Grilled Shrimp and Orzo
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
626 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Greek
Grilled Shrimp and Orzo
Description
Grilled Shrimp and Orzo features shrimp marinated in olive oil, tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs, allowing them to absorb savory and slightly tangy flavors. After marinating 1-2 hours, the shrimp are grilled, providing a lightly charred, smoky taste and firm texture. The orzo is cooked tender in chicken broth, then enriched with butter, olive oil, garlic, and a combination of orange juice and zest that imparts a subtle citrus brightness. Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add herbaceous and umami layers, while toasted pine nuts contribute crunch and toasted notes.
The dish balances the grilled protein with a creamy, flavorful pasta that is at once fresh and comforting. It works well as a full meal for lunch or dinner, pairing nicely with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to complement its richness.
This recipe requires some advance preparation time due to marinating the shrimp. Toasting pine nuts carefully prevents burning and enhances their nutty flavor. The orzo should be cooked just until tender to avoid mushiness, and the zest and juice are added off the heat to preserve their bright flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 Pounds Shrimp preferably U16-20 or larger, raw
Marinade
- ⅓ Cup olive oil
- ¼ Cup tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic Minced, cloves
- 2 Tablespoons basil Chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Orzo
- 1 Cup orzo
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic Minced, cloves
- ½ Cup orange juice Juice of 2 oranges
- ¼ Cup basil Chopped
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese Shredded
- 2 Tablespoons pine nuts
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons orange rind grated
- 3 cups chicken broth
Instructions
Prepare the marinade
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl or large bag. Add the shrimp and marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
Basil-Orange Orzo
- Prep your ingredients by finely chopping the basil and mincing the garlic. Zest the oranges until you have about 2 teaspoons or orange rind rest. Next, juice the 2 oranges and remove any seeds.
- In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium-high heat, until lightly browned. Don't allow to burn. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Add the chicken broth to a medium sized saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook until tender, typically about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain excess liquid and cover.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a medium pot and melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the orange zest and cook for 1-2 minutes. Next, add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Add in the orange juice and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3 minutes then remove from the heat. Stir in the basil, cooked orzo, parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts and mix to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Grilling the Shrimp
- To cook the grilled shrimp. prepare your grill for direct cooking over medium high heat. Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque. Shrimp should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
Serving
- Plate the warm basil-orange orzo and top with the shrimp skewers. Top with additional basil or parmesan, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 626 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 626kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 234mg | 78% |
| Sodium | 1917mg | 80% |
| Potassium | 492mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 822IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 283mg | 28% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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