Shrimp Quinoa : This recipe is a light, flavorful, and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy meal prep option. Juicy, tender shrimp are sautéed with aromatic garlic and spices, then tossed with fluffy quinoa and fresh veggies for a balanced, vibrant bite in every forkful.
Why Shrimp Quinoa Is a Perfect Meal
Combining shrimp and quinoa is a match made in culinary heaven! Here’s why:
- Quinoa is a gluten-free grain packed with fiber, essential amino acids, and protein. It’s often referred to as a “superfood.”
- Shrimp is low in calories, high in protein, and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health.
- Together, they create a balanced dish that’s nutrient-rich, flavorful, and ideal for lunch or dinner.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Quinoa
- Rinse the quinoa: Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. Make sure to rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove this coating.
- Use vegetable or chicken broth: For extra flavor, cook the quinoa in broth instead of water. It adds a delicious depth that elevates the dish.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery. Keep an eye on them and cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add extra veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to your Shrimp Quinoa, like zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes. The more veggies, the more nutrients!
Recipe Variations
The beauty of Shrimp Quinoa is its versatility. You can tweak the recipe in countless ways to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions:
Mediterranean Shrimp Quinoa: Add feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives to the dish. Season with oregano and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean flair.
Spicy Shrimp Quinoa: If you love a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables. You can also toss the shrimp in Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Quinoa: Swap out the parsley for cilantro and add fresh lime juice for a zesty twist. This variation pairs wonderfully with avocado slices or guacamole.
Shrimp Quinoa Bowl: Create a bowl by layering quinoa at the bottom, then add shrimp, avocado, black beans, corn, and salsa. This makes a perfect, customizable meal prep option!
How to Serve Shrimp Quinoa
There are endless ways to serve this dish, making it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and more elaborate meals. Here are some ideas:
- As a main dish: Serve as is, with a side of lemon wedges and perhaps a fresh green salad.
- As a side dish: Shrimp Quinoa pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or a light fish such as cod or tilapia.
- In wraps or tacos: Spoon the shrimp quinoa mixture into soft tortillas or wraps, and top with salsa or guacamole for a fun and easy handheld meal.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Quinoa
If you’ve made a big batch or have leftovers, storing and reheating Shrimp Quinoa is a breeze:
Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze Shrimp Quinoa in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let the dish cool completely before freezing.
Shrimp Quinoa Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Shrimp Quinoa is great for meal prepping. Prepare the quinoa and shrimp separately and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just combine them and heat.
Is Shrimp Quinoa gluten-free?
Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I substitute other grains for quinoa?
If you’re not a fan of quinoa, you can substitute it with other whole grains like brown rice, couscous, or farro.
Shrimp Quinoa
Shrimp Quinoa : This recipe is a light, flavorful, and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy meal prep option. Juicy, tender shrimp are sautéed with aromatic garlic and spices, then tossed with fluffy quinoa and fresh veggies for a balanced, vibrant bite in every forkful.
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound raw tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon chili powder, divided
- ⅓ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon chili powder.
- Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove them from the skillet immediately to avoid overcooking.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the quinoa, cayenne, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon chili powder. Let the quinoa toast in the skillet for about 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to high. Bring the broth to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Let it cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender.
- Fluff with a fork once done.
- Zest the lemon directly into the quinoa, then squeeze in the juice. Stir in the fresh parsley and toss to combine.
- Top the quinoa with the reserved shrimp, sprinkle with extra parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 370Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 239mgSodium 1439mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 35g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Quinoa is a nutrient-dense, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing dinner guests. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a favorite for health-conscious foodies. Whether you keep it simple or try out one of the variations, you’ll love how customizable and satisfying Shrimp Quinoa can be.
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