Delicious Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo Recipe

Ingredients

• A pound of fresh medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• A third cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• One shallot, peeled and finely chopped
• Two cloves of garlic, minced
• A tablespoon of zesty lemon peel
• A pinch of fiery red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking
• Half a lemon for its juice (if desired)
• Two tablespoons of unsalted butter
• One and a half cups of rice-shaped orzo
• Two cups of flavorful shrimp broth
• A quarter cup of dry white wine
• A tablespoon of roughly chopped parsley, adjust to taste (if desired)
• Four lemon wedges for garnish (if desired)

Step 1

In a spacious bowl, gently nestle the shrimp and leave it be for now.

Step 2

Over at your versatile pressure cooker (like the Instant Pot®), pour in a splash of olive oil and set it to Saute mode. Toss in the shallot and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally for about a minute and a half. Then, introduce the garlic, lemon zest, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and a dash of pepper. Cook and stir until the garlic fills the air with its delightful aroma, roughly another minute and a half. Combine this flavorful shallot mix with the shrimp, adding a generous squeeze of lemon juice, and pop the bowl into the fridge to marinate.

Step 3

Give the inner pot a good scrub, place it back in the Instant Pot®, and opt for the Saute function once more. Melt a knob of butter and mix in the orzo, ensuring each grain gets a lovely buttery coat, which should take around a minute and a half. Pour in the shrimp stock and white wine, stirring well to blend the flavors. Let it come to a gentle boil before sealing the lid shut.

Step 4

Adjust the pressure setting to high as per the manufacturer's guidance and set the timer for 4 minutes. Give it some time, around 10 to 15 minutes, for the pressure to build up.

Step 5

When it's ready, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method, which should take about 5 minutes. Unlock and open the lid, then carefully arrange the marinated shrimp on top of the orzo in a single layer.

Step 6

Seal the lid again, set the pressure to high, and time it for just 1 minute. Allow a few minutes, roughly 5 to 10, for the pressure to rise.

Step 7

Once again, release the pressure cautiously using the quick-release method, taking about 5 minutes to do so. Serve this delightful dish warm, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a zesty touch.