Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta – Easy Mediterranean Dish

Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired seafood dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive entertaining. With its zesty lemon undertones, creamy feta, and garlicky tomato base, this one-dish wonder brings bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting guests, this recipe delivers a satisfying blend of protein, freshness, and comfort. Serve it straight from the oven with crusty bread to mop up the irresistible juices — a must for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta Recipe

This baked prawns recipe is a dream for busy home cooks craving a gourmet meal without hours in the kitchen. Not only does it come together in under 30 minutes, but it also uses simple, wholesome ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine. The tangy feta melts slightly into the juicy tomatoes and lemony marinade, creating a crave-worthy sauce. Garlic and chili flakes add depth and subtle heat, while oregano brings earthiness. It’s a beautiful, low-carb, gluten-free dish that feels indulgent yet fresh and healthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Raw Prawns (tail-on): The star of the dish — sweet, succulent, and protein-packed
• Vine Tomatoes: Provide moisture, slight acidity, and fresh tomato flavor
• Lemon (zest and juice): Adds brightness and enhances seafood flavor
• Olive Oil: Forms the rich base of the marinade and helps bake everything evenly
• Garlic (crushed): Infuses the dish with deep, savory aroma
• Chili Flakes: Lends gentle heat and contrast
• Dried Oregano (preferably Sicilian): Offers herbal balance and Mediterranean flavor
• Sea Salt & Ground Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural tastes
• Firm Feta Cheese: Melts into creamy pockets of briny richness
• Fresh Parsley (to serve): A fresh, green finish that balances the warmth of baked elements

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few easy alternatives to keep your Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta on track:

• Prawns → Shrimp or scallops: Similar texture, equally flavorful
• Vine Tomatoes → Cherry tomatoes or canned tomatoes: Maintain acidity and moisture
• Feta → Goat cheese or ricotta salata: Still creamy and tangy
• Oregano → Italian herb mix or fresh thyme: Keeps Mediterranean flavor alive
• Chili Flakes → Cayenne or fresh chili: Adjust heat to your liking
• Olive Oil → Avocado oil: A healthy, neutral substitute

How to Make Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan bake), or 390°F.
2. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, toss the prawns with chopped tomatoes, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, chili flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer to a baking dish: Spread the mixture into a shallow, oven-safe dish for even cooking.
4. Add the feta: Break it into chunks and nestle between the prawns.
5. Spoon over extra juices and grind fresh black pepper on top.
6. Bake for 15 minutes: The prawns should turn pink and the feta should begin to brown at the edges.
7. Garnish with parsley: Scatter fresh chopped parsley before serving for a fresh finish.

Tips for Getting It Just Right

• Tail-on prawns look elegant and retain moisture while cooking.
• Watch the bake time closely — overcooked prawns become rubbery.
• Hold back on salt until after baking, since feta is naturally salty.
• Let it rest briefly post-baking for flavors to meld and juices to settle.
• Double the batch easily for a larger gathering — just increase the baking dish size.

What to Serve with Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta

• Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up the garlicky lemon juices
• Couscous or Quinoa: Light grains that complement the bold flavors
• Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, eggplant, or peppers pair beautifully
• Simple Green Salad: A bright contrast to the baked richness
• Chilled White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are ideal companions

Tasty Variations to Try

• Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes or drizzle with chili oil
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve over rice or roasted sweet potatoes
• Greek-Style Twist: Add kalamata olives and fresh dill
• Seafood Pasta Bake: Stir in cooked pasta before baking for a heartier meal

Healthy and Seasonal Reasons to Make It

Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta isn’t just quick and delicious — it’s also a smart seasonal choice. Rich in omega-3s, vitamin C, and calcium, this dish supports heart health, immune function, and bone strength. During warmer months, it makes a light, fresh dinner. In cooler seasons, it’s comforting without being heavy. And with feta and prawns both being lean proteins, it’s a great addition to any clean-eating or Mediterranean diet plan.

Conclusion

Baked Prawns with Lemon and Feta is more than just a quick seafood dish — it’s a celebration of bold Mediterranean flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. With tender prawns, creamy feta, and a garlicky citrus-tomato base, it delivers big on taste with minimal prep. Whether you’re dipping crusty bread into the tangy juices or pairing it with a light salad, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite. Its simplicity, adaptability, and healthful profile make it a standout meal that’s both satisfying and refreshingly light.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Honey Garlic Shrimp – Quick Dinner Recipe: A sweet and savory shrimp recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and ideal for seafood lovers. The garlic and honey glaze brings a beautiful balance, much like the zesty lemon and feta in baked prawns.
• Salmon Coconut Curry Recipe: This rich and creamy dish brings together tender salmon with coconut milk and spices, offering a luscious sauce-forward seafood option with a tropical twist that complements Mediterranean seafood dishes.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe: For a spiced-up variation, this creamy pasta combines shrimp with Cajun seasonings and rich cream, making it a bolder cousin to the more delicate baked prawns with lemon and feta.

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