
A vibrant, one-pan dinner featuring succulent garlic shrimp nestled in a bed of creamy tahini-dressed kale and tender orzo. Wholesome, zesty, and ready in heartbeat!
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and a splash of warm water until smooth and pourable. Set aside.
If the tahini is too thick, keep adding warm water one teaspoon at a time.
Pat the shrimp dry and toss them with half of the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Don't crowd the pan; sear in batches if needed for that perfect golden edge.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the rest of the garlic. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the dry orzo. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and orzo is tender.
Stir in the chopped kale and the tahini dressing. The heat from the orzo will wilt the kale perfectly. Fold the shrimp back in to warm through. Serve immediately with an extra squeeze of lemon!
The kale should be bright green and just tender, not mushy.
This is my favorite way to get the kids to eat their greens! The creamy tahini sauce mellows out the kale, and the shrimp cook so fast it's perfect for those 'I'm too tired to cook' nights. If you don't have shrimp, this works beautifully with chickpeas or sliced chicken breast too. Just remember: don't overcook the shrimp or they'll get rubbery!
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.
Marissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chefMarissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chef