Shrimp Pita is a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal featuring tender, garlicky shrimp tucked into warm pita bread, topped with fresh veggies, and drizzled with a zesty sauce. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this dish brings together vibrant Mediterranean flavors in every bite!
Why Shrimp Pita is a Must-Try
Shrimp pita offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. The savory shrimp pairs beautifully with fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in a soft pita bread.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Pita
- Fresh shrimp is key: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp. If you’re using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Season generously: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a dash of chili powder or cayenne can give your shrimp an extra kick of heat.
- Warm the pita: Heating the pita bread makes a huge difference in texture. Just a few minutes in the oven or a quick toast in the pan will make it soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping the ingredients.
- Homemade tzatziki: If you have time, make your own tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. It’s fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions.
Variations of Shrimp Pita
Shrimp pita is a versatile dish that you can easily customize based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:
Spicy Shrimp Pita : Add some heat by mixing cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or sriracha sauce into the shrimp marinade. Pair it with a cooling sauce like cucumber yogurt or plain Greek yogurt to balance the spiciness.
Shrimp and Avocado Pita : For a creamier texture, add slices of fresh avocado. The avocado complements the shrimp perfectly and adds healthy fats to the dish.
Shrimp Pita with Hummus : Swap out the tzatziki for a hearty layer of hummus. You can use classic chickpea hummus or experiment with flavors like roasted red pepper or garlic.
Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap : For a low-carb option, skip the pita entirely and use large romaine lettuce leaves or collard greens as a wrap. It’s a fresh and light alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
How to Serve Shrimp Pita
Shrimp pita is an excellent meal on its own, but you can also serve it with various sides to make it even more satisfying. Some popular side options include:
- Greek salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and olives pairs perfectly with shrimp pita.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers add an extra serving of veggies and complement the flavors of the pita.
- Rice or quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the shrimp pita with a side of rice or quinoa, seasoned with herbs and olive oil.
How to Store Shrimp Pita
If you have leftovers, you can easily store shrimp pita components separately to enjoy later.
- Shrimp: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling the pita.
- Pita bread: Keep the pita bread in a sealed bag to maintain freshness. You can also freeze pita bread and thaw it when needed.
- Veggies: It’s best to chop fresh veggies just before serving, but you can store pre-cut vegetables in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to eat, simply warm the pita, reheat the shrimp, and assemble everything fresh for a quick and easy meal.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To do this, run the shrimp under cold water for a few minutes or let them sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Grilling the shrimp adds a delicious smoky flavor. Simply preheat your grill to medium heat, thread the shrimp onto skewers, and grill for about 2–3 minutes per side.
What kind of pita bread should I use?
You can use whole wheat, white, or even gluten-free pita bread depending on your preference. For a more authentic Mediterranean taste, opt for soft, fluffy pita rather than thin varieties.
Is shrimp pita gluten-free?
Shrimp itself is naturally gluten-free, but traditional pita bread contains gluten. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps as a substitute.
Shrimp Pita
Shrimp Pita is a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal featuring tender, garlicky shrimp tucked into warm pita bread, topped with fresh veggies, and drizzled with a zesty sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup low-fat feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce and baby spinach
- 8 Kalamata olives, halved
- 2 whole wheat, low-carb pitas
- 4-6 tbsp tzatziki sauce (fat-free)
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let it marinate for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
- Soak the thinly sliced red onions in red wine vinegar for about 20-30 minutes. This adds a tangy bite to your pita!
- While the shrimp and onions are marinating, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the lettuce, and slice the olives.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- While the shrimp is cooking, warm the pita bread by wrapping them in a clean dish towel and microwaving for about 10 seconds.
- Spread 2-3 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce on each pita. Layer with the lettuce-spinach mix, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Top each pita with half the shrimp and finish with the quick-pickled red onions.
- Add extra tzatziki on the side for dipping, and enjoy your delicious, homemade shrimp pita!
Final Thoughts
Shrimp pita is a fantastic meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, it’s a dish that can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular on your menu.
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