Imagine a dish that combines the succulent tenderness of perfectly cooked shrimp with the nutty, protein-packed goodness of quinoa, all infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic. This Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick, nutritious dinner or a home cook craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold running water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. This step is crucial for achieving a pleasant flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. This should take about 6-8 minutes total.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and then add it to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir gently to combine everything.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the garlic shrimp and quinoa warm, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy your delicious Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa!
Tips
- Quinoa Prep: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating called saponin, which can cause a bitter taste. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Shrimp Perfection: Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Garlic Watch: Sauté garlic quickly and carefully—it can burn easily and turn bitter. Remove from heat the moment it becomes fragrant.
- Cooking Shrimp: Don't overcook! Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice when cooking shrimp for extra depth of flavor.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh chopped parsley not only adds color but brings a bright, fresh element to the dish.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Quinoa can be prepared in advance and reheated, making this a great option for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
