Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp with Feta and Olives
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Garlic Shrimp dish infused with aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and rich feta cheese. Perfect for special occasions or a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner, this recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed to perfection and complemented by the brininess of Greek olives, fresh tomatoes, and a splash of white wine. Serve alongside warm brown rice or crusty sourdough bread to soak up the vibrant sauce. Share this flavor-packed dish with friends and family for a taste of Greece in your own kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 teaspoons
Garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
Large raw shrimp
16 (peeled and deveined)
Dried tarragon or dried sweet basil leaves
1 tablespoon
Dry white wine
1/4 cup
Small black Greek olives
16
Fresh tomato
1 cup (peeled, seeded, and diced)
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Feta cheese
3 tablespoons (freshly grated)
Scallion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Heat olive oil in a heavy 8-inch saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2
Add the shrimp to the pan along with the dried tarragon (or sweet basil). Cook, covered, for 4-5 minutes, tossing the shrimp once to ensure even cooking.
3
Pour in the dry white wine and cook uncovered for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
4
Stir in the black Greek olives, fresh lemon juice, and diced tomatoes. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.
5
Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the freshly grated feta cheese and black pepper, stirring until combined.
6
Divide the shrimp mixture into 4 warmed ramekins. Sprinkle with chopped scallions before serving. Enjoy with a side of brown rice or slices of sourdough bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp with Feta and Olives?
It is a flavorful Greek-inspired seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp sauteed with garlic, herbs, lemon, tomatoes, Greek olives, and finished with freshly grated feta cheese.
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 large raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
Can I substitute the dried tarragon?
Yes, you can use dried sweet basil leaves as a substitute for dried tarragon in this recipe.
What type of wine is recommended?
A dry white wine is recommended to add acidity and depth to the sauce.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and diced before being added to the pan.
What kind of olives are best for this dish?
The recipe specifically suggests using 16 small black Greek olives for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
When do I add the feta cheese?
The feta cheese is added at the very end, after the pan has been removed from the heat, to gently fold it into the mixture.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be cooked covered for 4-5 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 1-2 minutes after adding the wine.
What is the best way to serve this shrimp dish?
It is best served in warmed ramekins alongside brown rice or crusty sourdough bread to soak up the sauce.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh ingredients like seafood, tomatoes, and olive oil.
Can I make this as a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single heavy 8-inch saucepan.
What garnish is used for the final presentation?
The dish is sprinkled with 1/4 cup of chopped scallions before serving.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil for sauteing the garlic.
Should the pan be covered during cooking?
The pan should be covered for the first 4-5 minutes of cooking the shrimp, then uncovered once the wine is added.
Does the recipe include salt?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, but additional salt is not specified as the feta and olives provide natural saltiness.
How much lemon juice should I add?
You should add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The instructions suggest dividing the mixture into 4 ramekins, typically serving 2 to 4 people depending on side dishes.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried tarragon or basil, you can use fresh herbs, though you may need to increase the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What is the purpose of the white wine?
The white wine deglazes the pan and creates a vibrant, acidic sauce base for the shrimp and vegetables.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Saute the minced garlic for only about 1 minute over medium heat until fragrant, then immediately add the shrimp.
Is the feta cheese melted into the sauce?
The feta is folded in at the end until combined, allowing it to soften and slightly cream the sauce without completely melting away.
What is the prep for the scallions?
The scallions should be chopped and used as a fresh topping at the end.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure the shrimp are completely thawed, peeled, and deveined before starting the recipe.
What size saucepan is best?
A heavy 8-inch saucepan is recommended for even heat distribution.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is a savory and zesty dish. If you want heat, you would need to add red pepper flakes separately.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While feta is traditional for this Mediterranean profile, you could try goat cheese for a similar tangy effect.
How long should the tomatoes cook?
Cook the tomatoes for 3-4 minutes until they have softened and released their juices.
What if I do not have Greek olives?
You can substitute with Kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, the total cooking time is approximately 10 to 15 minutes, making it an excellent quick dinner option.