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Shrimp Couscous with Herb Sauce and Roasted Vegetables Recipe

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4 from 25 reviews

This Shrimp Couscous recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Featuring tender oven-roasted asparagus and red peppers, succulent shrimp seasoned with a spicy herb paste, and fluffy couscous tossed in a zesty, garlicky herb sauce, this recipe balances fresh Mediterranean flavors and a delightful texture.

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Spices and Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (increase to 1/2 teaspoon for extra spice)

Oils and Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for spice paste)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil (for herb sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (for herb sauce)

Produce

  • 2 lemons (juice only, divided)
  • 1 medium red pepper, sliced into thin strips and halved
  • 1/2 pound asparagus, woody ends removed and cut into thirds
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro (about 1 full bunch)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley (about 1 full bunch)

Protein

  • 1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, 21/25 count)

Grains

  • 1 cup couscous

Instructions

  1. Make Herb Sauce: In a large jar, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon honey, and juice from 2 tablespoons of lemon. Add the finely chopped garlic, then stir well. Next, fold in 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly, seal the jar, and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld for at least a few hours or up to 1-2 days.
  2. Cook Veggies: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). On a large sheet pan, spread the prepared asparagus and red pepper slices in an even layer without overlapping. In a bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to form a spice paste. Divide the paste in half; toss half with the veggies to coat them thoroughly. Roast the veggies for 6-7 minutes, until they start to soften but remain crisp.
  3. Prepare and Cook Shrimp: While the vegetables roast, pat the shrimp dry. Toss them gently in the remaining half of the spice paste. Once the veggies have roasted for 6-7 minutes, remove the pan from the oven, toss the veggies, and make room on the pan. Add the shrimp in a single layer alongside the veggies. Return the pan to the oven and roast both shrimp and veggies for another 6-7 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove from oven.
  4. Make Couscous: While the shrimp and veggies are roasting, prepare the couscous. Bring 1 cup water to a boil, then remove it from heat. Stir in the couscous, cover, and let it stand for 2-4 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then mix in 1/2 cup of the prepared herb sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste).
  5. Serve: Divide the flavored couscous evenly onto 2 plates (or 4 smaller servings). Top with equal portions of roasted vegetables and shrimp. Serve with the remaining herb sauce on the side for added flavor. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • You can prepare the herb sauce up to 1-2 days in advance to allow the flavors to deepen.
  • If serving 4 instead of 2, divide the couscous, veggies, and shrimp accordingly and consider using a larger baking pan for even roasting.
  • The cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your spice preference; use 1/2 teaspoon for a spicier dish.
  • Use 21/25 count shrimp for a good balance of size and cook time; smaller or larger shrimp may require time adjustments.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute couscous with quinoa.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean