Shrimp and Feta – The combination of succulent shrimp with tangy, salty feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes and herbs made in less than 30 minutes.
Why Shrimp and Feta is a Perfect Match
Shrimp, with its delicate texture and mild sweetness, pairs beautifully with feta’s briny, tangy profile. This combination is a staple in many Mediterranean kitchens, particularly in Greek cuisine. The magic happens when these two ingredients come together with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, creating a dish that’s vibrant and satisfying without being overly rich. Best of all, it’s loaded with healthy fats from olive oil, lean protein from shrimp, and the vitamins and minerals found in both seafood and feta.
Variations to Try
Shrimp Saganaki: This variation adds ouzo (an anise-flavored liqueur) to the tomato sauce, giving it a unique, aromatic depth. Simply deglaze the skillet with a splash of ouzo before adding the tomatoes.
Creamy Spinach Addition: For a creamy twist, toss in a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking. The spinach wilts beautifully, adding extra nutrition and a pop of color.
Grilled Shrimp and Feta Salad: Instead of a skillet preparation, grill the shrimp and toss them with feta, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for a refreshing salad perfect for summer.
Shrimp and Feta Pasta: Serve this shrimp and feta mixture over your favorite pasta, like orzo or linguine, for a heartier meal. Top with extra feta and fresh basil for a Mediterranean pasta experience.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp and Feta
- Choose Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker thaw.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, usually in 3-4 minutes. They should be just opaque and firm to the touch, not rubbery.
- Use Block Feta for Best Flavor: Crumbled feta can dry out quickly, so if you can, opt for block feta, which retains its moisture and creaminess.
- Add a Splash of White Wine: For a more refined flavor, deglaze your pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic. Let it simmer down before adding the tomatoes.
How to Serve Shrimp and Feta
This dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to serve shrimp and feta like a pro:
Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb alternative, toss the shrimp and sauce with spiralized zucchini noodles.
Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty sourdough or baguette is perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato and feta sauce.
Rice or Quinoa: For a gluten-free option, serve the shrimp and feta over fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all the juices.
Pasta: Serve the shrimp over angel hair pasta or spaghetti for a comforting dinner.
How to Store Shrimp and Feta
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Freezer: While shrimp can be frozen, the feta may lose some of its texture when thawed. If you plan to freeze the dish, consider adding the feta fresh after reheating the shrimp and sauce. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tip:
When reheating shrimp and feta, do so over gentle heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. You can reheat on the stovetop in a skillet or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe
?Yes, you can, but add the pre-cooked shrimp at the very end, just to heat them through. Overcooking pre-cooked shrimp can make them tough and chewy.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You can use fresh ripe tomatoes for a more authentic taste or canned diced tomatoes if you’re in a hurry. Make sure the canned tomatoes are high quality, as this will affect the final flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the shrimp fresh. Add the feta just before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this shrimp and feta dish is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any sides you serve with it, like bread or pasta, are gluten-free if necessary.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can omit the feta, but it will lose some of its signature flavor. For a dairy-free version, consider using a vegan feta cheese substitute, which can provide a similar texture and briny taste.
Shrimp and Feta (Greek Style)
Shrimp and Feta - The combination of succulent shrimp with tangy, salty feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes and herbs made in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red chili pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 pints (600 g) cherry tomatoes (or 2 14-oz cans, drained)
- ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 8 oz (225 g) feta cheese, cut into large cubes
To Serve:
- Toasted naan or pita bread
- Cooked pasta or rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 garlic clove, oregano, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: In a large baking dish, arrange the cherry tomatoes. Add the remaining olive oil and garlic, and toss until the tomatoes are well coated. Tuck the feta cubes between the tomatoes.
- Roast the Tomatoes and Feta: Bake for 15 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is softened.
- Add the Shrimp: Scatter the shrimp over the tomato and feta mixture. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and serve hot with toasted naan, pita, or over your favorite pasta or rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 541Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 58mgSodium 726mgCarbohydrates 46gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 20g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Shrimp and feta is more than just a delicious meal; it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors that come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this dish is simple enough for anyone to prepare and impressive enough to serve at any gathering. The best part? It’s versatile and easy to adapt to your personal taste preferences.
Now that you’ve mastered this classic recipe, feel free to experiment with new variations, and don’t forget to serve it with your favorite side dishes for a complete Mediterranean experience!
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