Ingredients
Shrimp
- 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound raw tail-on shrimp (26–30 count, peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (divided)
Quinoa and Vegetables
- 1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about half of 1 small onion)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Finishing Touches
- 1 large lemon
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (plus additional for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the shrimp: In a large nonstick skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon chili powder. Sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Immediately transfer the shrimp to a plate to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the aromatics: Using the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook until it begins to soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Prepare the quinoa: Add the uncooked quinoa to the skillet along with the cayenne pepper, remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon chili powder. Stir well to coat the quinoa with oil and spices, allowing it to lightly toast and brown for about 2 minutes. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the quinoa.
- Simmer the quinoa: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet tightly and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the quinoa cook until tender and all the broth is absorbed, roughly 12 to 15 minutes. Uncover and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork.
- Finish and serve: Zest the lemon directly into the skillet with the quinoa. Then cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the pan along with 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the flavors. Gently fold in the reserved shrimp, and sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top. Serve the dish warm.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and better texture.
- Adjust cayenne and chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish; regular broth can be used but adjust salt accordingly.
- Quinoa can be rinsed before cooking to reduce bitterness, though it isn’t specified here.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat