If you’re craving something a little different from the usual pizza toppings, why not try a shrimp pizza? The delicate sweetness of shrimp combined with tangy tomato sauce, melted cheese, and fresh herbs creates a seafood lover’s dream pizza. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a fun dinner or a special occasion.
Let’s take a look at how to prepare this savory, seafood-inspired pizza from scratch!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought dough):
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 200g (about 1/2 lb) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- While the dough is rising, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and set the shrimp aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions (for two medium-sized pizzas).
- On a floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into your desired shape and size (circle or rectangle).
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Place your rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp over the cheese.
- Optional: Add a little more garlic, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, bright finish.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice the pizza and serve immediately. Enjoy your shrimp pizza with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips for Success
- Shrimp prep: Be sure to pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.
- Pizza dough: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough or even a pre-made pizza crust.
- Toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings like olives, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Cheese options: For a richer flavor, try mixing mozzarella with some ricotta or parmesan cheese.
This shrimp pizza offers a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic pizza. The combination of garlic, shrimp, cheese, and a perfectly baked crust creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, this seafood pizza is a perfect choice for a weekend dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of a homemade shrimp pizza!