Greek Shrimp Saganaki

Many years ago (and before I had kids) I had the chance to tour Europe and sample some of the different cuisines there. The delicious Greek flavors are some of the dishes that stuck with me the most. I’ve since been able to travel more overseas and try even more traditional foods. I’ve recreated several of these dishes at home and this Greek shrimp saganaki recipe is the latest one!

What is Shrimp Saganaki?

As you can probably tell from the name shrimp saganaki (aka garides saganaki) has shrimp in it. The word saganaki comes from the traditional two-handled skillet it’s cooked in. You’ll also find feta saganaki on many Greek restaurant menus. This Greek dish is usually served with ouzo, an anise-flavored liquor, or white wine.

Shrimp saganaki is shrimp cooked in a bed of fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, onion, and feta cheese. Some people like it with a spicy tomato sauce but it tastes good mild too. If you prefer a spicier version then add some red pepper flakes or chili flakes to the tomatoes as they simmer.

It tastes best served fresh with the warm cheese and bubbling tomato sauce!

TipsFor the Best Shrimp

Shrimp is very simple to cook, but it can easily overcook. You’ll know it’s overdone because it feels and tastes rubbery. I use bite-sized medium-sized shrimp in this dish which cook in just a few minutes. Many shrimp saganaki recipes call for large shrimp or jumbo shrimp so if you use these then adjust the cook time.

The most important thing is to choose good-quality, fresh shrimp, preferably wild-caught. Either fresh or frozen and thawed works here. The shrimp should be an opaque pink color when done. They’ll also continue to cook some once taken off of the heat. 

Optional Garnishes

This dish is really packed with hearty flavors. The juicy tomatoes combine with the creamy feta and seafood to make a really flavorful dish. Here are some optional garnishes that boost the flavor even more!

Add a drizzle of fresh lemon juice or olive oil to the top before serving

Use fresh herbs like chopped oregano (dried oregano also works)

Instead of stirring the feta cheese in, use it as a topping and broil it a few minutes before serving

What to Serve With Shrimp Saganaki

Because it’s so rich in flavor this dish tastes best served with some milder flavors. In Greece, they’ll use pita bread or crusty bread to dip in the juices. Orzo is another popular option. It’s often served as an appetizer as part of a mezze platter along with kalamata olives, dips, fresh veggies, and cheese. Sourdough bread, grain-free crackers or flatbread, or white rice are also good options.

Since this dish cooks so quickly it’s also great as a main course for a weeknight dinner. Here are a few Greek-inspired dishes to pair it with for a full meal:

Is your family a fan of Greek food? What would you serve with this recipe? Leave a comment and let us know!