important: Ensure the shrimp is heated through.

Honestly, it's usually so good, there aren't any leftovers!

Variations: Making it Your Own

Fancy a change? Easy peasy!

• Dairy-Free: Ditch the feta. Use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Seasonal Swap: In the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash. It adds a lovely sweetness.
• Easy Hot Cider Recipe is a good match with this as well. You know what? Warm Spiced Apple Cider is also amazing. You can easily make an Apple Cider Cinnamon Drink . Just imagine having Apple Cider With Cinnamon Sticks .

Seriously, get creative and play about!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so the nutritional info is just an estimate. But here's the gist. I did some digging: Did you know that shrimp is a good source of selenium , which is an antioxidant?

• Simplified Info: This recipe is packed with protein and carbs. It's fairly balanced.
• Key Health Benefits: The cooked shrimp provides lean protein. The lemon gives you vitamin C. The orzo is fuel for your body. You can also use Homemade Spiced Apple Cider , or create a Hot Apple Cider Recipe Stovetop . You can use them to make the dish taste richer.

Honestly, it's a delicious and fairly healthy meal.

Right then, there you have it! with these tips, you'll be whipping up perfect lemon garlic shrimp with orzo & feta every time.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have a bit of fun. give crockpot mulled apple cider a try, or just imagine what can you make with apple cider ! now, go on, get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely, frozen cooked shrimp is perfectly acceptable and super convenient! Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the pan, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture for better browning, and don't overcook it; it's already cooked, remember! We don't want any rubbery shrimp situations going on here, do we?

What's the best way to store leftover cooked shrimp recipes with orzo?

Leftovers are a treat for another day! Store your leftover lemon garlic shrimp with orzo in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2-3 days. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so it might be a tad drier when you reheat it. A splash of olive oil or broth when reheating sorts that right out!

I'm not a big fan of feta cheese. What can I substitute it with in this shrimp and orzo dish?

No worries, cheese preferences are a personal thing! If feta isn't your cup of tea, you could try using crumbled goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or even grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, umami punch. You could even go without cheese altogether! A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts will add some nice texture, instead.

How can I add more vegetables to this cooked shrimp recipe?

Adding veggies is a brilliant idea for a healthier, heartier meal! Some great options include sautéed spinach or kale (stir them in at the end), roasted cherry tomatoes for sweetness, or even some sliced zucchini or bell peppers cooked alongside the garlic. Adding vegetables increases the nutritional value and adds a lovely fresh element to the dish, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Is this lemon garlic shrimp and orzo recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

This dish can definitely be part of a balanced diet! Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, and orzo provides carbohydrates for energy. The lemon juice and fresh herbs add vitamins and antioxidants. To make it even healthier, use whole wheat orzo, go easy on the olive oil, and load up on those extra veggies we talked about! Remember, portion control is key to enjoying any food in moderation, including this delicious dish!

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