Mediterranean Baked Shrimp with Feta and Crusty Bread
Looking for a fast, flavorful, and relatively healthy meal? This Mediterranean Baked Shrimp with Feta is your answer! Imagine succulent shrimp swimming in a bright tomato sauce, mingling with salty feta, fragrant garlic, and a touch of spice. And the best part? It's all served with grilled, crispy bread perfect for dunking and soaking up all that deliciousness.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. While I personally recommend the grilled sourdough for the ultimate experience, feel free to swap it out for a side of rice, quinoa, or even a simple green salad. The star of the show is that bubbly, savory mixture of feta, shrimp, and tomatoes - a flavor combination that always satisfies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: From prep to table in about 35 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh vegetables.
- Flavorful: The combination of feta, garlic, tomatoes, and a hint of red pepper flakes is simply irresistible.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies and sides.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with family and friends.
What You'll Need:
- Shrimp: I prefer large, tail-off shrimp for convenience, but any size will do. Thaw them if using frozen.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy creaminess that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are the base for our sauce.
- Aromatics: Shallot, garlic, and red bell pepper build the flavor base.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat.
- Olive Oil: The foundation of the dish.
- Sourdough Bread: The perfect vessel for soaking up all the delicious sauce! Use a good quality loaf.
- Butter: For grilling the bread to crispy golden perfection.
- Fresh Parsley: To garnish and add freshness
- Lemon Wedges: For serving, their acidity brightens up the dish.
Let's Get Cooking:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Sauté shallots and red bell pepper in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, red pepper flakes, and broth. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes until it reduces and deepens in color.
- Grill the Bread: While the sauce simmers, brush the sourdough slices with melted butter and grill until golden and crispy. Keep them warm in the oven, while the rest cooks.
- Add the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Broil: Sprinkle the feta cheese over the shrimp and transfer the skillet to the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the feta is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grilled bread and lemon wedges. Don't be afraid to dunk the bread right into the sauce!
Tips for the Best Dish:
- Adjust the spice: If you don't like spice, skip the red pepper flakes. Add more if you like extra heat.
- Fresh is best: While canned is fine, if you have access to fresh tomatoes, use them for an extra boost of flavor.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them.
- Get creative with your sides: If you want to reduce the amount of carbs, serve this with rice, quinoa, or a simple side salad.
- Make it your own: Add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
Enjoy this taste of the Mediterranean!
This Mediterranean Baked Shrimp with Feta is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or whenever you crave a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal. It’s a deceptively simple dish that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy!