Prawn Saganaki Recipe

Sizzling Greek Prawn Saganaki Recipe: A Coastal Delight

Succulent Mediterranean prawn saganaki brings the vibrant flavors of greece to your kitchen with incredible simplicity.

Coastal regions inspire this delectable dish that combines fresh seafood and robust tomato sauce.

Bright red tomatoes and plump prawns create a stunning culinary experience that feels both rustic and elegant.

Skilled home cooks can master this recipe in minutes, turning simple ingredients into a remarkable meal.

Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy richness that perfectly complements the tender seafood.

Skillet cooking transforms basic components into a restaurant-quality presentation that will impress everyone around your table.

You’ll want to serve this with crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of the aromatic sauce.

What Makes Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki So Tasty

What Makes Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki So Tasty
  • Capture Greek Flavors Instantly: Dive into a mouthwatering Mediterranean experience with this authentic Greek dish that brings restaurant-quality seafood right to your kitchen.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a stunning meal in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy professionals or home cooks looking for a speedy yet impressive dinner solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Seafood Delight: Watch as everyone falls in love with the combination of succulent prawns, tangy feta, and rich tomato sauce that creates an irresistible flavor profile sure to satisfy diverse palates.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this delectable dish alongside crusty bread or rice, making it adaptable for different meal preferences and ensuring no one goes hungry.

What Goes Into Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki

Main Ingredients:
  • Prawns: Fresh seafood that forms the protein base of this Greek dish.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy Greek cheese that adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish.
  • Tomatoes: Ripe and juicy base that creates a vibrant sauce for the prawns.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic, Chili Pepper: Classic flavor base that provides depth and a subtle heat to the saganaki.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, clean flavor to the final dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the prawns and sauce.
Cooking Liquids and Extras:
  • Olive Oil: Traditional Greek cooking fat used for sautéing the vegetables and prawns.
  • Ouzo: Anise-flavored Greek spirit that adds a unique aromatic note to the sauce.
  • Crusty Bread or Rice: Optional serving accompaniments that complement the dish perfectly.

How To Put Together Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki

How To Put Together Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Finely chop:
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Red chili pepper

Gently sauté until the onions turn translucent and release a fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Introduce Succulent Prawns

Add fresh prawns to the skillet, stirring quickly until they just start to curl and turn pink. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make them tough.

Step 3: Pour Vibrant Flavors

Splash in ouzo to deglaze the pan. Add:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to intensify and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Sprinkle Creamy Cheese Topping

Crumble tangy feta cheese generously over the top of the prawns and sauce. Place the skillet under the broiler or grill until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and serve immediately. Pair with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Tips For Cooking Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki Right

  • Prevent Prawn Overcooking: Remove prawns from heat just as they start curling to maintain tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
  • Select Fresh Seafood: Choose high-quality, fresh prawns with firm flesh and sweet aroma for the best flavor profile in this Greek dish.
  • Balance Ouzo Intensity: Add ouzo sparingly to enhance seafood without overwhelming the delicate prawn and tomato flavors.
  • Control Cheese Melting: Watch feta during grilling to achieve perfect golden bubbling without burning or becoming too dry.
  • Boost Mediterranean Authenticity: Serve immediately with warm crusty bread or steamed rice to capture traditional Greek dining experience.

Fresh Ideas For Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki

  • Seafood Swap: Replace prawns with mussels, calamari, or white fish for a different marine protein experience.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Substitute prawns with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a plant-based version that keeps the Greek flavor profile.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Modify chili quantity or swap for different peppers like jalapeños or mild bell peppers to control heat intensity.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip bread and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly option.

Best Matches For Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko from Santorini or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy feta and bright tomato flavors of the saganaki.
  • Match with Rustic Bread Sides: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or traditional Greek pita to soak up the rich, aromatic sauce and capture every delicious drop.
  • Balance with Fresh Greek Salad: Create a light, refreshing side of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion dressed with olive oil and oregano to cut through the dish's richness.
  • Enhance with Herbal Ouzo Aperitif: Enjoy a small glass of anise-flavored ouzo before or alongside the meal to echo the spirit used in cooking and enhance the Mediterranean dining experience.

Keeping Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled saganaki to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain prawn texture and flavor.
  • Preheat to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when prawns are warm but not overcooked to prevent rubbery texture.

Rick Stein Prawn Saganaki FAQ Guide

  • What is ouzo and can I substitute it?

Ouzo is a Greek anise-flavored aperitif. You can replace it with white wine or skip it entirely without significantly altering the dish’s flavor.

  • Do I need to devein the prawns?

Yes, remove the dark digestive tract running along the back of the prawn for better taste and presentation. Use a small knife to make a shallow cut and pull out the vein.

  • How do I know when the prawns are perfectly cooked?

Prawns are done when they turn pink and slightly curl. Overcooking makes them tough, so cook just until they begin to curl – usually 2-3 minutes.

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Prawn Saganaki Recipe

Prawn Saganaki Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sizzling Greek flavors dance in this prawn saganaki, blending fresh seafood with rich tomato and feta charm. Mediterranean warmth fills plates with zesty comfort, inviting you to savor each spicy, cheesy bite of authentic Greek cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 250 grams (8.8 ounces) prawns, tails on
  • 200 grams (7 ounces) blended tomatoes
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) feta cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red chilli, chopped
  • 1 bullhorn pepper, sliced
  • 1/4 cup parsley

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons ouzo
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature and sauté diced onions, minced garlic, sliced chilli, and chopped bell peppers until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add fresh prawns to the pan, cooking quickly until they just start to curl and turn pink, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour ouzo into the skillet, creating a sizzling effect, then incorporate diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and season with salt and ground black pepper.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to gently simmer, letting the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thicken for about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously across the surface of the prawns and sauce.
  6. Transfer the skillet to a preheated grill or broiler, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately, accompanied by warm crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the delicious Mediterranean-style sauce.

Notes

  • Select fresh, high-quality prawns for the best flavor and texture.
  • Control heat carefully when cooking prawns to prevent overcooking and maintaining their tender, juicy consistency.
  • Replace ouzo with white wine for a non-anise alternative that still adds depth to the sauce.
  • Keep feta crumbled coarsely to create beautiful melted pockets across the dish.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 425 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 195 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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