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Before you start grilling, it's crucial to prepare your grill properly to achieve the best results. Preheating the grill not only ensures even cooking but also helps prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grates. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Lemon-Herb Shrimp Skewers with Couscous

Elevate your summer dining experience with Zesty Lemon-Herb Shrimp Skewers served over fluffy couscous. This vibrant dish combines marinated shrimp with the light texture of couscous, offering a perfect balance of flavor and health. Packed with lean protein and essential nutrients, it's ideal for casual dinners or gatherings. The bright herbaceous notes and subtle smokiness from grilling enhance the experience, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. Discover the joy of quick cooking and fresh ingredients in this mouthwatering recipe.
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Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp Skewers:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 fresh lemon (approximately 3 tablespoons)

Zest of 1 lemon

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

For the Couscous:

1 cup couscous

1 ¼ cups vegetable broth or chicken broth

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup cucumber, diced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade:

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chopped thyme, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.

      Marinate the Shrimp:

        Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.

          Cook the Couscous:

            In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a rolling boil. Once boiling, quickly stir in the couscous, cover the pan with a lid, and remove it from the heat. Allow it to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, giving the couscous time to absorb the broth.

              Fluff and Season the Couscous:

                After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork. Mix in the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.

                  Preheat the Grill:

                    Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure your wooden skewers are soaked in water if using, to avoid them burning on the grill.

                      Thread the Shrimp onto Skewers:

                        Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, placing about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Ensure the shrimp are evenly spaced to allow for even cooking.

                          Grill the Shrimp:

                            Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through. Remove the skewers from the grill and set aside.

                              Serve:

                                On a decorative serving platter, create a generous bed of the fluffy couscous. Place the grilled shrimp skewers atop the couscous. For a finishing touch, garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired, and arrange lemon wedges around the dish for an extra zesty flair.

                                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                                    - Presentation Tips: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the couscous before serving for a shiny finish, and don’t hesitate to sprinkle some additional parsley and lemon zest on top for added color and flavor.