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Garlic Butter Shrimp & Quinoa Delight is a harmonious blend of succulent shrimp and nutty quinoa, creating a dish that is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition. This delightful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners, offering a quick and easy way to indulge in a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and vibrant presentation, this dish is sure to impress both family and friends alike.

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Quinoa

Savor the flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp & Quinoa Delight, a quick and nutritious dish perfect for busy nights or weekend feasts. Featuring juicy shrimp paired with fluffy quinoa and infused with aromatic garlic butter, this recipe is not only satisfying but also beneficial for your health. It's easily adaptable for gluten-free diets and can be ready in under 30 minutes. Impress family and friends with this vibrant, gourmet meal that balances taste and nutrition effortlessly.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Rinse the Quinoa: Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold running water using a fine-mesh sieve. This step is crucial as it helps to remove any bitter coating from the quinoa seeds.

    Cook the Quinoa: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa, stirring gently. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. After cooking, remove from heat and allow the quinoa to sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork before using it.

      Prepare the Shrimp: As the quinoa is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn.

        Sauté the Garlic: When the butter is bubbling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant but is not browned, which could impart a bitter flavor.

          Cook the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked, turning pink and opaque in color.

            Add Flavor: Immediately drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and stir to combine. Allow it to cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld, then remove the skillet from heat.

              Combine: Gently fold the cooked quinoa into the skillet with the shrimp, using a spatula to mix until well combined. Ensure that the quinoa is evenly distributed throughout the shrimp mixture.

                Garnish & Serve: Carefully transfer the garlic butter shrimp and quinoa mixture to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the dish in individual bowls and sprinkle with additional parsley. A slice of lemon on top of each serving adds a pop of color and invites guests to squeeze fresh juice over their portion!