There is something downright irresistible about this Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant seafood dishes. Imagine tender shrimp nestled in a luscious tomato sauce, enriched with the salty creaminess of feta cheese and brightened by fresh lemon juice and parsley. This recipe strikes a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and just a hint of spice, creating a comforting yet sophisticated meal that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean. Whether you’re new to Greek cooking or a seasoned fan, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients each play an important role in making the Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe come alive. From the foundation of olive oil and onion to the final touches of lemon and parsley, every flavor works together to build a dish that’s fresh, rich, and incredibly satisfying.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing, offering a fruity richness that carries the other flavors beautifully.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and gentle texture when softened in the pan.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, savory aroma that’s essential for depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a delicate kick to lift the overall flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
- Can of diced tomatoes (with juices): Creates the luscious, tangy sauce that’s the heart of the recipe.
- Dried oregano: Brings that classic Mediterranean herbal note that ties everything together.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and enhance every ingredient’s natural quality.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, tender and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast that melts beautifully during baking.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a bright, fresh finish and a welcoming pop of green color.
- Lemon juice: Squeezed over the top to provide a zesty brightness that balances the richness.
How to Make Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Adding the finely chopped onion first allows it to soften and release its natural sweetness, creating a perfect flavor foundation. After about 3 to 4 minutes, stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes for a quick 30 seconds. This step awakens the garlic’s fragrance, so your kitchen will smell like you’re dining seaside in Greece already.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and sprinkle the dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Season it well with salt and black pepper to balance the acidity and round out the taste. This simple sauce is where the magic begins.
Step 3: Add the Shrimp and Feta
Nestle the peeled and deveined shrimp gently into the tomato sauce, arranging them in a single layer so each one cooks evenly. Then, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. The feta will slowly melt and infuse the sauce with a rich, salty tang that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Transfer your skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F. Let the shrimp bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re pink, opaque, and perfectly cooked through. This finishing step locks in all the flavors and ensures the feta softens just right without burning.
Step 5: Brighten and Garnish
Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle chopped parsley on top to add a fresh, zesty note. This final flourish brings vibrancy and color, making the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side enhances both flavor and presentation. A drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving will also add an extra layer of rich, silky texture.
Side Dishes
This Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside orzo pasta, steaming rice, or even a simple green salad to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming Mediterranean-inspired spread, serve this dish family-style directly from the skillet at the table. You can also place the shrimp mixture over toasted pita slices or spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a festive touch that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for a delightful second meal.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the texture of the shrimp and tomatoes may become watery and less appealing once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish to avoid overcooking the shrimp. A light sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon after reheating refreshes the dish beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine as long as you thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
What can I substitute for feta cheese if I don’t have any?
While feta gives this dish its signature tang, you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a somewhat similar creamy, salty flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild hint of spice, but you can easily omit them if you prefer a completely mild dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure any sides you add (like bread or orzo) are gluten-free if needed.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Look for shrimp that have turned a nice pink color and are opaque throughout. The texture should be firm but still tender, not rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and bursting with flavor. It’s quick, wholesome, and so satisfying that you’ll want to make it again and again. I promise, once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite that brings a little taste of the Mediterranean into your home kitchen with every bite.
Print
Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a savory tomato sauce with garlic, onion, and oregano, topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh parsley. Perfectly baked to tender perfection, this dish offers a delightful balance of tangy, spicy, and fresh flavors, making it an excellent main course for any seafood lover.
Ingredients
For the Sauce and Shrimp:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Toppings and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the shrimp dish.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and add dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Shrimp: Nestle the peeled and deveined shrimp into the tomato sauce in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Add Feta and Bake: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the shrimp and sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread, orzo, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For added richness, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the dish before baking.
- This dish also works great with scallops or white fish as a protein alternative.
