Garides Saganaki is one of those quintessential Greek dishes that instantly makes me think of summer. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes, the aroma of ouzo mingling with garlic and fresh parsley, and the saltiness of feta melting into the sauce… it’s pure Greek island magic on a plate! Best of all? It’s so easy to prepare.
What Is Garides Saganaki?
Garides Saganaki (shrimp saganaki) is a traditional Greek dish often served in the islands, especially in little psarotavernes (fish taverns) by the sea. The name saganaki comes from the small frying pan it’s cooked in, called a saganaki.
The dish is made by sautéing shrimp, deglazing them with a generous splash of ouzo (trust me, this makes all the difference!), and simmering them in a rich tomato sauce before finishing with crumbled feta cheese.
The Secret Ingredients
- Ouzo: I love using Ouzo 12. If you’re in the UK and can’t find it locally, don’t worry—you can easily find it online.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes are always best for the sauce, but if they’re not in season, a good quality passata works perfectly. I’ve tested many brands in England, and this is the one I recommend.
- Shrimp: Fresh prawns are ideal, but if you don’t have access to a fishmonger, buy large whole shrimp from the frozen section. They may cost a little more, but the flavor is so worth it!
- Garlic & Bread: Please don’t skip the garlic—and whatever you do, buy some good crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that sauce.
Variations
In some regions of Greece, people add spicy peppers or chili flakes for a kick. Personally, I prefer the clean flavors of shrimp, tomato, and feta, but feel free to add heat if that’s your style!
By the way, have you tried this fish plaki recipe? Oh, I promise you would love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.
- Authentic Greek Flavor: The combination of ouzo, tomato, and feta transports you straight to a seaside taverna.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main with bread or orzo, or as part of a meze spread.
Step 1 In a frying pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil and when it's hot, add the shrimps. Cook them for about 3 minutes, or until they turn nice and pink. Add the finely chopped garlic and let it cook for 1 minute, tossing the shrimps every now and then to incorporate all the flavours together. Then, add the ouzo and let it cook and evaporate for another minute. Step 2 Remove the shrimps and ouzo from the pan. Step 3 Add the rest of the olive oil and onion in the same pan you used to cook the shrimps. Cook the onion on a low heat until soft. Then, add the tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes and let them cook for about 30 minutes on a low heat. You are looking for the sauce to become quite saucy. Add salt and pepper to your preference. Step 4 Once the tomato sauce is ready, pour the shrimps back in the pan, stir and then add the feta cheese and parsley. Enjoy! 
Ingredients
Instructions
