Shrimp Saganaki with Ouzo and Feta
Shrimp Saganaki is a classic Greek dish, featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic fennel, ouzo, and creamy feta cheese. This dish is packed with Mediterranean flavors and makes a perfect appetizer or main course.
Shrimp Saganaki is a classic Greek dish, featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic fennel, ouzo, and creamy feta cheese. This dish is packed with Mediterranean flavors and makes a perfect appetizer or main course.
Info
Prep Time:
10mCook Time:
15mDifficulty Level:
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp, peeled (heads left on for extra flavor)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ fennel bulb, finely chopped
- ¼ cup ouzo
- 2 cups finely chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 pinch sugar
- 100g feta cheese, cut into small chunks
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Prepare the shrimp
Peel the shrimp, leaving the heads on for extra flavor.
Make a small cut along the back and remove the vein.
Sauté the shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the shrimp with salt & pepper and sear for 1 minute per side, until lightly golden.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Cook the sauce
In the same pan, add the onion, spring onions, and fennel.
Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Deglaze with ouzo, letting the alcohol evaporate.
Add the chopped tomatoes and sugar, and cook for 6-7 minutes over high heat, until the sauce thickens.
Finish the dish
Return the shrimp to the pan and season with additional salt & pepper if needed.
Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are just cooked through.
Add the feta cheese, allowing it to soften in the residual heat.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
Recipe Tips
- Use minimal olive oil to keep the dish light while enhancing its flavors.
- Do not overcook the shrimp—a short cooking time keeps them tender and juicy.
- Keep the shrimp heads on for extra depth of flavor.
- The combination of ouzo and fennel creates an authentic Greek aroma.
- Add a spicy touch with red chili flakes or a hot pepper.
- For a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese.