Name: Prawn Saganaki
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (red or brown), finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 500 g prawns (fresh or frozen), cleaned and deveined, tails optional; 60 ml white wine or ouzo (optional); 400 g cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or passata; 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional); 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 150 g feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful simplicity: Layers of garlic, wine (or ouzo), tomatoes, and salty feta create a luxurious yet uncomplicated dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Elegant and sociable: Beautifully presented and deliciously dippable with bread, it’s a great choice for date nights or casual gatherings.
Quick and satisfying: From sautéing to broiling cheese, the process is streamlined and rewarding.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil
Onion (red or brown), finely diced
Garlic, minced
Prawns (fresh or frozen), cleaned and deveined, tails optional
White wine or ouzo (optional for deglazing flavor)
Cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or passata
Tomato paste (optional for depth)
Dried herbs: oregano or thyme
Red chili or flakes (optional for a hint of heat)
Salt and pepper
Feta cheese, crumbled
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Start the base
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
Cook prawns briefly
Add prawns and sauté until they begin to turn pink (no need to fully cook).
Deglaze & simmer
Add a splash of white wine or ouzo to deglaze the pan, then stir in tomatoes (whole, crushed, or sauce), tomato paste if using, herbs, and seasoning. Simmer for ~10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish with feta
Top the prawns and sauce with crumbled feta. For melty, golden cheese, place under a broiler (grill) until feta begins to soften and lightly brown.
Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve piping hot, ideally with crusty bread or over rice, orzo, or pasta to soak up the sauce.

Servings and timing

Serves approximately 4 people
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Add heat: Include red pepper flakes or omit chili for a milder taste.
Alternative finishing: Instead of broiling, bake in individual oven-safe dishes until the feta softens.
Non-seafood twist: For a vegetarian version, replace prawns with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas retain the sauce and feta.
Rich one-pot meal: Serve directly over orzo, rice, or polenta for a full dinner in one pan.

Storage/Reheating

Let leftover saganaki cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop add a splash of sauce or water to restore consistency. Avoid microwaving to preserve the sauce texture.

FAQs

Fresh or frozen prawns does it matter?

Frozen prawns work well. Thaw fully and pat dry to avoid watery sauce. Fresh is fine too just cook until just opaque to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the feta from becoming too rubbery?

Broil just until the feta begins to soften and slightly bubble. Keep a close eye it should melt, not harden.

Can I use a different cheese?

You can experiment with melty cheeses like Kasseri or Graviera, but feta offers the classic tangy contrast.

How spicy is it can kids enjoy it?

Adjust the chili to your preference. The base version is mild and flavorful, making it suitable for all ages.

What’s the best serving side?

Crusty bread is a traditional choice to soak up the sauce. Rice, orzo, or pasta are excellent for heartier meals.

Can I assemble ahead and bake later?

Yes just cook the sauce, cool, then reheat and top with feta when ready to serve.

Is this authentic Greek?

Yes prawn or shrimp saganaki is a beloved Greek dish, often enjoyed as meze and prepared in a small two-handled pan (“saganaki”).

Conclusion

Prawn Saganaki is a standout blend of savory tomato sauce, tender prawns, and creamy feta ideal for quick yet impressive meals. Whether served as a bright starter or a satisfying main, it’s a dish that brings Greek hospitality and flavor to your table with minimal fuss.