ONE-POT LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP QUINOA
A delicious and easy-to-make One-Pot lemon garlic shrimp quinoa that is perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. This dish combines the bold flavours of garlic, black pepper, olive oil and lemon with tender shrimp and protein-rich quinoa, which creates a light and satisfying entrée. This meal is great for busy days and when you want something healthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, because it is made with minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process. The infusion of citrusy freshness with the umami of shrimp makes it a well-balanced dish that fits various dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a nutritious dinner or a light meal to keep you fuelled, this one-pot lemon garlic shrimp quinoa offers an excellent combination of taste and nourishment. It is a gluten-free and protein-rich dish, which is made in one pot with easy cleanup.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
One-Pot Wonders, Sauté
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
One-Pot Wonders
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner, Summer, Picnic
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Wheat / Gluten-Free, Quick & Easy, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Seafood Main
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for One-Pot lemon garlic shrimp quinoa:
- 5 to 6 medium shrimp | 2.12 ounces | peeled and patted dry
- 43 grams | 1.52 ounces | ¼ cup cooked quinoa, fluffed
- 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- 5 millilitres | 0.08 fluid ounces | ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 12 millilitres | 0.41 fluid ounces | 2½ teaspoons olive oil
- 25 gram | 0.01 ounces | ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 125 gram | 0.004 ounces | ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
- 2 grams | 0.07 ounces | 1 teaspoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories:5 kilocalories
- Fat:4 grams
- Carbohydrate:0 grams
- Sodium:8 milligrams
- Protein:8 grams
- Cholesterol:4 milligrams
- Calcium:3 milligrams
- Iron:2 milligrams
- Potassium:5 milligrams
- Fibre:5 grams
- Sugar:5 grams
- Saturated Fat:5 grams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of One-Pot lemon garlic shrimp quinoa:
- Prepare The Shrimp: Pat the peeled shrimp dry so they sear rather than steam.
- Heat The Oil: Set a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and warm until shimmering.
- Sauté The Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant and not browned.
- Cook The Shrimp: Lay shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes until pink on the first side, flip and cook 1 minute more until just opaque.
- Season And Combine: Sprinkle black pepper and sea salt, then add fluffed quinoa and toss for 30 seconds so the grains warm and pick up the pan juices.
- Finish With Lemon: Stir in lemon juice for a bright finish. Plate and sprinkle parsley if using it, and enjoy one-pot lemon garlic shrimp quinoa while warm.
PREPARATION TIME
5 Minutes
COOKING TIME
5 Minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for One-Pot lemon garlic shrimp quinoa:
- Fresh Lift: A little extra lemon at the table brightens one-pot lemon garlic shrimp quinoa without additional salt.
- Perfect Texture: Pull shrimp the moment they turn opaque and carryover heat finishes them.
- Pan Choice: A small and wide pan gives you an even sear and keeps garlic from crowding.
- Season Smart: Salt lightly before adding lemon, then taste and adjust.
- Balanced Plate: A handful of rocket or spinach on the side turns it into a fuller meal.
VARIATION
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic to warm one-pot lemon garlic shrimp quinoa.
- Herb Forward: Swap parsley for basil or chives for a different fresh note.
- Extra Protein: Increase shrimp to 8 to 10 pieces or fold through a spoon of chickpeas.
- Citrus Twist: Use lime juice and finish with a little zest for a sharper profile.
- Garlic Lovers: Add one extra small clove, finely minced and cook gently to avoid bitterness.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and a squeeze of fresh lemon perks up one-pot lemon garlic shrimp quinoa on day two.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because shrimp can turn rubbery after thawing.
- Reheating: Warm gently over low heat and stir it until just hot to preserve shrimp tenderness.