Shrimp Orzo Tomato Feta Recipe
Topped with crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and a hint of citrus, this dish promises a symphony of tastes, leaving your taste buds longing for more.
Equipment
- Oven-Safe Skillet
- Blender (optional)
- Lid for the Skillet
- Kitchen Tongs or Spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Oven mitts
- Serving Plate or Dish
- Toaster or Oven for Toasting Bread
Ingredients
- 1 pound of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (retain the tail)
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 of a medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 15-16 ounces of pureed tomatoes
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, grated
- 4-6 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A handful of chopped fresh parsley
- 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese
- Lemons for garnish
Instructions
- Season up those shrimp with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Get a skillet that can handle the oven heat and heat it up over medium-high. Toss in the shrimp, but don't overcrowd the party. Give them a quick 30-40 seconds on each side for a nice sear - no steaming allowed.
- Now, dial down the heat to a cozy low-medium. Let the onions hang out in the skillet for 5-7 minutes until they're doing that golden, translucent, and soft thing. Toss in the garlic for a quick mingle.
- Time to amp up the flavor! Throw in those tomatoes, a dash of sugar, some crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and just a pinch of salt. Remember, the feta brings its own salty game, so don't go overboard with the salt.
- I'm all about the canned tomatoes - quick blender blitz to save time. If you're rolling with crushed canned tomatoes, skip the blending step.
- Lid up that pan and let the sauce work its magic- reduce and thicken for about 6-7 minutes. Toss in the scallions, the shrimp, and crumble in that feta.
- If your pan can handle the heat, pop it under the broiler for a cool 5 minutes. Wait for that cheese to melt, the sauce to get bubbly, and maybe a hint of char for extra flavor.
- Top it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and some lemon wedges.
- Grab some crusty, toasted bread or toss it over pasta. It is your call.
Video
Notes
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp to get that perfect sear. Don't overcrowd the pan and let them sizzle, not steam.
- Cooking the onions until they're slightly golden and translucent adds a sweet depth to the sauce. The quick warm-up with garlic enhances the aroma.
- If you're a fan of a chunkier sauce, go for crushed canned tomatoes without pureeing. For a smoother texture, a quick blend does the trick.
- Be mindful of salt, especially if you're using feta. The cheese brings its own salty goodness, so taste the sauce before adding too much extra salt.
- Feta delivers a tangy kick. Experiment with different types of feta or even other cheeses for a personalized touch.
- If your skillet isn't ovenproof, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish before broiling. Keep an eye on it to achieve the desired melt and slight char.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh finish. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or pasta and choose your favourite.
- Prepare the sauce in advance for a quick assembly later. It keeps well in the refrigerator for a day or two, letting the flavours mingle.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Add more for a kick or omit if you prefer a milder flavour.
- Versatility Alert: This sauce isn't just for shrimp! Try it with other proteins like chicken or even as a tasty veggie option.
- Creative Twists: Feel free to customize, throw in your favourite herbs, and veggies, or experiment with different seafood for a unique twist on this versatile dish.