Baked Shrimp and Feta Skillet
This Baked Shrimp and Feta Skillet is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp with crumbled feta cheese, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The shrimp bake in a savory, garlicky tomato sauce, and the feta melts into a creamy, tangy topping. The result is a dish that’s bold, aromatic, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large tomatoes, diced)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the skillet:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works well) over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the tomatoes and season:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes (or diced large tomatoes) to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Stir in the white wine (if using), dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the shrimp:
Nestle the peeled and deveined shrimp into the tomato mixture in a single layer. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and give everything a light toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the shrimp and tomato mixture.
Bake:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through (pink and slightly curled) and the feta has softened and started to brown around the edges.
Garnish and serve:
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil and a squeeze of lemon juice. For extra flavor, add lemon zest over the top before serving.
Serve the shrimp and feta mixture with warm crusty bread, over a bed of rice, or with a simple salad on the side.
Notes, Tips, and Tricks:
Shrimp Size:
If you use smaller shrimp (like medium or small), reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking. Larger shrimp may take a bit longer, so adjust accordingly.
Wine Substitute:
If you don’t want to use wine, you can replace it with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor. If you want to keep it alcohol-free, you could also use a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a bit of acidity.
Feta Cheese:
For the best results, use full-fat feta for a creamier texture when it melts. Crumbled feta works best in this dish, but if you have a block of feta, simply crumble it yourself.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you could mix some cream cheese or ricotta with the feta.
Make it Spicy:
If you enjoy spicy foods, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when preparing the sauce. Alternatively, you can use chili-infused olive oil to give the dish a mild heat.
Vegetarian Variation:
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the shrimp with another protein, such as chicken breast or tofu, or simply enjoy the tomato and feta combination as a vegetarian dish.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is fantastic served with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato and feta sauce. It also pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh Greek salad with olives, cucumber, and red onion.
Make Ahead:
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the shrimp, tomato, and garlic mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. If making ahead, be cautious about overcooking the shrimp during reheating.
This Baked Shrimp and Feta Skillet is an easy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner with minimal effort. The shrimp bake in a garlicky, wine-infused tomato sauce, while the feta cheese melts into a creamy, tangy topping. With fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of red pepper flakes, every bite is bursting with Mediterranean flavor. It’s delicious on its own or served with a side of warm bread to soak up the sauce. Quick, delicious, and satisfying—this dish is sure to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4.