Many years ago (before I had kids) I had the opportunity to travel around Europe and taste some of the different cuisines there. The delicious Greek flavors were the dishes that stood out to me the most. Since then I have been able to travel more overseas and try more traditional foods. I’ve recreated several of these dishes at home, and this Greek Shrimp Saganaki recipe is the latest!
What is Saga Na Shrimp?
As you can probably tell from the name shrimp saganaki (aka garides saganaki), it has shrimp in it. The word saganaki comes from the traditional two-handled frying pan. You can also find feta saganaki on many Greek restaurant menus. This Greek dish is usually paired with pastis (ouzo) 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 spicy tomato sauce, but the flavor is also mild. If you like a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or chili flakes while you cook the tomatoes.
It tastes best when fresh with warm cheese and bubbling tomato sauce!
Tips for the best shrimp
Shrimp is easy to cook, but it’s easy to overcook it. You’ll know it’s overdone because it feels and tastes rubbery. I use bite-sized medium shrimp in this recipe, which only take a few minutes to cook. Many shrimp sagayaki recipes call for large or jumbo shrimp, so adjust the cooking time if you use these shrimp.
The most important thing is to choose high-quality, fresh shrimp, preferably wild-caught. Both fresh and frozen and thawed can be used here. When done, the shrimp should be opaque pink. Once the heat is turned off, they will continue to cook some food.
Optional decoration
This dish is truly packed with hearty flavours. Juicy tomatoes combine with creamy feta cheese and seafood to make a seriously delicious dish. Here are some optional garnishes to enhance the flavor even more!
- Drizzle a little fresh lemon juice or olive oil over the top before serving
- Use fresh herbs such as chopped oregano (dried oregano will also work)
- Instead of stirring in the feta cheese, use it as a topping and toast it for a few minutes before serving
Greek Shrimp Saganaki Recipe
This delicious shrimp dish is packed with the rich flavor of tomatoes and herbs. The crumbled feta adds the perfect creamy texture. Serve as an appetizer or main course!
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chopped onion and sauté until softened.
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Stir in chopped parsley, white wine, drained diced tomatoes, garlic salt and pepper. Cook until mixture thickens, about 20 minutes.
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Add raw shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes or until shrimp are cooked through.
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Mix with crumbled feta, remove from stove and serve immediately.
nutrient content
Greek Shrimp Saganaki Recipe
Serving size (1 serving)
Calories Chapter 445
Calories from fat 234
% Daily Value*
fat 26 grams40%
10 grams of saturated fat63%
Trans fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated fat 2g
Monounsaturated fat 13g
cholesterol 233 mg78%
sodium 1516 mg66%
Potassium 631 mg18%
carbohydrate 11 grams4%
Fiber 2 grams8%
4 grams of sugar4%
protein 32 grams64%
Vitamin A 614IU12%
Vitamin C 16 mg19%
calcium 401 mg40%
iron 2 mg11%
*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- You can also add Greek feta cheese to the top and grill for a few minutes to brown the cheese. Be sure to use a cast iron or other broiler-safe skillet for this.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
What to serve with Saga Naki Shrimp
Because it has such a rich flavor, this dish is best served with some mild flavors. In Greece, they serve the sauce with pita or crusty bread. Orzo is another popular choice. It is often served as an appetizer and part of a small platter along with kalamata olives, dipping sauce, fresh vegetables and cheese. Sourdough bread, grain-free crackers or flatbreads, or white rice are also good choices.
Since this dish cooks quickly, it’s also perfect as a main course for a weeknight dinner. Here are some Greek-inspired dishes to pair with a meal:
Does your family love Greek food? What would you serve with this recipe? Leave a comment and let us know!