Greek Shrimp - Easy 30 Minute Greek Shrimp Skillet Recipe (2024)

This Greek shrimp skillet is an easy 30 minute meal with tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta and lots of fresh oregano and lemon flavor.

May 10th is National Shrimp Day (who knew, right?) and I’ve got the perfect Greek shrimp dish for you to celebrate with today.

Since Mother’s Day is also that same weekend, this Greek shrimp skillet does double duty as an “impressive yet easy enough” (pretty much how I want all my recipes to be) recipe that you could totally get away with serving to mom on her special day. After you make her some granola French toastor a raspberry lemon Dutch baby for breakfast obviously.

*This post is sponsored by Seafood at Home. All content and opinions are my own.
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Being married to a Greek guy for the past 12 years and having a Greek mother-in-law who makes delicious authentic Greek food, I’ve learned a thing or two when it comes to Greek cooking.

While everyone immediately thinks feta, baklava and olive oil when it comes to Greek cuisine (all of which are very true), in my mother-in-law’s kitchen at least, lemon and oregano are paramount ingredients.

They’re both what set the tone for this simple Greek shrimp dish.

More simple Greek dishes to try:Greek Brown Rice Bowls,Greek pasta salad&Greek Potato Casserole.

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How To Make Greek Shrimp

My favorite recipes are made either all on a sheet pan (like this Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb– another Greek style dish) or entirely in the skillet. This Greek shrimp is the latter. Ingredients get layered into a skillet, started on the stove-top and then transition to the oven to finish cooking.

First, the olive oil and onions sauté together before adding the garlic and spices.

I use oregano as the primary spice in this shrimp recipe (along with a little bit of red pepper flakes) because it just epitomizes Greek cooking to me. If basil is for the Italians, oregano is for the Greeks.

I feel a little like Ina Garten saying this but make sure to use a “good quality” oregano, it makes all the difference! Oregano wasn’t my favorite spice in the past. It reminded me too much of horrible jarred pasta sauce but after tasting some my in-laws brought back from Greece, I was a convert and it’s the only kind I’ll use any more.

Next, the diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives (buy pitted ones and save yourself all that effort!), spinach and lemon zest get added and gently simmered for a few minutes until thickened.

With the oven pre-heated, add the frozen shrimp (honestly, no need to even thaw them in this recipe) and feta cheese on top. Give a nice squeeze of lemon juice over top of everything and then into the oven this skillet goes to finish cooking.

I like to finish the dish under the broiler for a minute or two to get the feta nice and golden brown.

Some fresh oregano leaves (it’s so much brighter and lighter of a taste than dried oregano so give it a shot if you’ve never tried the herb fresh!) garnish the skillet before serving alongside your favorite crusty bread (a good sourdough is delicious) or rice.

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Since this recipe is cooked all in one skillet, it’s all about the layering of ingredients and building of flavors with each step.

The spices added in the sauté step develop a nice base of savory flavor and then the lemon zest and juice cooked with the tomatoes brightens things up. The melted and browned salty feta is then complemented by the fresh oregano at the end and results in a really nice delicate balance of flavors with each bite.

There’s so much deliciousness going on, it’s hard to believe this Greek style recipe is ready in just about 30 minutes because the flavor profiles make it taste like it simmered on the stove-top all day long.

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That’s one of the reasons I love using shrimp so much in recipes, it’s one of the quickest cooking proteins out there and you can’t beat the convenience factor of peeled and deveined frozen shrimp. Try them in this easy garlic shrimp bucatini pasta recipe – ready in 25 minutes!

Not to mention, shrimp (like a lot of seafood) are an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories and fat and a good source of antioxidants likeAstaxanthin (a type ofcarotenoid which has been linked to things like healthier skin, endurance, heart health and joint pain).

I always have a bag of shrimp in my freezer for easy dinners likecoconut red curry shrimporsweet and spicy mango shrimp.

I seldom bother even defrosting the shrimp (or if necessary just run them under cold water for a few minutes then pat dry before using) which makes it super convenient since you can’t really do that with other protein sources.

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While I can’t say this Greek shrimp is necessarily authentic (I just did my DNA test and I’ve got zero Greek in me), I’m pretty sure it’d pass my mother-in-law’s test.

With loads of fresh lemon and oregano flavor and traditional ingredients like tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives and feta, it’s a delicious dish to try out whether you’re celebrating National Shrimp Day, Mother’s Day (it’s so easy the kids could even make this one!) or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

All Greeks and non-Greeks alike will love it!

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Love this recipe for Greek shrimp? Try one of these other shrimp recipes too:

Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad
Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Grilled Corn Cherry Salsa
Shrimp Caesar Salad Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Citrus Grilled Shrimp Skewers

4.42 from 17 votes

Greek Shrimp Skillet

By: Gina Matsoukas

Servings: 4 servings

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 35 minutes mins

Save

Greek Shrimp - Easy 30 Minute Greek Shrimp Skillet Recipe (7)

This Greek shrimp skillet is an easy 30 minute meal with tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta and lots of fresh oregano and lemon flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 large red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 – 15 ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 handfuls, about 4 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • zest of 1/2 a lemon
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • 12 ounces extra large, shelled & deveined shrimp
  • 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • fresh oregano leaves for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.

  • In a large, oven-safe skillet add olive oil and place over medium heat.

  • Once hot, add onions and cook for 3 minutes until starting to soften.

  • Add garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Add diced tomatoes (with the juices from the can), spinach and olives. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened.

  • Arrange shrimp on top of tomato mixture. Crumble feta cheese around skillet and squeeze lemon juice on top.

  • Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until shrimp are pink.

  • Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1-2 minutes until feta starts to turn golden brown.

  • Remove from oven, garnish with fresh oregano and serve with crusty bread or rice.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1SERVINGCalories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 9gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 834mgFiber: 8gSugar: 15g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Greek

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Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

Greek Shrimp - Easy 30 Minute Greek Shrimp Skillet Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a Greek dish with shrimp? ›

In Greece, you can find shrimp saganaki on most menus. It's a beloved summer dish, usually served as mezze with a boozy beverage like ouzo (anise-flavored Greek liquor) or white wine. Not only is ouzo often served with shrimp saganaki, it is also usually included in the recipe!

How long do you cook cooked shrimp? ›

Heat a bit of oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the pre-cooked shrimp to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, turning the shrimp to ensure even heating. They just need to be heated through.

How do you saute precooked shrimp? ›

Thaw and sauté: Thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in cold water. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels. Heat some oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and slightly browned.

Can you bake shrimp that is already cooked? ›

Place the baking sheet with the shrimp in the preheated oven and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as they are already pre-cooked and only need to be heated through.

What is the most common Greek dish? ›

Who can doubt that souvlaki is the most popular Greek street food? You can find it everywhere by asking the locals for the best souvlaki places. Original souvlaki is just meat cubes sticked on a long stick and grill on the charcoal fire.

What is the most traditional Greek dish? ›

Tzatziki

Creamy, tangy and spicy, tzatziki is the cool king of Greek summer and the most traditional greek food. Known mainly as the main souvlaki sauce, tzatziki is not only that.

Can frozen shrimp be sautéed? ›

Even when starting with a bag of frozen shrimp, a platter of sautéed shrimp can be on the table in mere minutes.

How long does it take to cook shrimp in a pan? ›

Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping only once midway. Depending on the size of your shrimp and how many you have in the pan, this will usually take 4 to 6 minutes.

Can you sauté already cooked shrimp? ›

It is possible to sauté cooked shrimp without ruining their texture, but you must be thoughtful about how you approach the task. Ultimately, you are re-heating the shrimp rather than cooking them again.

How do you make precooked shrimp taste better? ›

Heat it over medium-high heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil or a knob of butter for added richness and flavor. Once the skillet is hot, gently place the pre-cooked shrimp in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and begin to develop a slight char.

What's the tastiest way to cook shrimp? ›

  1. Heat the oven to 450°F.
  2. On a half sheet pan, toss the shrimp, salt, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Roast for 7 to 9 minutes, until pink and just cooked through. Remove from the oven, add the butter, and toss the shrimp until coated. Spritz with fresh lemon juice.
Dec 10, 2021

Do you rinse shrimp before sauteing? ›

How can I avoid a fishy taste in my shrimp dishes? Purchase fresh shrimp and cook them soon after buying. Rinse shrimp properly under cold water to remove any dirt and pat them dry before cooking to reduce any lingering fishy flavor.

How do you use already cooked frozen shrimp? ›

5 Ideas for Frozen Cooked Shrimp
  1. Shrimp Quesadillas. In bowl, toss 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese with 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 teaspoon chili powder. ...
  2. Shrimp & Rice. In microwave-safe bowl, put 11/2 cups frozen shelled edamame. ...
  3. Lemony Bow Ties & Shrimp. ...
  4. Mango Shrimp Salad. ...
  5. Shrimp Bruschetta.
Mar 17, 2015

How do you know when already cooked shrimp is done? ›

Perfectly cooked shrimp will be opaque with a color ranging from pink or orange, depending on variety. Their tails should curl in slightly to make a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp will be a solid white-pink color, with their tails completely curled into a tight circle.

How do you tell if precooked shrimp is cooked? ›

Use a food thermometer to make sure the interior temperature of a shrimp is at least 145 °F (63 °C). This is the safest way to tell if it's fully cooked. Check for an opaque white color on the outside, a curved “C” shape, and a tender texture. When in doubt, cut one open to see if it's cooked through.

What are 4 common dishes in Greece? ›

Greek Food: 43 Popular Dishes + 4 Secret Recipe Tips
  • The Most Popular Greek Street Food. Gyros. Loukoumades. Spanakopita: Greek Spinach Pie. Kokoretsi. Greek Grilled Sardines. Koulouri. Koupes. Chestnuts.
  • Greek Food in the World.

What are traditional Greek dishes? ›

Greek Cuisine – Traditional Greek Food
  • Spanakopita: A delicious spinach and cheese feta wrapped in a flakey phyllo paste.
  • Baklava: Layers of crunchy thin dough filled with nuts and sweetened by honey syrup.
  • Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves): Soft grape leaves packed with rice, herbs, and spices to add flavors.
Jan 27, 2024

What are 3 popular foods in Greece? ›

Must-try Greek food and drink
  • Souvlaki. One of the most popular foods in Greece is souvlaki, or grilled chicken cooked on a rotisserie. ...
  • Moussaka. For a hearty and warming meal that's still light, moussaka is a must. ...
  • Fresh seafood. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Tzatziki. ...
  • Baklava. ...
  • Ouzo. ...
  • Coffee.
Jan 18, 2022

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