This post was sponsored by ALDI as part of Influencer Activation for Influence Central. #TasteOfALDI #IC

Shrimp & Asparagus with Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous

I have a confession to make – I struggle with creating light meals that my entire family enjoys. As I mentioned many times before, my husband is a die-hard meat eater, very resistance to healthy changes, and not an adventurous foodie. And with four kids with different tastes in food, it can be a huge challenge to create affordable healthy meals that everyone will eat. Lucky for me, the new Southern California ALDI stores are helping me to prepare ‘better for you’ meals, like this Shrimp & Asparagus with Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous that won’t break the bank and satisfies my picky hubby.

shrimp-asparagus-garlic-parsley-pearl-couscous-s

If you haven’t heard about ALDI, head over and read my blog post, 5 Reasons Californians Should Shop at ALDI, where I highlight the main reasons I made the ALDI switch. Basically, ALDI has changed my mind about the way I shop. I used to think organic foods and products without artificial ingredients meant a higher grocery bill and were too expensive for my family of six budget. But ALDI has made it simple for me to make smarter food choices by stocking their shelves with 90% ALDI exclusive brands that are free from over 125 artificial ingredients and preservatives! I won’t find added MSG, certified synthetic colors, or partially hydrogenated oils in any ALDI exclusive brand. Plus, shopping at ALDI helps me save up to 50%* on my grocery bill, which means I can make seafood dishes, like this Shrimp & Asparagus with Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous, more often!

*Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery storesALDI brands

During my various trips to ALDI, I had the opportunity to try several ALDI exclusive brands & products:

  • SimplyNature® – product line which includes USDA Certified organic and Non-GMO verified items
  • liveGfree® – gluten-free products
  • USDA Choice meats and NeverAny! – products that are free from added antibiotics, hormones and animal by-products

All ALDI brands are regularly tested to taste as good, or better than national brands and using any ALDI product would make for a tasty meal. However, when I saw the fresh Americas Asparagus staring at me in the produce aisle, I squealed a little inside. I LOVE asparagus and couldn’t resist pairing it with Sea Queen Medium Easy Peel Raw Shrimp, fresh tomatoes, carrots, and Journey to Israel Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous for a lighter summer dish.

How to make Shrimp & Asparagus with Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous

Shrimp & Asparagus with Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous

First, head over to ALDI to pick up all your ingredients:

  • 1 bag of Sea Queen Medium Easy Peel Raw Shrimp
  • 1 bag of Americas Asparagus
  • 2 boxes Journey to Israel Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous
  • 1 sweet onion
  • 1 bag of carrots
  • 1 bag of garlic
  • 1 bag of lemons (leftover lemons are great for Greek chicken)
  • 1 Roma tomato or add two if you like
  • 1 container PRIANO freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 container Countryside Creamery Tastes Like Butter!
  • salt & pepper

Prepare couscous & shrimp

To start, prepare the shrimp by defrosting and peeling the shells off. Add them to a pan over medium heat with butter and garlic. Add salt/pepper to taste and cook for 3 -4 minutes, just until all the shrimp turn pink. Scoop out the shrimp and set aside. Leave any liquids from the shrimp in the pan to cook the vegetables. While the shrimp are cooking, start pearl couscous according to the package directions. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent the couscous from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the couscous is done, remove from the heat and set aside for later.vegetables

In the same pan that was used to cook the shrimp, add more butter, garlic, and onions. Cook the onions until translucent, then add the chopped asparagus. When the asparagus is fork tender, add the shredded carrots and cook until just softened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Immediately remove the vegetable mix from the heat and set aside with the chopped tomato for later.Shrimp & Asparagus with Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous Mix

Now that all the cooking is done, it’s time to put it all together. In a large bowl, add the pearl couscous, shrimp, cooked vegetables, chopped tomato, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are distributed evenly. Serve warm.

Shrimp & Asparagus with Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous on a fork

Now, grab a fork and dig in!

Shrimp & Asparagus with Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous Bowl

To find one of the 25 new Southern California ALDI store locations, visit the ALDI site or follow the ALDI USA Facebook page for new store grand opening announcements.

Shrimp & Asparagus with Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous

Serves 6
Prep time 35 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes
Total time 55 minutes
Meal type Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish
Misc Serve Hot
Occasion Casual Party, Formal Party
A quick and easy family meal using pearl couscous, shrimp, and fresh vegetables. #TasteOfALDI

Ingredients

  • 2 - 5.9 oz. boxes Journey to...ISRAEL Garlic & Parsley Pearl Couscous (prepared to box instructions)
  • 1 - 12 oz. bag frozen medium easy peel raw shrimp (shells removed and defrosted)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or butter substitute
  • 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup onion (chopped)
  • 1 Medium carrot (shredded)
  • 1 Roma tomato (chopped)
  • 1 cup asparagus (chopped to 1 inch pieces)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 1 small lemon (zest only)
  • salt
  • pepper

Note

  • Do not use processed Parmesan cheese in a bottle. This recipe taste best when freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used.

Directions

Pearl Couscous
Step 1
Prepare the pearl couscous according to the box instructions. Set aside.
Shrimp
Step 2
To a pan over medium heat, add 1 T. butter, 1/2 tsp. of minced garlic, and shrimp. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes until all the shrimp are cooked and pink. Scoop the shrimp out of the pan and set aside, leaving any juices in the pan.
Vegetables
Step 3
To the same pan the shrimp was cooked, add 1 T. butter, 1/2 tsp. garlic, and onions. Cook onions until just translucent. Add asparagus and cook for 3 - 4 minutes or until the asparagus is fork tender. Add carrots and cook for another minute. Add salt/pepper to taste. Immediately remove from heat and set aside.
Combine mix
Step 4
In a large bowl, add the cooked pearl couscous, cooked vegetables, chopped tomato, shrimp, shredded Parmesan cheese, and the zest of a half of a small lemon, adding more zest if needed. Mix until all the ingredients are combined well. Serve warm.

What are your favorite summer fresh foods?

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30 Comments

  1. What a great recipe and so yummy! My kids would love it.
    Seems like a tasty and healthy recipe… I love seafood.. My favorite is shrimp and Salmon…
    Thanks!

  2. Organic ingredients are the best to cook with especially when you’re trying to stay healthy! I love that Aldi has everything you need and that everything they sell is organic! That’s really awesome.

  3. That is an interesting recipe and while it is not for me, I know everyone has different tastes. I am going to pass it on to a friend who I think is going to love it. Thanks for sharing.

  4. Absolutely delicious! I love seafood during summer time. My favorite is salmon with mango salsa on top yum! I’m going to try your recipe, it’s mouth watering 😛

  5. This looks yummy. You can tell I haven’t finished my morning coffee because I read the headline at first as “shrimp and aspergers.” right. On to my coffee, right?

  6. Erlene, I haven’t been to our Aldi store in a long time. I’m feeling a trip coming on. My daughter shops at Aldi every week!
    It’s time for us to try couscous, your recipe sounds delicious!