Greek-American Style Lemon Shrimp with Orzo

Ingredients

While the original Ethiopian Shiro is a thick stew made from ground legumes, this Greek-American adaptation replaces the legumes with succulent shrimp and swaps the traditional spices for a Mediterranean-inspired blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs. Additionally, the orzo pasta and the tomato-based sauce are typical elements of Greek cuisine, adding a unique twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Shiro, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the shrimp, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. 2.
   Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked orzo pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it with the sauce.
6. 6.
   Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently mix them with the orzo.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the dish.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly before cooking to remove any grit or sand.
• Orzo pasta — Cook the orzo al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy.
• Feta cheese — Use crumbled feta cheese for easy incorporation into the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the shrimp while cooking.
• Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
• Add some chopped Kalamata olives for a briny and tangy twist.
• Serve the dish with a side of Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Lemon Shrimp with Orzo as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a lemon wedge for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Lemon Shrimp with Orzo on a large platter, with the vibrant colors of the shrimp and orzo shining through. Sprinkle the dish with crumbled feta cheese and parsley for an appealing visual contrast.