How to make 20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo

In the midst of a bustling marketplace, on a journey that had already painted my memories with the vibrant hues and rich textures of new lands, I stumbled upon a dish that seemed to capture both the spirit of adventure and the comfort of home: a 20-Minute Couscous recipe featuring plump large shrimp and spicy Spanish Chorizo. The couscous, with its tiny pearls, served as the perfect canvas to marry the sweetness of the shrimp with the deep, smoky flavors of the Chorizo, creating a harmonious melody of tastes that danced tantalizingly on the palate.

Driven by the unforgettable experience and the melange of flavors that lingered long after the meal was done, I embarked on a mission to recreate this quick yet exquisite dish. After immersing myself in various attempts, adjusting spices, and fine-tuning proportions, I crafted a version that not only echoed the soul-warming joy I felt that day but also promised ease and simplicity in preparation. It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you this 20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo, hoping it will whisk you away on a culinary adventure right from your kitchen, bringing delight and a touch of global excitement to your table. Let’s dive into this flavor-filled journey, ready to indulge in every bite.

20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo Recipe

20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo

The 20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo is an enchanting dish that effortlessly marries the simplicity of couscous with the robust flavors of the Mediterranean. Central to its appeal are the plump, succulent shrimp and spicy Spanish chorizo, which together create a harmonious balance between sweetness and heat. The couscous serves as an ideal foundation, its grains perfectly textured to absorb and meld the diverse flavors into one cohesive, flavor-packed mouthful.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 6 people

Calories 845 kcal

Equipment

• 1 small amount

Ingredients

  

• Boiling water
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1.5 lb. large shrimp
• 1 1/4 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 6 oz. hard Spanish Chorizo
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 jalapeno peppers
• 1 small yellow onion
• Extra virgin olive

Instructions

 

• Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a large frying pan.
• Heat the Chorizo sausage rolls until they are crisp.
• Remove from the heat and clean on towels.
• Add the garlic, onions, and habanero to the boiling pot and cook till the vegetables are transparent.
• Now insert the seasoning and mix for a few seconds before adding the shrimp.
• Heat the shrimp for approximately 3 minutes on moderate flame.
• In the meantime, bring 2 1⁄2 cups of water to a boil.
• Transfer the couscous, little more vegetable oil, a pinch of salt, and the hot oil to the frying pan with the Chorizo.
• Allow for five minutes of resting time. Remove the cover and add the fresh parsley.
• Enjoy by moving to serve pots.

Keyword couscous, large shrimp, parsley

Cooking tips about 20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo

• Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ingredients. Fresh, large shrimp and authentic Spanish chorizo can significantly impact the flavor profile of your dish. The fresher the seafood, the better the taste.
• Prep Work: Given the quick cooking time of this recipe, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This includes peeling and deveining the shrimp (unless pre-prepared), slicing the chorizo, and measuring out your spices and couscous.
• Sautéing the Chorizo: Begin by sautéing the chorizo slices in a little olive oil to release their flavorful oils. This step not only cooks the chorizo but also infuses the pan with a base layer of spice and smoke for the couscous and shrimp to absorb.
• Spicing It Right: Season your shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika to complement the chorizo’s flavors. Adding garlic or onion provides an aromatic base that enriches the couscous when mixed together.
• Managing Couscous Cooking Time: Couscous cooks very quickly, usually within 5 to 10 minutes after being added to boiling water or broth. To ensure it’s perfectly fluffy, remove it from the heat once all the liquid is absorbed, cover, and let it sit for a few minutes to steam.
• Adding Liquids: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the couscous. The broth adds an extra layer of flavor that water alone cannot provide, enriching the overall taste of the dish.
• Layering Ingredients: Add the shrimp towards the end of cooking to ensure they are tender and not overcooked. As shrimp cook quickly, layer them on top of the couscous after it has absorbed most of the liquid, allowing them just enough time to become pink and opaque.
• Presentation and Finish: Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving and consider adding a final sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top of the dish can add a welcome brightness, balancing the richness of the chorizo and the sweetness of the shrimp.
• Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a bit of spice, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the pan when cooking the chorizo. Alternatively, for a less spicy version, ensure your Spanish chorizo is mild rather than spicy.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the stove. Serve it as soon as it’s ready to capture the amalgam of flavors at their peak.

Serving suggestions about 20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo

• Simple Green Salad: Start with a light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The crispness of the greens contrasts nicely with the richness of the couscous, shrimp, and chorizo, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Their charred flavors and tender texture pair beautifully with the smokiness of the chorizo and the sweetness of the shrimp in the couscous.
• Garlic Bread: Offer slices of warm garlic bread to sop up any flavorful juices left on the plate. The robust garlic flavor makes it an excellent companion to the bold tastes of the couscous dish.
• A Glass of Rosé: Complement the meal with a chilled glass of rosé. Its crispness and slight fruitiness make it a perfect match for the spiciness of the chorizo and the sweetness of the shrimp, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Lemon Wedges: Provide lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their serving of couscous. The burst of citrus brightens the entire dish, highlighting all the flavors without overpowering them.
• Saffron Aioli: For an added touch of luxury, serve with a side of saffron aioli for dipping. The aioli’s creaminess and the subtle hint of saffron bring an additional layer of complexity and richness to the meal.
• Dessert of Fresh Fruit: Finish the meal on a light note with a dessert of fresh fruit, such as a mix of berries or sliced peaches. The freshness of the fruit will cleanse the palate and provide a sweet end to a flavorful meal.

Top 5 FAQs about 20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo

• What are the key factors in choosing ingredients for the 20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo? For this recipe, the quality of the ingredients plays a pivotal role in its success. Opting for fresh, large shrimp and authentic Spanish chorizo will significantly enhance the taste profile. The freshness of the seafood is crucial for the best flavor and texture, while the distinct smoky depth of high-quality Spanish chorizo adds authenticity to the dish.
• How should I prepare the couscous to ensure it’s perfectly cooked? Couscous cooks rapidly, absorbing water or broth within 5 to 10 minutes. It’s essential to remove it from the heat as soon as all the liquid has been absorbed. Then, cover and allow it to sit for a few minutes to steam. This method yields fluffy couscous without it becoming overly soggy or dry.
• What is the best way to cook the shrimp and chorizo together without overcooking the shrimp? The cooking process starts with sautéing the chorizo to release its oils, which flavors the base for cooking the couscous. Add the shrimp towards the end of the cooking time because shrimp cook quickly. This ensures they are just tender and not overcooked by introducing them once the couscous has absorbed most of the liquid, maintaining the balance between perfectly cooked shrimp and flavorful couscous.
• Can I make any variations to this recipe if I prefer a less spicy dish? Yes, the recipe is quite adaptable. If you’re sensitive to spice or simply prefer a milder taste, you can choose a mild variety of Spanish chorizo instead of a spicy one. Adding a diced, deseeded bell pepper can also offset some of the heat without compromising the dish’s overall flavor.
• Are there any tips for enhancing the flavor profile of the dish further? To elevate the dish, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to cook the couscous; this adds an extra layer of flavor. Sauté garlic or onion with the chorizo at the beginning to create an aromatic base. Additionally, a final splash of lemon juice before serving can introduce a refreshing brightness that complements the richness of the chorizo and the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully.

The 20-Minute Couscous Recipe with Shrimp and Chorizo is a brilliant showcase of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also brimming with flavor. This dish encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, blending the sweet and succulent shrimp with the rich, smoky chorizo atop a bed of light and fluffy couscous. Each component plays a vital role in crafting a harmonious balance between the diverse flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful dining experience.