Shrimp With Feta Cheese And Ouso
A flavorful Mediterranean shrimp dish featuring feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of ouzo, perfect for seafood lovers seeking bold, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup parsley sprigs
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 pound feta cheese ⓘ
- 16 ounces can tomatoes, drained
- 1/3 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 cup whipping cream ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 pounds uncooked, shelled, deveined shrimp (30 to 40 count) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ouzo liquor ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Chop parsley, onion, and garlic.
- Saute garlic and onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft.
- Chop tomatoes and add to mixture with white wine and bay leaf.
- Crumble feta cheese and set aside.
- Cook onion mixture over medium heat until thickened, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in whipping cream and pepper.
- Saute shrimp in 2 tablespoons olive oil separately.
- In a small pan, heat ouzo carefully until it ignites; shake flames out.
- Place shrimp in a shallow baking dish.
- Cover with sauce and ouzo.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over top and bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat feta or substituting half of the feta with ricotta. Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly. If ouzo is unavailable, try using another anise-flavored liqueur. Ensure the seafood is not overcooked to maintain its tender texture. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes such as Stuffed Squid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or alongside a fresh Greek salad. A light, chilled white wine complements the flavors nicely. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of rice or orzo. This dish also works well as part of a seafood recipes spread for entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Alternatively, a microwave can be used on a low setting, covered, for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp With Feta Cheese And Ouso contains roughly 1134 calories, with 24g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (223% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 62g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp; however, add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking. Adjust the baking time to just a few minutes until heated through and the cheese melts.
Is there a substitute for ouzo?
If ouzo is not available, you can substitute with another anise-flavored liqueur, such as Pernod or Absinthe, or use a splash of lemon juice for a different flavor profile without the alcohol.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and combine them before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easier cooking process when ready to serve.
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).