Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes (Crete)

As a chef from the enchanting island of Crete, I’m delighted to share with you my beloved Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes recipe. This simple yet flavorful dish encapsulates the essence of our rich Mediterranean culinary heritage, bursting with the freshness of the sea and the vibrancy of our local produce.

Each dish begins with a humble sauté of garlic and onion, their scents evoking nostalgic memories of Crete’s home kitchens. To this aromatic mix, I add succulent tomatoes, their acidic sweetness perfectly complementing the hearty onion and garlic. Then, the seasoning takes center stage. The warmth of freshly ground pepper dances with the earthy notes of parsley and oregano, drawing out the quintessential Mediterranean spirit of this dish.

As I introduce the shrimp, I watch them gently absorb the rich flavors of the sauce, their delicate texture transforming into juicy, tender bites. But the true magic unfolds when the feta cheese comes into play. Its tangy and creamy nuances merge harmoniously with the rest of the ingredients, creating a melody of flavors that sings on the tongue.

But this dish isn’t merely a symphony of flavors. Shrimp, with their high-quality protein, offer more than just tantalizing tastes; they aid muscle development and help maintain a healthy weight balance. The tomatoes, bursting with lycopene and vitamin C, enhance heart health and boost immunity. And let’s not forget the feta cheese. More than a Greek cuisine staple, it contributes beneficial calcium for bone health, and healthy fats necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.

I invite you to enjoy this Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes recipe, a testament to the simple pleasures and bountiful health benefits of our Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re seeking a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or looking to introduce your guests to the delights of Cretan cuisine, I hope you find joy and nourishment in each delicious bite.

Notes

• Feel free to use red or green bell pepper, whatever you have on hand.
• You can also use red onion or yellow onion in the saganaki sauce.
• As for the tomatoes, instead of two large tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes. In a pinch, swap them for canned tomatoes.
• If you want to add some heat and make a spicy tomato sauce, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes alongside the tomatoes.
• When you add the feta, you can also add some chopped Kalamata olives.

FAQs

What country is saganaki?

Saganaki is a Greek dish.

What does saganaki mean in Greek?

In Greek, saganaki translates to little frying pan. Feta saganaki, a.k.a pan-fried feta cheese, is another saganaki dish.

What do you eat with shrimp saganaki?

You can simply serve shrimp saganaki with crusty bread or pita bread and a garnish of finely chopped fresh mint leaves, cilantro, or extra parsley. It’s also tradition to enjoy it with a glass of ouzo! Some Greek shrimp recipes include white wine or ouzo in the tomato sauce, but we skipped it in this instance.

Another option is serving the shrimp feta tomato dish on a bed of orzo, rice, couscous, or mashed potato. My final suggestion is a side of Greek salad.

How long does shrimp saganaki last?

Store Greek shrimp dish leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I recommend heating them over medium heat just until heated through. If you reheat the shrimp for too long, they can turn rubbery.

Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes (Crete)

Koula Barydakis

4.86 from 14 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 fresh tomatoes, cut into small cubes
• 1 pound medium sized shrimp, shells removed and de-veined
• 1/2 pound feta, cut into small cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

 

• In a large frying pan, sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic in olive oil for 5 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
• Add the shrimp and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.
• Add the feta and simmer for 5 more minutes. Salt and pepper, to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 33gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 336mgSodium: 1520mgPotassium: 395mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1684IUVitamin C: 54mgCalcium: 464mgIron: 3mg

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