Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece with just one bite - a culinary masterpiece that combines succulent shrimp, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. This Mediterranean-inspired baked shrimp recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the shrimp cooks evenly and the flavors meld beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the olive oil.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Carefully fold them into the tomato and feta mixture, ensuring that the shrimp are evenly distributed and coated with the marinade.
- Transfer the shrimp and tomato mixture to a baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking. If desired, sprinkle a little extra feta on top for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the tomatoes are softened. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve the baked shrimp with tomatoes and feta warm, either on its own or with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious juices.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild sea-like smell.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They should turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 12-15 minutes. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
- Use fresh garlic and basil if possible - they make a significant difference in the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the tomato and feta mixture before baking.
- If you want a slightly crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the best texture and temperature of the shrimp and tomatoes.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious Mediterranean-style juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 327kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 143mg
