Garlic Butter Shrimp Quinoa is a quick and satisfying dinner made with fluffy quinoa, tender shrimp, garlic, butter, and fresh lemon. It comes together in one skillet and makes an easy meal for busy weeknights.
Why This Recipe Works
- Shrimp cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Quinoa makes the dish hearty and filling.
- Garlic butter adds rich, savory flavor.
- Lemon and parsley add freshness and balance.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Quinoa
1. Cook the Quinoa
Add the rinsed quinoa and broth to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
2. Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. Make the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine
Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked quinoa. Drizzle with lemon juice and gently toss everything together until well combined.
6. Serve
Remove from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Quinoa
- Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they are ready when pink and opaque.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Quinoa is an easy combination of fluffy quinoa, juicy shrimp, garlic butter, and fresh lemon. It makes a flavorful, protein-rich dinner that can be prepared in about 30 minutes.
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