Mediterranean Baked Shrimp
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired baked shrimp dish with fresh tomatoes, feta, and a creamy custard, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 4 large scallions, minced ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb medium shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 4 plum tomatoes, halved, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch dice ⓘ
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp dill, finely chopped fresh or 1 tsp dried ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c heavy cream ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a shallow 10-cup baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a small frying pan. Add minced scallions and cook over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute longer.
- Spread the scallion and garlic mixture in the prepared baking dish and arrange the shrimp on top.
- Sprinkle the shrimp with diced plum tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with chopped dill, hot pepper sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Beat in the heavy cream until well combined.
- Spoon the custard over the shrimp and tomato mixture, ensuring the shrimp are at least halfway covered.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 17 minutes, until the custard is set and the shrimp are cooked through.
- Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the scallion and garlic mixture. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also enhance the Mediterranean flavors. Ensure the shrimp are fresh to avoid a rubbery texture, and adjust the hot pepper sauce to your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mediterranean Baked Shrimp with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, as do roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside rice or couscous to capture the flavors. This dish is also great for entertaining and showcases Mediterranean recipes wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp tough and the custard unevenly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mediterranean Baked Shrimp contains roughly 946 calories, with 19g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2439mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This will help prevent excess moisture from affecting the custard's texture. If using frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, allowing a few additional minutes if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cheese that crumbles. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it can still be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).