Description
This Panko Shrimp and Feta Bake is a Mediterranean-inspired dish combining juicy shrimp, tangy feta cheese, and a golden, crunchy panko topping. The shrimp are baked in a savory tomato-garlic sauce, layered with crumbles of feta, and finished with crispy panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible flavor and texture contrast. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients For Panko Shrimp and Feta Bake Recipe
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil (or fresh if available)
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp butter, melted
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft (about 3–4 min). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 8–10 minutes until thickened.
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Assemble bake: Spread the sauce into a greased baking dish. Arrange shrimp evenly on top. Sprinkle with crumbled feta.
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Make topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the shrimp and feta.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until shrimp are pink and the panko is golden brown.
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Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
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You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (just thaw well).
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For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the tomato sauce while simmering.
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If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
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Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor, but you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder version.
Tips
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Serve this dish with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
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Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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For a lower-carb option, serve with zucchini noodles instead of pasta or rice.
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Toast the panko in a skillet for an even crispier topping before adding it to the dish.
Servings
Serves 4 people
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 27g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 640mg
Benefits
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High protein from shrimp helps muscle repair and satiety.
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Feta cheese adds calcium for bone health.
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Tomato-based sauce is rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
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Panko topping provides texture without deep frying, making it lighter.
Q & A
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and assemble just before baking. Don’t bake the shrimp too early, as they can become rubbery.
Q2: What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, couscous, or a simple salad.
Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q4: Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?
Absolutely — chicken breast chunks or firm white fish (like cod) also work well.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.