Saffron Lemon Risotto Shrimp (Printable)

Creamy, saffron-infused risotto with lemon, finished with tender shrimp for an impressive, flavorful dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Broth

05 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
06 - 1 pinch saffron threads

→ Risotto Base

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
10 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
12 - 1/2 cup dry white wine

→ Finishing

13 - Zest of 1 lemon
14 - Juice of 1 lemon
15 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - Warm chicken or vegetable broth with saffron threads in a medium saucepan over low heat; maintain temperature just below simmering.
02 - In a large skillet or wide saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
03 - Stir Arborio rice into the aromatics, cooking and mixing for about 2 minutes until the grains are glossy and lightly toasted.
04 - Pour in the white wine and stir continuously until it is fully absorbed by the rice.
05 - Add a ladleful of warm saffron broth to the rice, stirring frequently until mostly absorbed. Repeat this process, adding broth one ladleful at a time and stirring regularly, allowing each addition to be absorbed before the next, for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice becomes creamy and retains a slight bite.
06 - Season shrimp with salt and pepper. In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Keep warm.
07 - Remove risotto from heat and gently stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and cold butter cubes until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasonings to taste.
08 - Divide risotto among serving bowls and top with sautéed shrimp. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients with a few elegant touches
  • Turns simple shrimp into something company-worthy
  • Ready in about forty five minutes with minimal fuss
  • The lemon lifts everything up and the saffron makes it feel luxurious
  • If you have ever felt intimidated by risotto this method walks you through every step with confidence
02 -
  • A good risotto base makes all the difference with flavor and texture
  • Saffron brings health benefits and subtle complexity to every bite
03 -
  • Never rush risotto take your time with the broth additions
  • Use a wooden spoon so you do not crush the grains

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