Greek-American Shrimp Saganaki
Greek-American Shrimp Saganaki is a flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring shrimp cooked in a savory sauce with tomatoes, garlic, feta cheese, and a touch of ouzo. This dish offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, from the juicy shrimp to the creamy feta and tangy tomato sauce. Serve it as an appetizer or main course, paired with crusty bread or over rice, for a satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Sauté Pan or Skillet – 1 medium to large size
- Sharp Knife (1)
- Cutting Board – 1
- Wooden Spoon – 1
- Measuring spoons (1 set)
- Measuring cups (1 set)
- Serving Dish – 1 shallow, oven-safe (optional)
Ingredients
- Shrimp – 1 lb peeled, deveined, medium to large
- Olive Oil – 2 tbsp extra virgin
- Feta Cheese – ½ cup crumbled
- Tomatoes – 2 medium diced or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- Onion – 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves minced
- Ouzo – 2 tbsp optional, or substitute with white wine
- Red Pepper Flakes – ½ tsp
- Lemon – 1 juiced
- Parsley – 2 tbsp fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, then rinse and pat them dry. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Deglaze with Ouzo: Add ouzo (or white wine) and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Add Feta and Lemon: Sprinkle crumbled feta over the shrimp and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- Feta Substitution: If you can't find traditional sheep's milk feta, you can use cow’s milk feta, but the flavor might not be as strong.
- Ouzo Alternative: If ouzo isn’t available or you prefer not to use alcohol, white wine or even vegetable broth will work as a substitute.
- Shrimp Size: Larger shrimp will take a bit longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
- Make It Spicy: If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or even a diced chili pepper to the sauce.