This Zesty Garlic Shrimp Pizza offers a delightful seafood twist on a classic favorite, featuring succulent shrimp bathed in a garlic-infused oil, melted mozzarella cheese, and a vibrant tomato sauce, all on a perfectly baked pizza crust. The image highlights a single, tempting slice, showcasing plump, pink shrimp nestled amidst bubbly, golden-brown cheese and hints of fresh green herbs, suggesting a burst of fresh flavors. This pizza is a gourmet yet approachable option for seafood lovers, making it an excellent choice for a unique dinner or a flavorful appetizer to share.
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Topping:
- 1 lb (approx. 450g) raw medium or large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, 12-14 inch size)
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 ½ – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk)
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Pizza stone or large baking sheet
- Cutting board and knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Pizza cutter (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp Topping:
- Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better and prevents a watery topping.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook them, as they will cook further in the oven.
- Remove the shrimp from the heat and stir in the 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Set aside.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven and preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually 450-500°F / 230-260°C) for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This ensures the stone is piping hot, which helps create a crispy crust.
- If using a baking sheet, lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape (round or rectangular, depending on your baking sheet). Carefully transfer the dough to the hot pizza stone (using a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour) or to the prepared baking sheet.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread the ½ cup of pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (and optional Parmesan cheese) over the shrimp and existing cheese layer. Ensure the shrimp are somewhat covered by cheese, as this helps them stay moist and prevents them from drying out during baking.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated oven (either directly onto the hot pizza stone or on the baking sheet).
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shrimp are fully cooked through. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can move the pizza to a lower rack.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven.
- Let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired, for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Slice and serve immediately. This Zesty Garlic Shrimp Pizza is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress any seafood or pizza enthusiast.