Garides Saganaki – A Greek Seafood Delight!

If you’ve never tried Garides Saganaki, you’re in for a treat! This classic Greek dish brings together plump, juicy shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce with fragrant garlic, onions, and a splash of ouzo or white wine.

The finishing touch? A generous crumble of creamy feta cheese, which melts slightly into the sauce, adding the perfect salty balance.

Pair it with crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of that delicious sauce, or serve it over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.

Best enjoyed with a glass of ouzo or chilled white wine and good company!

Ingredients

500 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
2 medium ripe tomatoes, grated
1 tsp granulated sugar
5 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 pinches chili flakes
1 tsp tomato paste
20 ml ouzo ( see notes )
fresh parsley, chopped
dried oregano
salt & pepper to taste

Feta cheese, crumbled, optional

Directions

In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and butter on medium to high heat and sauté onion for 1 minute.
Add the tomato paste, garlic, chili flakes, salt and pepper for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Add the tomatoes and sugar, cover the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in another pan, heat 3-4 tbsp. olive oil on medium heat. Add the shrimps, sauté for 1 minute and add the ouzo. Pour the tomato mixture into shrimps, cover and cook for 3-4 minutes.

When ready top with crumbled feta cheese, sprinkle with parsley and serve saganaki while hot.

NOTES: Ouzo is traditional Greek liqueur that is flavored by anise. It is available at any well stocked liquor store.