Camarão à Grega
Shrimp prepared in the Greek style, often featuring a creamy sauce and served with rice and vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Camarão da Praia
Camarão à Grega, despite its name suggesting Greek origins, is actually a Brazilian creation. The name likely refers to the inclusion of specific Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and flavors, common in Greek cuisine, that were adapted to local Brazilian ingredients and tastes. Its emergence probably coincides with the rising popularity of seafood dishes and the adaptation of international culinary trends within Brazil's diverse gastronomic landscape.
Camarão à Grega is frequently found on restaurant menus across Brazil, particularly in coastal regions known for their seafood. It's a dish often enjoyed as a main course, especially during special occasions or family gatherings. It represents a fusion of international culinary influences with local Brazilian flavors and ingredients.
Coastal Cuisine
Being a seafood dish, Camarão à Grega is strongly associated with Brazil's extensive coastline and the rich variety of seafood available. Coastal cities and towns are the primary locations where this dish is commonly found and enjoyed.
Restaurant Staple
It is a very popular item on restaurant menus, often offered as one of the special seafood dishes. Its presence indicates a level of sophistication and a connection to international culinary trends.
Celebratory Dish
Camarão à Grega is often served during special occasions or family celebrations, demonstrating its status as a dish worthy of sharing and enjoying during important events.
Camarão à Grega is characterized by a delightful combination of savory shrimp, creamy cheese, briny olives, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all brought together in a rich and satisfying dish.
The primary flavor is the sweet and succulent taste of the shrimp, which is often sautéed or grilled to perfection. The dish gains richness from a creamy cheese sauce, typically made with requeijão (a Brazilian cream cheese) or a béchamel base. Black olives contribute a briny and slightly bitter note, while diced tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity. Aromatic herbs like parsley and oregano enhance the overall flavor profile, providing a fresh and herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and shrimp. Some variations may also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added depth.
Shrimp Quality
Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Size matters, larger shrimp tend to hold their shape better during cooking.
Cheese Choice
Requeijão is the traditional cheese for this dish, providing a creamy and mild flavor. If requeijão is unavailable, a good substitute is cream cheese or a light béchamel sauce.
Olive Type
Black olives are preferred for their distinctive flavor and color, complementing the other ingredients well. However, green olives can be used as an alternative, adjusting the flavor profile slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Camarão à Grega hot, accompanied by white rice or mashed potatoes. A side salad can also be added to balance the richness of the dish.
Explore additional Seafood dishes and restaurants
Explore SeafoodDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in Santa Catarina.
Explore Santa CatarinaLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of Brazil.
Explore Brazil