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Greek Shrimp with Lemon Rice and Creamy Tzatziki Recipe

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4.2 from 1 review

A vibrant and flavorful Greek-inspired dish featuring succulent pan-seared shrimp served over fragrant lemon turmeric rice, complemented by a refreshing medley of marinated vegetables and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal that captures Mediterranean freshness in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ medium English cucumber (grated and squeezed)
  • ½ medium lemon (juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Marinated Vegetables

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • ½ medium cucumber (thinly sliced)
  • ½ cup green olives (sliced)
  • ½ cup canned roasted bell peppers (sliced)
  • 2 green onions (chopped)

Shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Lemon Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting)

Instructions

  1. Make the Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber using a coarse grater, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Transfer the cucumber to a medium bowl, add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  2. Marinate the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chopped basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, green olives, roasted bell peppers, and chopped green onions. Toss thoroughly to coat. Set aside to marinate while preparing the shrimp and rice.
  3. Prepare the Shrimp: In a large bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Add the peeled shrimp and toss to coat evenly with the spice mix.
  4. Sear the Shrimp: Heat a large, high-sided skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until hot. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Place shrimp in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove from skillet and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp. Set aside.
  5. Make the Lemon Rice: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add uncooked rice and ground turmeric, toasting for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Pour in chicken broth and salt, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
  6. Finish the Rice: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest to infuse bright citrus flavor.
  7. Assemble the Dish: Plate the lemon rice topped with the pan-seared shrimp and the marinated vegetable mixture. Drizzle generously with the chilled tzatziki sauce and garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze as much liquid from the grated cucumber as possible to prevent watery tzatziki.
  • If you prefer a spicier shrimp, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
  • The marinated vegetables can be prepared a few hours ahead to enhance their flavor.
  • Use a well-heated skillet to achieve a nice sear on the shrimp without overcooking.
  • Leftover lemon rice is delicious when served cold or reheated.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/greek-shrimp-with-lemon-rice-and-creamy-tzatziki-recipe/