Transport your taste buds straight to the Greek islands with this authentic Shrimp Saganaki Recipe. This traditional Greek dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce and creamy feta cheese, creating a Mediterranean masterpiece that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Shrimp Saganaki Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen. The combination of fresh shrimp, tangy tomatoes, and creamy feta creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s naturally gluten-free, ready in just 30 minutes, and requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pan. The aromatic herbs and spices fill your kitchen with the essence of the Mediterranean, while the beautiful presentation makes it perfect for entertaining guests or treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Make Shrimp Saganaki Recipe:
Creating this authentic Greek dish is surprisingly simple and yields impressive results every time. The key is building layers of flavor through proper technique and timing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Base Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop its flavor. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Nestle the shrimp into the tomato sauce, arranging them in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Feta Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the shrimp and sauce. If using an oven-safe skillet, you can place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to lightly golden the feta. Otherwise, simply let it warm through in the pan for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Finish and Serve Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread or over rice.
Helpful Tips:
Choose large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) for the best texture and presentation. Don’t overcook the shrimp as they’ll become tough and rubbery. Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper searing. Use good quality feta cheese for the best flavor and texture – Greek feta works wonderfully. If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with additional tomato juice or chicken broth. For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Details:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes:
This Shrimp Saganaki Recipe is traditionally served in the same pan it’s cooked in, making it perfect for family-style dining. The dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice pilaf, or orzo pasta. For an authentic Greek experience, serve with a glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc. The recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings, and leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp may release more water, so you might need to cook the sauce a bit longer to achieve the right consistency.
What can I substitute for feta cheese? While feta is traditional, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even fresh mozzarella. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.
Is this recipe spicy? The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but the dish is generally not spicy. You can omit them entirely for a milder version or increase the amount for more heat.
Can I make this ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prepare the tomato sauce base up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the shrimp and feta.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Shrimp Saganaki in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The shrimp are best when fresh, so try to consume leftovers within 24 hours for optimal texture. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or white wine if the sauce seems too thick. Do not freeze this dish as the texture of both the shrimp and feta will be compromised.
Conclusion:
This Shrimp Saganaki Recipe brings the authentic flavors of Greece to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum impact. The combination of perfectly cooked shrimp, rich tomato sauce, and creamy feta creates a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re planning a Mediterranean-themed dinner party or simply want to enjoy a taste of the Greek islands at home, this recipe delivers every time. The quick cooking time and simple ingredients make it accessible for home cooks of all levels, while the impressive presentation and complex flavors will have everyone asking for the recipe. Serve it with good company, fresh bread, and a glass of wine for the complete Greek dining experience.
