Prawn Saganaki with Feta and Tomato

In Greek cooking, saganaki often refers to a small pan dish served bubbling-hot, and this seafood version brings prawns together with tomato, garlic, oregano and feta. The sauce is quick but full-flavoured, with ripe tomatoes cooked down just enough to become savoury and spoonable rather than heavy. Prawns need only a brief simmer, so they stay juicy, while the feta softens into salty, creamy pockets through the warm sauce. It is a straightforward one-pan dinner with a distinctly Mediterranean character, best served immediately while the prawns are tender and the tomato base is still glossy.
Cuisine style Greek taverna-style seafood
Time commitment Under 30 minutes
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Minimal cleanup

Why this recipe works

  • Simple layered flavour: Garlic, oregano and ripe tomato create a savoury base that complements the prawns without overwhelming them.
  • Fast enough for weeknights: The sauce needs only a short simmer, and raw prawns cook quickly once added to the pan.
  • Soft, salty feta finish: Adding the feta at the end lets it soften into the sauce while keeping small creamy pockets throughout.

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Ingredient notes

  • Choose good tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes give the sauce a fresher, brighter flavour; canned chopped tomatoes are a reliable option when fresh tomatoes are out of season.
  • Use feta with character: A tangy, crumbly feta brings the right salty contrast to the sweet tomato and delicate prawns.

Common mistakes

  • Do not overcook the prawns: Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the prawns are pink and opaque; prolonged simmering makes them firm and less juicy.
  • Keep the garlic pale: Garlic should smell fragrant but not brown, otherwise it can turn bitter before the tomato goes in.
  • Thicken watery tomatoes first: If the sauce looks loose, simmer it a little longer before adding the prawns so the seafood is coated rather than sitting in liquid.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make the sauce ahead: The tomato base can be cooked in advance, then reheated gently before adding the prawns and feta just before serving.
  • Best served immediately: Prawn saganaki is at its best straight from the pan, while the prawns are tender and the feta has just softened.
  • Reheat gently: Warm leftovers over low heat with a small splash of water until piping hot, avoiding a hard boil to help keep the prawns tender.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with something to catch the sauce: Warm bread, rice or orzo all work well with the rich tomato and feta sauce.
  • Finish simply: A light sprinkle of extra oregano or black pepper keeps the dish fresh without adding clutter.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Warm the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Add the tomatoes, dried oregano, fine sea salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the tomatoes break down.
  3. Stir in the prawns and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, just until they turn pink and are opaque throughout. Keep the heat gentle so they stay juicy.
  4. Crumble the feta over the top and let it soften for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve straight away, spooning the tomato sauce over the prawns.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • If your tomatoes are very watery, simmer the sauce a few minutes longer before adding the prawns so it coats the back of a spoon.
  • Avoid overcooking the prawns: as soon as they are pink and opaque, take the pan off the heat.
  • If serving vulnerable groups, use fully cooked prawns and reheat them in the sauce until piping hot.

Substitutions

  • Replace Tomato with canned chopped tomatoes for a faster, more consistent sauce.
  • Replace Dried oregano with fresh oregano for a brighter herbal finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan over low heat with a small splash of water until piping hot; avoid boiling to keep the prawns tender.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Allergens:
    Crustaceans Milk
Beginner friendly One pot Kid friendly

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