Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Spicy Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese - a Mediterranean masterpiece that promises to deliver an explosion of flavors in just 30 minutes! Imagine succulent shrimp nestled among burst cherry tomatoes, sprinkled with tangy feta cheese, and kissed with a hint of spicy red pepper that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece. Whether you're a seafood lover, a spice enthusiast, or simply someone who craves a quick and impressive meal, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your shrimp and tomatoes cook evenly and develop a nice roasted flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp and tomatoes are well coated with the olive oil and seasonings.
- In a baking dish, spread the shrimp and tomato mixture evenly. Make sure the shrimp are in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the shrimp and tomatoes. The feta will melt slightly and add a creamy texture to the dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the tomatoes are blistered and bursting.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the spicy baked shrimp with tomatoes and feta cheese warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or quinoa.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they're completely thawed and pat dry before cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Spread shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and perfect caramelization.
- Watch Cooking Time Carefully: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Remove from the oven as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance - less for mild, more for extra kick.
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving or sprinkle with fresh herbs like oregano or basil.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prep the ingredients earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 518kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 240mg
