Many years ago (and before I had children) I had the opportunity to tour Europe and try some of the different cuisines there. The delicious Greek flavors are some of the dishes that have stuck with me the most. Since then I have been able to travel more overseas and try even more traditional foods. I've recreated a few of these dishes at home and this Greek shrimp saganaki recipe is the ultimate!
What is Saganaki Shrimp?
As you can probably tell from the name saganaki shrimp (aka garides saganaki) has shrimp in it. The word saganaki comes from the traditional two-handled pan in which it is cooked. You will also find saganaki slices on many Greek restaurant menus. This Greek dish is usually served with ouzo, an anise-flavored drink, or white wine.
Shrimp saganaki is shrimp cooked on a bed of fresh or canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, onions, and feta cheese. Some people like it with a spicy tomato sauce, but it also tastes nice and mild. If you prefer a spicier version, then add some red or chili peppers to the tomatoes while they are simmering.
It tastes best served fresh with warm cheese and puffed tomato sauce!
Tips for the best shrimp
Shrimp is very simple to cook, but it can be boiled very easily. You'll know it's overdone because it feels and tastes like rubber. I use a bite size medium shrimp in this dish which is cooked in just a few minutes. Many shrimp saganaki recipes call for large shrimp or large shrimp, so if using these, adjust the cooking time.
The most important thing is to choose fresh, good quality shrimp, preferably wild caught. Either fresh or frozen and thawed works here. The shrimp should be a dark pink color when done. They will also continue to cook some after being removed from the heat.
Optional garnishes
This dish is really packed with hearty flavors. Juicy tomatoes combine with creamy feta and seafood to make a truly delicious dish. Here are some optional garnishes that enhance the flavor even more!
- Top with fresh lemon juice or olive oil before serving
- Use fresh herbs such as chopped oregano (dried oregano also works)
- Instead of mixing in the feta cheese, use it as a topping and broil it for a few minutes before serving.
Greek Saganaki Shrimp Recipe
This delicious shrimp dish is full of hearty flavor with tomatoes and herbs. The crumbled feta adds the perfect creamy touch. Serve as an appetizer or as a main course!
-
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Add the chopped onions and fry until soft.
-
Add the chopped parsley, white wine, drained diced tomatoes, garlic salt and pepper. Boil for about 20 minutes until the mixture thickens.
-
Add raw shrimp and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until shrimp are cooked.
-
Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, remove from the stove and serve immediately.
Nutrition facts
Greek Saganaki Shrimp Recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 445
Calories from fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26 g40%
Saturated fat 10 g63%
Trans fat 0.01 g
Unsaturated fat 2 g
Monounsaturated fat 13 g
cholesterol 233 mg78%
Sodium 1516 mg66%
potassium 631 mg18%
Carbohydrates 11 g4%
Fiber 2 g8%
Sugar 4 g4%
Protein 32 g64%
Vitamin A 614 IU12%
Vitamin C 16 mg19%
Calcium 401 mg40%
Iron 2 mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- You can also add Greek feta cheese on top and broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese. Be sure to use a cast iron or other chicken-safe pan for this.
- This will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
What to serve with Saganaki shrimp
Because it's so rich in flavor, this dish tastes best served with some milder flavors. In Greece, they will use pita bread or crusty bread to soak up the juices. Orzo is another popular option. It is often served as an appetizer as part of a mezze platter along with kalamata olives, dips, fresh vegetables and cheese. sourdough bread, grain-free crackers either flat bread or white rice are also good options.
Since this dish is so quick to cook, it's also great as a weeknight main course. Here are some Greek-inspired dishes to accompany them for a complete meal:
Is your family a fan of Greek food? What will you serve with this recipe? Leave a comment and let us know!
