Shrimp Saganaki: How to Make This Delicious Greek Recipe

In my book, Greek cuisine rivals Italian and this shrimp saganaki is no exception. Saganaki is generally a flambeed or pan fried cheese, usually served as an appetizer. The cheese of choice can be halloumi or kaseri cheese, or the fan favorite, feta. And while the original is good, add some shrimp and you get a great appetizer. Or you can make this shrimp saganaki a meal by serving it with some crusty bread or pita bread.

Usually, shrimp saganaki is made with ouzo, which is an anise flavored liqueur that is super popular in Greece. I am not a huge fan of licorice of any form, especially black licorice. So, in my recipe I will be using vodka and plenty of dill. This will give the dish a similar (but better) flavor that is slightly spicy, slightly sweet, slightly bitter, but very aromatic. Add this to your next mezze platter and you will not be disappointed!

Serves 4 as an appetizer, 2 as a meal

Ingredients:

3/4 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 lb of feta, crumbled or in a block

2 Thai red chilis, minced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 green chili peppers, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup of dill, chopped

2 tablespoons vodka

2 tablespoons of oil

Instructions:

1. Begin by quickly marinating the shrimp in one tablespoon of oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, 1 Thai red chili, and 1 clove of garlic.
2. In a preheated pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil and saute the green chili peppers and tomatoes over medium-high heat.
3. After about 5 minutes, the tomatoes should be beginning to soften. Add the remainder of the garlic and Thai red chilis, taking care not to burn.
4. Add Shrimp and marinade to the pan and allow to cook about 2 minutes each side.
5. Add the vodka and reduce the alcohol by simmering for 3-5 minutes.
6. If you are using block feta, cut the feta into sheets and add to the pan, crumbled feta can be just added on top.
7. Increase the heat to high and cover the pan for about 1 minute, or until the feta is heated through and begins to soften.
8. Add the dill and serve with crusty bread.

If you like this shrimp recipe, be sure to try my butternut squash bisque with shrimp and feta or shrimp and sausage gumbo!