Description
Barefoot Contessa’s roasted shrimp with feta brings Mediterranean flavors to home kitchens. Greek-inspired ingredients combine for a simple yet elegant seafood dish you’ll want to savor with crusty bread and a crisp white wine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 lbs (567 g) peeled shrimp with tails on (16 to 20 per pound)
- 5 oz (142 g) feta cheese, coarsely crumbled
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 tbsps good olive oil, divided
- 1.5 cups medium-diced fennel
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 0.25 cup dry white wine
- 3 tbsps minced fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp Pernod
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lemons
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
- Fennel Infusion: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil and gently sauté fennel until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic qualities.
- Sauce Development: Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Introduce diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, Pernod, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and concentrate.
- Shrimp Arrangement: Carefully layer raw shrimp across the tomato sauce in a single, elegant layer. Generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the shrimp, creating a creamy, tangy coating.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Combine breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and remaining olive oil in a separate bowl. Evenly distribute the herbed mixture across the shrimp, ensuring complete coverage.
- Baking: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The shrimp should turn opaque, and the breadcrumbs should achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture.
- Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven and brighten the dish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately, accompanied by additional lemon wedges for personalized citrus enhancement.
Notes
- Fennel Softening Secret: Caramelize fennel slowly over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes to unlock deep, sweet flavor foundations before adding other ingredients.
- Wine Deglazing Technique: Use white wine to lift browned bits from skillet bottom, creating layers of complex, rich taste that enhance the entire dish’s depth.
- Shrimp Placement Precision: Arrange raw shrimp in single layer with tails upward to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Breadcrumb Crunch Strategy: Mix breadcrumbs with fresh parsley and lemon zest to create a vibrant, crispy topping that adds textural contrast and bright Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg