Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo | PrimalGourmet

This Shrimp Saganaki is an easy and delicious Mediterranean recipe that comes together in around 30 minutes. It can be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer or served alongside some orzo or rice for a heartier main course.

Ingredients You Need for Shrimp Saganaki

• Shrimp: I like to use 16/20 wild-caught shrimp for their meaty texture. The secret is to marinate them in some olive oil, salt and pepper first to give them flavour, and then to gently steam them overtop of the tomato sauce until perfectly cooked. They take only 5 to 6 minutes to cook and are much less likely to dry out vs smaller sized shrimp.
• Aromatics: A combination of onion, red bell pepper and garlic form the flavourful base for the tomato sauce in this shrimp saganaki recipe.
• Oregano: Adding a pinch of dry oregano to the tomato sauce will give it that quintessential Mediterranean flavour profile. You can substitute fresh if available.
• Red Pepper flakes: This is optional, but if you like things spicy I recommend adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a bit of heat.
• Tomatoes: I find that using canned crushed tomatoes works best here. It gives the dish a beautiful red colour and slightly chunky texture. If using canned whole tomatoes, you will have to take the extra step of crushing them by hand, the sauce will take longer to cook and the consistency will be less uniform.
• White Wine: Adding a splash of white wine will add acidity, body and fruitiness to the shrimp saganaki. Use any white wine you like to drink. If you want to keep the recipe alcohol-free, substitute fish stock or loosen the tomato sauce with some water.
• Feta cheese: If you’re in the mood, garnish the shrimp saganaki with some crumbled feta for creaminess, tang, and a beautiful presentation. I personally like sheep’s milk feta cheese, but feel free to use your favourite one.
• Fresh Parsley: Finish the shrimp saganaki with a sprinkling of finely-chopped fresh parsley for colour, freshness and herby flavour.

What is Shrimp Saganaki?

Shrimp Saganaki is a traditional Greek dish of shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce flavoured with garlic, onions, peppers, wine, and herbs like oregano and parsley. The dish is commonly garnished with crumbled feta cheese, which melts slightly into the sauce and gives it a creamy texture and tangy flavour. It’s typically prepared in a small two-handled pan called a “saganaki”, giving the dish its name.

Sometimes Shrimp Saganaki is served as a meze (small plate) with some crusty bread to soak up the savoury sauce, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course with a side dish such as orzo.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread: Soak up the delicious tomato and feta sauce with your favourite gluten-free, sourdough or regular bread.
• Rice: Simple white or pilaf-style rice balances the dish and turns it into a hearty main course.
• Pasta: Spaghetti, orzo, or another pasta shape can be served underneath or alongside the shrimp saganaki.
• Roasted or boiled potatoes: For a heartier accompaniment, serve the shrimp with some boiled potatoes or Roasted Greek Potatoes.
• Greek salad: You can never go wrong with a fresh and healthy Greek Salad.
• Grilled vegetables: Serve the shrimp saganaki with a side of grilled zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers or any of your favourite vegetables for a light, low-carb option.