If you’re seeking a tasty snack that can be conveniently and quickly made in just a couple of minutes, look no further than shrimp saganaki.
Shrimp saganaki is one of those dishes that everyone loves to eat—whether they realize it or not.
It’s a Greek dish which can be served as an appetizer, side, or main course.
It’s also very versatile because you can customize it by changing the type of cheese you use, what type of meat you add, and even the type of sauce you use.
What is shrimp saganaki?
Shrimp saganaki is a traditional Greek dish that originated in the city of Kavala in Northern Greece.
This dish is made from raw white shrimp (usually prawns) that have been marinated in olive oil and lemon juice.
The name “saganaki” comes from the word “saganakion” which means “fried.”
Shrimp saganaki is often served with feta cheese, dill, and tomatoes.
How do you make shrimp saganaki?
There are two basic steps involved when making shrimp saganaki.
First, you need to cut up your shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
Then you have to fry them until golden brown.
The second step involves adding your preferred sauces.
There are several ways to prepare shrimp saganaki, but here’s a simple method that works well.
Ingredients:
2 pounds (900 grams) raw cleaned shrimp
Olive oil, for frying
Salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste
6 tablespoons olive oil divided (for the sauce)
2 cloves garlic minced
½ cup (120 ml) white wine vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) water
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 anchovies chopped
1 tablespoon capers chopped
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cut up the Shrimp
First, place all of your ingredients in a large bowl.
Add enough salt and pepper so that the shrimp tastes good after you cook it.
Next, put the shrimp in the bowl and mix them together.
Put the shrimp on a flat surface, like a plate, and cut them into smaller pieces using a sharp knife.
You want to cut each piece of shrimp into 3 or 4 pieces.
You can also buy pre-cut shrimp from the grocery store.
Note: If you don’t have a lot of time, you can also buy frozen shrimp instead of cooking it yourself.
Just thaw it out and follow the rest of the instructions above.
Once the shrimp is in bite-sized pieces, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil over it and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
This allows the shrimp to absorb some of the flavor of the oil.
After soaking, drain the shrimp and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
Place the drained shrimp in a deep skillet over medium heat.
Do not crowd the pan.
Cook the shrimp for about 8 to 12 minutes until they turn opaque.
Turn off the stove and remove the shrimp from the pan.
Set the pan aside.
Step 3: Make Your Sauce
In a small pot, combine all of the ingredients except the shrimp and sauté for about 30 seconds.
Stir constantly so that the flavors blend together properly.
Once the mixture starts to thicken, add the shrimp back to the pan.
Mix them together and cook for another 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Serve the Shrimp Saganaki
Serve the shrimp saganaki warm or cold.
Top with additional fresh herbs if you desire.
What are the ingredients in shrimp saganaki?
Shrimp saganaki is a simple dish made with fresh shrimp and feta cheese.
The base of the recipe is usually potatoes but if you want to experiment, you can try using other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or tomatoes.
The most important ingredient is feta cheese.
You can choose between regular feta cheese (which comes from sheep) and goat feta cheese (which comes from goats).
Goat feta cheese has a stronger flavor and is typically used in desserts rather than savory dishes.
What is the nutritional value of shrimp saganaki?
Nutritionists recommend that people should eat at least 2-3 ounces (57 to 113 grams) of protein per day.
This includes seafood like shrimp saganaki.
So if you want to stay healthy, have a balanced diet, and keep your body strong, then you must include this tasty appetizer into your daily routine.
How many calories are in shrimp saganaki?
The nutritional values of shrimp saganaki depend on the brand you buy, but according to the USDA National Nutrient Database, shrimp saganaki contains around 2,700 calories per serving (one ounce).
That means that if you ate four servings of shrimp saganaki every day, you would consume over 16,000 calories per week!
Calories per serving
1/4 cup = 280 calories
1/2 cup = 380 calories
3/4 cup = 560 calories
1 cup = 1,120 calories
Serving size
1 ounce = 30 grams
2 ounces = 60 grams
4 ounces = 120 grams
8 ounces = 240 grams
Calories per 100g
30 calories = 300 calories
60 calories = 500 calories
100 calories = 800 calories
Servings
1 serving = 4 ounces
2 servings = 8 ounces
4 servings = 24 ounces
Is shrimp saganaki healthy?
Yes!
Shrimp saganaki is a great way to enjoy seafood without having to worry about too much sodium, fat, cholesterol, and carbs.
The good news is that this dish is low in calories (only 100 calories per serving), has zero grams of fat, and contains only 3 grams of carbohydrates.
It’s also gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free.
What are the benefits of eating shrimp saganaki?
Shrimp saganaki has been around for centuries.
It was originally created as a way to preserve the shrimp when it was harvested from the sea, but due to its popularity, people have started using it as a fast food option too.
The most common benefit of eating this dish is that it comes with only 200 calories per serving.
However, it does provide excellent protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
In addition to these nutrients, shrimp saganaki is also rich in monosaturated fats.
Monosaturated fats are considered to be healthier than saturated fats because they don’t raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while lowering HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
It’s also important to note that although shrimp saganaki is low in fat, it does contain sodium.
This is why it’s best to limit your intake of this dish if you suffer from hypertension.
Are there any risks associated with eating shrimp saganaki?
There isn’t any known risk associated with eating shrimp saganaki.
1. Salmonella
Salmonella bacteria is a common cause of food poisoning.
While it is possible to become infected from consuming undercooked seafood, salmonella doesn’t usually infect people who eat shrimp saganaki.
2. E. coli
E. coli is an intestinal infection caused by certain types of bacteria.
In rare cases, this disease may be transmitted through contaminated foods like shellfish.
3. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is another common cause of illness after eating seafood.
The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
If you consume raw seafood, it is best to cook it before eating.
4. Parasites
Parasites, such as tapeworms, can be found in undercooked shellfish.
People who ingest these parasites can develop symptoms similar to food poisoning.
5. Mercury
Mercury is a heavy metal and has been linked to neurological disorders, heart problems, and kidney damage.
It is possible to consume excessive amounts of mercury, but it is very difficult to find out exactly how much you have consumed.
As a result, this is not considered a risk associated with eating shrimp saganaki.
6. Bacteria
Bacterial infections are often related to poor hygiene.
This includes improper preparation of food, failure to wash hands before handling food, and eating food that was prepared by someone else.
7. Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are more common in women than men due to their thinner vaginal walls and decreased immune systems.
Women are at an increased risk of yeast infections when they take birth control pills.
8. Viral Infections
Viral infections can be spread through contact with bodily fluids, including saliva and sweat.
There are several viruses that are commonly spread through sexual activity, so it is important to avoid having sex if you are concerned about contracting a virus.
What are some popular ways to serve shrimp saganaki?
Shrimp saganaki is typically eaten as a starter or appetizer.
You can buy it from your local deli, but if you want to prepare it at home, here are some of the most popular ways you can enjoy this tasty classic.
1. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe
This recipe calls for fresh shrimp, oil, lemon juice, salt, parsley, garlic, pepper, and feta cheese.
This is a simple recipe that takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
You can either bake it in the oven or grill it on the barbecue.
The best thing about this recipe is that it’s suitable for vegetarians too!
2. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (with Spinach)
Another seafood-based recipe that you can make at home is this spinach version.
Here you will need 2 pounds of fresh spinach, 1 pound of shrimp, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
Prepare the shrimp first before adding them into the pan.
3. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (with Feta Cheese)
Feta cheese is another ingredient you can use in this recipe.
You can choose between plain feta cheese and smoked feta cheese.
For the main course, you can either use grilled chicken or lamb chops in place of the shrimp.
If you decide to use chicken, you will need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of ground thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
4. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (with Olives)
If you like olives, you can try using them in this recipe.
They add flavor and texture to the dish.
You will need to chop up 12 black olives, 1/2 pound of peeled medium shrimp, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of dry white wine, 1/4 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
5. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (with Tzatziki Sauce)
Tzatziki sauce is a traditional accompaniment to seafood.
You can use it in this recipe instead of yogurt.
All you have to do is whisk together 2 cups of plain yogurt, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of finely chopped cucumber, 1/2 cup of finely chopped mint leaves, 1/2 cup of finely chopped dill, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
6. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (with Lemon)
You can substitute the lemon juice in this recipe with lime juice.
To make the dish more authentic, you should squeeze the juice yourself rather than buying it in a bottle.
You will need 2 pounds of fresh shrimp, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder.
7. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (with Garlic)
Garlic is another essential ingredient in this recipe.
You can either grate the garlic yourself or you can purchase pre-peeled garlic cloves.
If you go with the latter option, you will need 1 pound of peeled garlic cloves, 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red chile flakes.
8. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (with Goat Cheese)
Goat cheese is yet another ingredient you can add to this recipe.
You can use either goat cheese or feta cheese in this recipe.
If you choose the former, you will need 1 ounce of soft goat cheese, 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
9. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (with Tomatoes)
Tomatoes add color and flavor to this dish.
You can either use canned tomatoes or you can roast fresh ones.
If you opt for the latter, you will need 8 Roma tomatoes, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of sugar.
10. Shrimp Saganaki Recipe (with Herbs)
Herbs are another important ingredient in this recipe.
You can use both fresh herbs and dried ones.
If you choose the latter, you will need 6 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
What are some tips for making the perfect shrimp saganaki?
The secret to making amazing shrimp saganaki lies in not only using fresh shrimp but also the right cooking method.
Here are some tips on how to prepare shrimp saganaki:
Use large shrimp because they have more flavor.
If you are going to cook the shrimp saganaki over high heat, then medium size shrimp would be best.
However, if you are going to use low heat, then it would be better to use small shrimp.
To make sure your shrimp saganaki is crispy, you need to sear them first.
To do this, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on top of each piece.
You can either use a broiler pan or a non-stick frying pan to do this step.
Then, let the shrimp sit for 3 minutes before flipping them over and repeating the process.
This way, you will ensure that the shrimp saganaki gets a nice brown color.
When you flip them, you want to press down firmly on the shrimp so they don’t curl up while they cook.
You should cook the shrimp saganaki until they turn pink and opaque.
The key here is to keep an eye on the shrimp so they don’t overcook.
Once cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before placing them in your serving bowls.
When it comes time to assemble the shrimp saganaki, you will need to slice the cheese into thin slices.
Next, cut the tomatoes in half.
You can either serve the tomato halves whole or hollow out the insides of the tomatoes and fill them with the chopped cheese.
Finally, add the sliced onions and garnish with parsley.
For the marinade, mix together all the ingredients except the butter and garlic.
After mixing well, pour half of the mixture onto the shrimp and cover them with plastic wrap.
Marinate them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
After marinating, drain the shrimp and grill them on a hot grill.
For best results, you should season the shrimp with salt and pepper before grilling them.
With these basic techniques down, you will be able to create delicious, mouthwatering shrimp saganaki every single time.
Shrimp Saganaki
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 deep skillet
- 1 small pot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp 900 grams raw cleaned
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt
- black pepper
- lemon juice
- 6 tablespoons olive oil divided for the sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup white wine vinegar 120 ml
- ¼ cup water 60 ml
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 anchovies chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cut up the shrimp
- First, place all of your ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add enough salt and pepper so that the shrimp tastes good after you cook it.
- Next, put the shrimp in the bowl and mix them together.
- Put the shrimp on a flat surface, like a plate, and cut them into smaller pieces using a sharp knife.
- You want to cut each piece of shrimp into 3 or 4 pieces.
- Note: If you don’t have a lot of time, you can also buy frozen shrimp instead of cooking it yourself. Just thaw it out and follow the rest of the instructions above
- Once the shrimp is in bite-sized pieces, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil over it and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- This allows the shrimp to absorb some of the flavor of the oil.
- After soaking, drain the shrimp and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the shrimp
- Place the drained shrimp in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Do not crowd the pan.
- Cook the shrimp for about 8 to 12 minutes until they turn opaque.
- Turn off the stove and remove the shrimp from the pan.
- Set the pan aside.
Step 3: Make your sauce
- In a small pot, combine all of the ingredients except the shrimp and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir constantly so that the flavors blend together properly.
- Once the mixture starts to thicken, add the shrimp back to the pan.
- Mix them together and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Serve the Shrimp Sanagaki
- Serve the shrimp saganaki warm or cold.
- Top with additional fresh herbs if you desire.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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