Express saffron zucchini pearl couscous with paprika shrimp and lime yogurt
⏲️ Under 30 Minutes
Easy

Express saffron zucchini pearl couscous with paprika shrimp and lime yogurt

A quick, vibrant dish featuring pearl couscous simmered in saffron-scented broth, sautéed zucchini, juicy paprika shrimp, and a fresh lime yogurt sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes with a balanced mix of creaminess, freshness, and gentle spice.

10 minPrep
18 minCook
28 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 220 g pearl couscous (also llamado Israeli couscous)
  • 400 g raw peeled shrimp (without cola if preferred)
  • 300 g zucchini (cut en medias lunas finas)
  • 180 g plain Greek yogurt (whole or semidesnatado)
  • 550 ml vegetable or seafood broth (hot)
  • 80 g red onion (chopped fina)
  • 3 cloves garlic (2 chopped and 1 grated or muy chopped)
  • 1 unit lime (zest and 2 tbsp/2 tbsp of zumo)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 4 g sweet paprika (divided)
  • 0.25 g saffron threads (a pinch generous)
  • 1 g ground cumin
  • 15 g butter
  • 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 4 g salt (or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (or to taste)

Nutrition facts

per serving

432 kcal
Calories
26 g
Protein
40 g
Carbs
18 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
37 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyShellfish

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, the ground cumin, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Set aside while you prepare the rest.

  2. 2

    2. In another bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the lime zest, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 grated or very finely minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and set aside, chilled or at room temperature.

  3. 3

    3. Heat a wide skillet or shallow pot over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and the butter. Once the butter melts without browning, add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes until it starts to soften.

  4. 4

    4. Add the zucchini and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often, until tender but still slightly firm. Add the pearl couscous, the remaining sweet paprika, and the saffron threads, then stir for 30 seconds to release their aroma.

  5. 5

    5. Pour in the hot broth, add 1/4 teaspoon salt, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 9 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the couscous is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

  6. 6

    6. Meanwhile, heat another large skillet over high heat. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink, firm, and fully cooked. If you prefer to check internal temperature, cook to 145°F / 63°C.

  7. 7

    7. When the couscous is ready, turn off the heat and fold in half of the fresh parsley. Adjust salt and pepper if needed and fluff gently with a spoon.

  8. 8

    8. Spoon the pearl couscous onto plates or bowls, top with the paprika shrimp, and finish with dollops of lime yogurt. Scatter over the remaining fresh parsley and serve right away.

Chef tips

For a looser texture, let the couscous rest for 2 minutes off the heat before serving. Do not overcook the shrimp so they stay juicy.

Substitutions

You can swap the shrimp for diced chicken or sautéed chickpeas. Greek yogurt can be replaced with thick plain yogurt. If you do not have saffron, use an extra pinch of paprika and a little lemon zest, though the flavor will be different.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Wooden cutting boardIllustrative image

    Teakhaus Teak Cutting Board

    Stable base for chopping

    • Stable surface for chopping
    • Gentle on your knife edge
    • Hand-wash and let it dry
    View on Amazon

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