A few readers commented how much they like Ina Garten’s Roasted Shrimp & Orzo recipe. I took a look at it and it’s a pretty easy, straightforward orzo salad with a hint of Mediterranean flavors. With no orzo in the pantry, I substituted it with Israeli couscous. I actually prefer this type of couscous over the traditional one. Why? Israeli couscous has a much better, fail proof consistency in my opinion, since the traditional kind can get too mushy if you’re not careful. To add a bit more color, I added chopped tomatoes as well. Be sure to allow the flavors to meld – I recommend preparing this salad a day in advance and serving it at room temperature, not chilled. Lastly, to avoid the shrimp from overcooking and getting rubbery, I reduced the roasting temperature to 350 degrees.
Roasted Shrimp & Orzo
recipe adapted from Ina Garten
Kosher salt
1 1/3 cup dried Israeli couscous + chicken broth for preparing
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
1/2 cup good olive oil
Salt & Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds (16 to 18 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
1 cup chopped fresh dill
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
1/2 cup small-diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped and seeded tomatoes
3/4 pound good feta cheese, crumbled
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Prepare the Israeli couscous as directed, but substitute the water called for in the directions with chicken broth to add flavor. Once cooked, place in a large bowl.
Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour over the couscous and stir well.
Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don’t overcook!
Add the shrimp to the couscous and add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.
I love shrimp. But talk about an expensive snacking habit!
Gorgeous colors in this dish! Looks wonderful!
Yum!! That looks so good and I feel like I have almost all of the ingredients on hand – woo!
This looks so beautiful, colorful and fresh! A great meal for lunch or dinner!
This looks delicious, and so colorful!
GREAT colors! Yum! I'm always looking for new shrimp recipes, this looks delicious! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
This is one of Ina's recipes I have been wanting to try.
I love shrimps too and this dish looks wonderful! thanks for sharing 🙂
Haha, I'm like your husband. I will eat shrimp wherever and whenever I can 🙂 Great recipe.
Sounds good but where does the 1/2 cup lemon juice come in?
Has anyone tried to serve this as a hot entree? Looks like it would be delicious.
A yummy delicious recipe.I should definitely try this.
Couscous recipes