Baked Shrimp and Feta Appetizer
Recipe: #8904
April 06, 2013
Categories: Snacks, Shrimp, Appetizers, Greek, Italian, 5-Minute Prep, Birthday, Sunday Dinner, Oven Bake, Alcohol, Fresh Tomatoes, Italian Dinner, more
"This was passed on by a friend; but, at first ... I only was interested because I had some ouzo to use up - leftover from a party. This sounded wonderful ... and wonderful it was. The first time, I served it as an appetizer as is; the second time, I served it as the main course, added some olives, capers, and roasted red peppers. Totally delicious! Thanks to www.closetcooking.com for the start of a delicious recipe. This makes 4 appetizers, or 2 main dishes."
Original is 6 servings
Ingredients
Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (264.6 g)
- Calories 517.8
- Total Fat - 22.3 g
- Saturated Fat - 9.1 g
- Cholesterol - 140.1 mg
- Sodium - 1489.2 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 60.2 g
- Dietary Fiber - 6.1 g
- Sugars - 2.2 g
- Protein - 25 g
- Calcium - 349.4 mg
- Iron - 3.8 mg
- Vitamin C - 12.2 mg
- Thiamin - 0.2 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Onions ... Bring a non-stick medium size pan up to medium-high heat; then, add the olive oil and onions and cook 3-4 minutes until tender, stirring often. Then, reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook another minute or two.
Step 2
Sauce ... Add the ouzo (make sure to remove from the heat while doing this), then the tomatoes, oregano, and, a pinch of both salt and pepper; simmer on medium low heat for 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Then, add the capers, olives, roasted red peppers, and shrimp and remove from the heat. Toss, just to combine all the ingredients. Add the parsley and season again with salt and pepper if necessary. Remember, the Feta on top is salty as is the olives and capers; also the red pepper flakes are spicy so you shouldn't need to much salt and pepper. Also, taste if you want any extra ouzo. I happen to enjoy the flavor, but some may find it very strong. You can add a bit more at this point if you want.
Step 3
Bake ... Ladle the shrimp mixture into 4 small individual baking dishes (ramekins), or 2 larger dishes sprayed with a non-stick spray. Again, this makes 4 small appetizers - or 2 main dishes. Top with the feta cheese and bake (uncovered) for 10 minutes in a 425 degree oven on the middle shelf.
Step 4
Serve ... With lots fresh bread to soak up the sauce. I just tore pieces of a baguette rather than slicing it (more rustic and easy). You could toast the bread too if you wanted; but, I just wrapped up the loaf in foil to heat up as the shrimp baked. It was toasted ... just warm. ENJOY! as an appetizer, or a fantastic main dish.
Tips
No special items needed.
Editorial Notes
The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.
- When selecting shrimp, look for large, firm, and moist shrimp.
- If you don't have ouzo, you can substitute white wine or vodka.
- Substitute the shrimp for tofu: This substitution is great for those who are vegetarian or vegan and want to enjoy the flavors of this dish without the meat. The tofu will still absorb the flavors of the sauce and provide a similar texture as the shrimp.
- Substitute the Feta cheese for goat cheese: This substitution is great for those who want a milder flavor. The goat cheese will still provide a creamy texture and a slight tang that will pair nicely with the other ingredients.
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Feta Replace the ouzo with freshly squeezed lemon juice and add an additional 2 cloves of minced garlic to the onion-garlic mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped thyme to the sauce. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of feta.
Mediterranean Rice Pilaf - This flavorful side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the Baked Shrimp and Feta Appetizer. The combination of fragrant basmati rice, olives, capers, and roasted red peppers will complement the flavors of the appetizer, while the fresh herbs give it a bright and zesty finish.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan: This simple yet flavorful side dish is the perfect complement to the Mediterranean Rice Pilaf. The fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese add a bright and savory flavor to the asparagus, while the garlic and olive oil give it a subtle hint of richness. The combination of flavors will perfectly balance the flavors of the appetizer and rice pilaf.
FAQ
Q: What kind of dish should I use to bake this recipe?
A: You can use either 4 small individual baking dishes (ramekins) or 2 larger dishes sprayed with a non-stick spray.
Q: What temperature should I bake this recipe?
A: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Fun facts:
The ouzo used in this recipe is a popular Greek alcoholic beverage, made from distilled grapes and flavored with anise. It is often served with appetizers or meze, a selection of small dishes served before a meal.
The Feta cheese used in this recipe is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is one of the most famous Greek cheeses and is often used in salads, pies, and other dishes.