Description
Prawn Saganaki is a flavorful Greek seafood dish featuring succulent prawns cooked in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic spices, then topped with melted feta cheese. This vibrant dish combines sautéed prawns, garlic, chili, and fresh herbs, enhanced by a splash of ouzo and finished under a grill for a bubbling cheesy topping. Perfect as a warm appetizer or main course, it delivers a delightful balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 250 g prawns (fresh, cleaned, deveined, tails left intact)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 red onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 long red chilli (finely chopped)
- 1 bullhorn pepper (finely sliced)
- 200 g tomatoes (or 2 large tomatoes pureed in a blender)
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp ouzo
- salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 100 g feta cheese
Instructions
- Heat Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped chillis. Cook gently for a few minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent, releasing its flavors.
- Saute Prawns: Add the cleaned prawns to the pan and sauté gently for a few minutes, allowing them to begin cooking while absorbing the aromatic mixture without overcooking.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the ouzo and stir for a moment. Then add the pureed tomatoes, sliced bullhorn pepper, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a medium-low simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Prepare for Grilling: Transfer the cooked prawn mixture into oven-safe ceramic bowls, spreading evenly. Crumble the feta cheese generously on top of each bowl, covering the sauce.
- Grill Until Melty: Place the bowls under a hot grill (broiler) in the oven. Grill for a few minutes until the feta cheese melts, bubbles, and becomes slightly golden, oozing into the sauce for a creamy texture.
Notes
- Use fresh prawns for the best flavor and texture.
- If ouzo is unavailable, a splash of dry white wine can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of chili according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the melted feta at its best.
- Accompany with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: prawn saganaki, Greek seafood, feta cheese, tomato sauce, ouzo, grilled feta, spicy prawn dish
