Imagine a culinary journey where succulent shrimp dance with rich Greek spirits, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to the azure coastlines of the Mediterranean. This Shrimp Baked with Feta, Ouzo, and Cognac is not just a recipe—it's a gastronomic adventure that promises to elevate your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect blend of aromatic spirits, tangy feta, and perfectly cooked shrimp, this dish is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ouzo
- 1/4 cup cognac
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve better caramelization and prevents watery results.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in a large baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Pour the ouzo and cognac evenly over the shrimp, allowing the alcohol to distribute throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the shrimp, covering most of the surface.
- Place lemon slices strategically across the top of the dish for additional flavor infusion.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly curled, and the feta is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best results. Look for shrimp that are firm, have a mild sea-like smell, and are free from any discoloration.
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent proper caramelization and lead to steamed instead of roasted shrimp.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish. Ensure shrimp are in a single layer to allow even cooking and proper alcohol evaporation.
- The alcohol in ouzo and cognac will mostly cook off, leaving behind incredible depth of flavor. Don't be afraid of the amount used.
- Use a good quality feta cheese—preferably Greek—for authentic taste and optimal melting properties.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and settle, creating a more harmonious taste experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 250mg
