This Easy Greek Shrimp Saganaki is a tasty dish filled with juicy shrimp and melted feta cheese. It’s topped with fresh tomatoes and herbs, making every bite delicious!
I love how quick this meal comes together. Just sauté, sprinkle some cheese, and voila! Perfect for impressing friends or a cozy dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for this dish; they hold up well to cooking. If you’re allergic to shellfish or vegetarian, you might try chicken breast cubes or even chickpeas for a similar hearty texture.
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives a nice flavor and helps cook the garlic and onion. If you want a lighter option, you could substitute with avocado oil or a mix of butter and olive oil for added richness.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and cook quickly, but if they’re out of season, use canned diced tomatoes. Just drain some excess liquid before adding to the skillet, so your sauce isn’t watery.
Feta Cheese: Feta is key for the authentic Greek flavor. If you can’t find feta, try using goat cheese or even queso fresco for a different taste, though it won’t be quite the same.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky; they can easily become rubbery if overcooked. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Start by heating the oil in the skillet on medium heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded.
- Watch for color change; shrimp will turn from gray to opaque, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink! This prevents overcooking.
Enjoy these tips, and you’ll have perfect shrimp every time! Remember, they cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
Easy Greek Shrimp Saganaki with Feta Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 oz (115 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Quick and Easy Greek Shrimp Saganaki takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s fast enough to whip up on a busy weeknight and fancy enough for entertaining on the weekend—a winning dish any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that delicious garlic aroma!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to stir in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, just until they start to soften and release their juices.
4. Add Wine and Seasoning:
Pour in the dry white wine or vegetable broth. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!), salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This will bring all the flavors together!
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them until they turn pink and are fully cooked through, which should take about 3-5 minutes depending on their size. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
6. Add Feta:
Once the shrimp are cooked, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over everything. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it sit for about 2 minutes, just to let the feta soften and blend with the dish.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Shrimp Saganaki immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the dish. Enjoy it with warm crusty bread or serve it over a bed of cooked pasta or rice!
Enjoy your flavorful and simple Greek Shrimp Saganaki!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you like some heat, consider increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time. Chop the garlic and onion and store them in the fridge, or even cook the sauce up to a day in advance. Just reheat on the stove and add the shrimp and feta at the last minute for best results!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Enjoy it on its own or with some freshly baked bread!