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Spicy Prawns (shrimp) with Ginger, Chilli and Feta

Spicy Prawns (shrimp) with Ginger, Chilli and Feta

There are days when traditional flavours ask for a little spark. Spicy prawns with ginger, chilli and feta is a dish that can be ready in just 30 minutes. Without the addition of feta, we have a delicious Lenten dish!

Prawn aka shrimp saganaki with bulgur pilaf image

If you prefer something closer to tradition, take a look at my Shrimp Saganaki deglazed with masticha liqueur, where the delicate resinous aroma of Chios mastic adds a uniquely Greek character to the tomato and feta sauce.

While that version highlights one of Greece’s most treasured ingredients, this spicy variation moves in a different direction, introducing ginger and chilli for a warmer, more vibrant finish.

Both dishes share the same Mediterranean heart ,extra virgin olive oil, tomato and feta, yet each tells a completely different flavour story.

The result is a dish that still feels unmistakably Greek, yet carries a subtle, exciting heat that makes it perfect for sharing with good bread and a glass of chilled Moschofilero.

It is not a replacement for the traditional version. It is simply another expression of how adaptable Greek cooking can be.

Cooking Notes

  • Do not overcook the shrimp; they become rubbery very quickly.
  • Adjust the heat by removing chilli seeds or reducing the quantity.
  • A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the dish beautifully.
  • Without the feta, you still have a delicious Lenten dish.
  • It can be served as a main dish with rice or bulgur pilaf or on its own as an appetizer.
  • This pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of Moschofilero or Assyrtiko.
Prawn saganaki served with bulgur pilaf image

Spicy Prawns with Ginger, Chilli and Feta

Yield: 2 - 3
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Spicy prawns with ginger, chilli and feta is a vibrant Greek-inspired saganaki variation made with olive oil, tomato, bell peppers and wine.

Ingredients

  • 500 grams medium or large shrimp
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 small hot red chilli peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup mixed-colour bell peppers, sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (Moschofilero works beautifully)
  • 1 cup passata
  • 150 grams feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp. If using fresh shrimp, rinse and pat dry. If frozen, thaw completely and drain well.
  2. Heat half the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for a couple of minutes. Add the water and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the shrimp with their cooking juices and set aside.
  3. Heat the remaining olive oil in the same pan. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
  4. Stir in the garlic, ginger and chilli peppers. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  5. Add the bell peppers and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
  6. Season with salt, pepper and oregano.
  7. Deglaze with the wine and allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes, until the alcohol evaporates.
  8. Add the passata and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
  9. Return the shrimp and their juices to the pan and cook in the tomato sauce for about 3 more minutes, just until perfectly tender.
  10. Add the crumbled feta on top, lower the heat and allow it to soften and melt slightly for 2–3 minutes.
  11. Serve immediately with crusty bread, over rice or with bulgur pilaf.

Notes

Cooking Notes

  • Do not overcook the prawns; they become rubbery very quickly.
  • Adjust the heat by removing chilli seeds or reducing the quantity.
  • A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the dish beautifully.
  • Without the feta, you still have a delicious Lenten dish.
  • It can be served as a main dish with rice or bulgur pilaf or on its own as an appetizer.
  • This pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of Moschofilero or Assyrtiko.
Nutrition Information
Yield 3 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 582Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 11gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 397mgSodium 2047mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 3gSugar 9gProtein 47g

"These values are automatically calculated and offered for guidance only. Their accuracy is not guaranteed."

Did you make this recipe?

Tried this recipe? Tag me @ivyliac and use the hashtag #kopiaste!

Collage Spicy Prawns with Ginger, Chilli and Feta image

Lenten Recipes (mostly vegan)

During the Greek Orthodox Fasting period, meat and animal prod­ucts (cheese, milk, butter, eggs, lard), fish (meaning fish with backbones), olive oil and wine (all alcoholic drinks) are not consumed during the weekdays of Great Lent  Octopus and shell-fish are allowed, as is vegetable margarine, shortening, and vegetable oils, gelatin, olives, as well as honey are allowed.

Seafood

Seafood

Kopiaste and Kali Orexi,

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