Name: Shrimp Saganaki (Prawn Saganaki) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp sugar (optional); 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 2 bay leaves; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup (250 g) strained tomatoes (passata); 14 oz (400 g) crushed tomatoes; ½ cup (125 ml) vegetable stock; 2 lb (900 g) jumbo shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined; 7 oz (200 g) feta cheese, crumbled; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley or fresh thyme, to garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

If you love the flavors of the Mediterranean, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Shrimp Saganaki (Prawn Saganaki) Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, simmered with fragrant herbs, and topped with creamy, salty feta cheese that melts and bubbles perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that brings sunshine to your plate and warmth to your soul, whether you’re serving it as a delightful appetizer with crusty bread or as a satisfying main over rice or orzo. This recipe is a burst of Greek flavor that’s surprisingly simple to make but unbelievably rewarding with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large round pan filled with thick red sauce, spread evenly to cover the entire bottom. Within the sauce are raw grey shrimp scattered across the surface, some partially submerged. A wooden spoon is stirring the mixture at the bottom edge, held by a woman's hand. The pan is placed on a black cooktop, which is surrounded by a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Shrimp Saganaki (Prawn Saganaki) Recipe lies in its straightforward and flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: from the earthy sweetness of sautéed onions to the sharp, creamy feta that crowns the dish. These ingredients work in harmony to create layers of texture and taste that make this recipe truly unforgettable.

Olive oil: The base for sautéing, it adds rich, fruity depth and helps soften the vegetables.
Large onion, finely diced: Brings sweetness and a tender bite to the sauce.
Garlic, minced: Adds pungent aroma and classic Mediterranean flavor.
Sugar (optional): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with just a touch of sweetness.
Dried thyme: Offers herbal warmth that brightens the tomato sauce.
Salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons the shrimp and sauce perfectly.
Red pepper flakes: Introduces a gentle, background heat that wakes up the palate.
Bay leaves: Infuse the sauce with a subtle aromatic complexity during simmering.
Tomato paste: Provides concentrated tomato richness and depth.
Strained tomatoes (passata): Give a smooth texture and fresh tomato flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: Offer body and heartiness to the sauce.
Vegetable stock: Adds moisture and rounds out the tomato elements with umami.
Jumbo shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined: The star protein, tender and succulent.
Feta cheese, crumbled: Salty, creamy topping that melts beautifully under the grill.
Chopped parsley or fresh thyme: Fresh herbs to brighten and finish the dish.

How to Make Shrimp Saganaki (Prawn Saganaki) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-low heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook gently for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This slow sautéing draws out the onion’s natural sweetness, which forms a flavorful foundation for the sauce. Then, toss in the minced garlic, salt, sugar (if you choose to use it), dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture fills your kitchen with fragrant, mouth-watering aromas.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce

Now it’s time to add the tomato paste, strained tomatoes (passata), crushed tomatoes, and vegetable stock to the pan. Stir everything well and bring it gently to a simmer. This is where the magic begins as the ingredients meld together. Let the sauce cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and deepens in color. You want a sauce that feels rich and luscious, perfect for soaking up every bit of shrimp flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Once your sauce has reached the perfect consistency, nestle in the peeled and deveined shrimp gently, stirring them into the sauce. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn that beautiful pink color. Be careful not to overcook here because nothing beats tender, juicy shrimp in this dish!

Step 4: Add the Feta and Grill

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the top of the shrimp and tomato mixture. Carefully place the pan under a hot grill (or broiler) for a few minutes until the feta softens, starts to melt, and gets a light golden tint. This step adds a creamy, savory contrast that truly transforms the dish into a celebration of textures and flavors.

Step 5: Final Touches and Seasoning

Before serving, remove the bay leaves and give the sauce a taste. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate. The fresh herbs now come into play — sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that ties everything together perfectly.

How to Serve Shrimp Saganaki (Prawn Saganaki) Recipe

A white bowl holds a two-layer dish placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is plain white rice, smooth and slightly fluffy, filling half the bowl. On top, there is a thick, chunky red-orange sauce with large shrimp and bits of white melted cheese scattered unevenly, adding a creamy texture. A vintage silver spoon rests inside the bowl, slightly submerged in the sauce. To the left, part of a gray and white striped cloth is visible. In the background, there are green dried leaves and part of a brass container filled with red chili flakes and a tinted blue glass. A white dish with more of the shrimp and sauce sits partially in the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your Shrimp Saganaki (Prawn Saganaki) Recipe with fresh chopped parsley or thyme isn’t just about looks. These herbs add a subtle freshness that balances the rich tomato sauce and creamy feta. If you want a little extra zing, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it with crusty bread to capture every bit of the heavenly sauce, making it perfect as a communal appetizer. Or enjoy it as a satisfying main course over steamed rice or orzo, which soak up the flavors and add a comforting element to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Shrimp Saganaki (Prawn Saganaki) Recipe in individual oven-safe ramekins or shallow dishes for a charming presentation. You can also experiment by adding roasted vegetables on the side or topping with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. The vibrant colors and inviting aroma will make this a dish everyone wants to try at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Shrimp Saganaki (Prawn Saganaki) Recipe tastes wonderful the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Store the cooled dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep that fresh, vibrant taste and texture.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but shrimp tend to lose some texture when thawed and reheated. If you want to freeze, it’s best to separate the shrimp from the sauce before freezing and freeze the sauce by itself. Then reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked shrimp when serving for the best experience.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Shrimp Saganaki gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature first for even heating. Avoid the microwave as it can cause the shrimp to become rubbery and the feta to separate.

FAQs

Can I use regular shrimp instead of jumbo shrimp in this recipe?

Absolutely! Regular shrimp will work just fine. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since smaller shrimp cook faster, but the flavors will remain fantastic regardless.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the shrimp with grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms and keep the same delicious tomato and feta base for a meat-free twist.

What if I don’t have feta cheese on hand?

Feta is traditional and adds that tangy creaminess, but you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar salty, crumbly texture.

Can I prepare any parts of the recipe in advance?

The tomato sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for a couple of days. Just add the shrimp and feta when you’re ready to finish the dish for the freshest result.

Is Shrimp Saganaki spicy?

This recipe has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but it’s quite mild overall. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a dish that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean. Shrimp Saganaki (Prawn Saganaki) Recipe brings together fresh shrimp, rich tomato sauce, and tangy feta into a harmonious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe will become a cherished favorite that you reach for again and again. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!