why make this recipe
Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo is a delightful dish that brings together bold flavors and a unique combination of ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a gathering. The shrimp are seasoned with spices that pack a punch, while the orzo pasta is light and fresh, tossed with lemon and basil. This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a great option for both novice and experienced cooks.
how to make Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo
Ingredients :
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions :
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season the shrimp with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo is cooked and liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and fresh basil once orzo is done.
- Serve the shrimp on top of the orzo with lemon wedges on the side.
how to serve Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo
Serve this dish warm, placing a generous portion of lemon basil orzo on each plate and topping it with the spicy shrimp. Add a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
how to store Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo
To store leftover Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to moisten the orzo.
tips to make Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque in about 2-3 minutes per side.
- If you like it spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil can be used, but it won’t have the same freshness.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a little butter or cream to the orzo before serving.
variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by using different types of seafood, like scallops or fish. Alternatively, if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the shrimp with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
What can I serve with Spicy Southern Style Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed asparagus for a complete meal.
How can I make this dish a bit milder?
To reduce the spiciness, simply decrease the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Adjust the paprika to taste as well.
Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delightful dish combining bold flavors with shrimp and light lemon basil orzo, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season the shrimp with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Add to the skillet and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the orzo and chicken broth to the same skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo is cooked and liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and fresh basil once orzo is done.
- Serve the shrimp on top of the orzo with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the shrimp for the best texture. Use fresh basil for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
