Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe

Greek cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and vibrant dishes that bring the Mediterranean to your table. This Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta recipe is a perfect example of that. Combining succulent shrimp, tangy tomatoes, and creamy feta, this dish bursts with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare. Inspired by the Greek dish Garides Saganaki, this recipe is a simple yet impressive meal that is perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.

Greek cuisine has always focused on using the freshest and simplest ingredients, and this dish is no exception. Originating from coastal areas in Greece, shrimp saganaki was traditionally prepared in a two-handled frying pan called a sagani, hence its name. With a few simple, yet high-quality ingredients like shrimp, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a handful of herbs, this dish brings out the best in Mediterranean cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and feta cheese provides a delicious blend of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors.
• One-Pan Wonder: All the cooking is done in one skillet, which makes clean-up a breeze.
• Healthy and Fresh: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, and the dish uses heart-healthy olive oil and fresh tomatoes.
• Perfect for Entertaining: It looks and tastes fancy enough to serve to guests, but it’s incredibly simple to make.

Key Ingredients

1. Shrimp

• Use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp work well here. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them to avoid a rubbery texture.

2. Tomatoes

• Fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal for this dish. They bring a juicy sweetness that complements the shrimp and feta. You can also use canned diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not available.

3. Feta Cheese

• Feta is a traditional Greek cheese that adds a salty and tangy flavor to the dish. Use a high-quality, block-style feta for the best results. The cheese will melt slightly into the sauce, adding a creamy element.

4. Olive Oil

• Greek cuisine relies heavily on high-quality olive oil. It not only helps to sauté the garlic but also adds a rich, fruity flavor to the sauce.

5. Garlic

• Fresh garlic is essential for building the flavor base of this dish. Its pungency mellows out as it cooks and adds depth to the tomato sauce.

6. Oregano and Dill

• These herbs are quintessential in Greek cooking. Oregano brings earthiness while dill adds a fresh, bright contrast to the shrimp and tomatoes. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but fresh is recommended for maximum flavor.

7. White Wine

• A splash of white wine helps to deglaze the pan and adds acidity, balancing out the richness of the feta. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable stock.

8. Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

• For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s not traditional but provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes.

9. Lemon Juice

• Lemon juice brightens up the dish, adding a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the feta and shrimp.

How to Make Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta

This recipe is made in one skillet, making it easy and convenient. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they aren’t already cleaned. Set them aside. Dice the tomatoes (or open the can of diced tomatoes if using canned). Mince the garlic and chop the fresh herbs (if using).

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the diced tomatoes (or canned tomatoes with their juice), and cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and form a sauce. If using white wine, add it now and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

• Add the oregano, dill, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp and Feta

• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the tomato sauce. Crumble the feta cheese over the top and allow it to melt slightly into the sauce. Stir gently to combine.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Drizzle the dish with a little extra olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garnish with additional fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) and serve immediately. Enjoy with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side salad.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture. They should be pink and opaque, which usually takes just a few minutes on each side.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs will give you the best flavor. However, if fresh tomatoes are out of season, high-quality canned tomatoes are a great substitute.
• Serve with Bread or Rice: This dish has a lot of sauce, so it’s perfect to serve with something that can soak up all that delicious tomato and feta flavor. Crusty bread or rice works wonderfully.
• Add Spinach or Kale: For an extra boost of nutrition, you can add some fresh spinach or kale to the sauce. Stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking so that the greens wilt into the sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Shrimp Saganaki

• Add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the tomato sauce for a spicier version of this dish.

2. Shrimp and Spinach Saganaki

• Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale just before adding the shrimp back to the pan. The greens will add a nice contrast to the tangy tomatoes and feta.

3. Vegetarian Saganaki

• For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with chunks of roasted eggplant or zucchini. The vegetables will absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, and the feta will still provide that creamy, tangy contrast.

FAQs: Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

• Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• You can prepare the tomato sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the shrimp fresh. Add the feta just before serving.

3. What is the best way to serve this dish?

• This shrimp dish is best served with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side of orzo. It also pairs well with a simple Greek salad.

4. Can I substitute the feta cheese with another cheese?

• While feta is the traditional cheese used in this dish, you could substitute it with goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor. If you prefer a milder option, try using ricotta or a firm cheese like halloumi.

5. What can I use instead of white wine?

• If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth. The broth will provide a savory depth without the alcohol.