If you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious and easy meal, look no further than Greek feta shrimp. This delightful dish combines succulent shrimp with the tangy flavor of feta cheese and the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients. And the best part? It’s straightforward enough for even novice cooks to master. Here’s a stepbystep guide to bringing this mouthwatering dish to your table in no time!
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon of dried oregano (or fresh if you prefer)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
StepbyStep Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Have the shrimp ready, chop the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and crumble the feta cheese. This will help everything come together smoothly.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook the shrimp for about 23 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. It’s essential not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and release some of their juices, which will create a delicious sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate the Feta
Lower the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the shrimp and tomatoes. Gently fold it into the mixture. The feta will warm up and get creamy, enhancing the overall dish without overwhelming it.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the lemon zest and juice for a bright finish that cuts through the richness of the feta.
Step 6: Serve
Plate your Greek feta shrimp warm, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil for an added touch of freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a refreshing salad, or over a bed of rice or pasta.
Tips for Success
1. Shrimp Selection: Use fresh shrimp if possible, but frozen shrimp will work too—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Customization: Feel free to customize this dish with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to increase the nutritional value and flavor.
3. Serving Size: This recipe serves around 4, making it perfect for sharing, but you can easily double the ingredients for a larger gathering.
Conclusion
Creating Greek feta shrimp is a delightful culinary adventure that brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this dish will soon be a household favorite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Greek feta shrimp is sure to impress. Enjoy your delicious creation with a glass of your favorite wine and savor each bite of this easy, elegant dish!