Sizzling Grilled Shrimp Fiesta Pizza
Experience the ultimate summer flavor with this Sizzling Grilled Shrimp Fiesta Pizza! Perfect for brunch or any gathering, this pizza combines the freshness of grilled shrimp with the vibrant flavors of salsa verde and creamy queso fresco. The crispy crust, brushed with olive oil and topped with melty mozzarella, gives it a mouthwatering appeal that pairs perfectly with the bright cilantro garnish. This recipe is easy to follow, making it a wonderful choice for novice cooks and pizza aficionados alike. Any bite will transport you to a beachside taco stand, making it ideal for summer cookouts or entertaining guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pizza dough
1 (of your choice (I used Pillsbury pizza dough))
Cornmeal
2 tablespoons (for dusting)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (for brushing on the dough)
Large shrimp
18 (peeled and deveined (about one pound))
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (to season the shrimp)
Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup (for topping)
Queso fresco
1 cup (crumbled for topping)
Salsa verde
3 tablespoons (for spreading on the pizza)
Fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and crumbled queso fresco. Set aside.
2
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it's heating, thread 6 shrimp onto each of 3 wooden skewers and sprinkle them with 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
3
Once the grill is ready, coat the grill rack with cooking spray. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from the grill and let them cool slightly before coarsely chopping them.
4
On a rimless baking sheet, sprinkle cornmeal generously. Roll out your pizza dough and place it on the sheet. Brush the top of the dough lightly with olive oil.
5
Carefully slide the dough onto the greased grill rack using a spatula as a guide. Grill for about 3 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly browned.
6
Flip the pizza crust over and spread a generous layer of salsa verde over the top, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the edges.
7
Evenly distribute the chopped grilled shrimp and the cheese mixture over the salsa.
8
Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is deliciously melted.
9
Remove the pizza from the grill, sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves, cut into slices, and serve immediately for an unforgettable taste experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sizzling Grilled Shrimp Fiesta Pizza?
It is a summer-inspired pizza that combines grilled shrimp, salsa verde, mozzarella, and queso fresco on a crispy grilled crust.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be easy to follow for both novice cooks and pizza aficionados.
What kind of pizza dough should I use?
You can use your choice of dough; the recipe mentions Pillsbury pizza dough as a specific option.
How do I prepare the shrimp for the grill?
Thread 6 peeled and deveined shrimp onto each of 3 wooden skewers and sprinkle them with salt.
How long should the shrimp be grilled?
Grill the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
What cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of shredded part-skim mozzarella and crumbled queso fresco.
Why is cornmeal used on the baking sheet?
Cornmeal is sprinkled on the baking sheet to prevent the dough from sticking and to add texture to the crust.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How do I prevent the pizza from sticking to the grill rack?
Coat the grill rack with cooking spray before placing the shrimp or the dough on it.
Should the shrimp be chopped before or after grilling?
The shrimp should be grilled on skewers first, cooled slightly, and then coarsely chopped.
How long does the pizza dough cook on its own?
Grill the first side of the dough for about 3 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned before flipping.
What is the base sauce for this pizza?
The pizza uses salsa verde as the base sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce.
How much salsa verde should I apply?
Spread about 3 tablespoons of salsa verde, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges.
When do I add the cheese and shrimp?
Add the toppings after flipping the crust and spreading the salsa verde.
How long is the final grill time once topped?
Cook for an additional 3 minutes with the grill lid closed until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
What is the recommended garnish?
Fresh cilantro leaves are used to garnish the pizza for a bright flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, as long as they are thawed, peeled, and deveined before skewering and grilling.
What type of olive oil is needed?
Any standard olive oil works for brushing the top of the dough.
Is this recipe good for entertaining?
Absolutely, it is described as ideal for summer cookouts, gatherings, or brunch.
How many shrimp are needed in total?
The recipe calls for 18 large shrimp, which is approximately one pound.
What should I use to slide the dough onto the grill?
A spatula can be used as a guide to help slide the dough from the baking sheet to the grill.
Can I use a different type of salsa?
While salsa verde provides a specific fiesta flavor, you could experiment with other salsas if desired.
Do I need to salt the shrimp?
Yes, the instructions suggest using 1/8 teaspoon of salt to season the shrimp skewers.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
The lid should be closed during the final 3 minutes of cooking to ensure the cheese melts properly.
What does queso fresco add to the pizza?
It adds a creamy, mild flavor that complements the grilled shrimp and salsa verde.
Is the crust crispy?
Yes, grilling the dough directly on the rack results in a mouthwatering crispy crust.
How do I serve the pizza?
Remove it from the grill, sprinkle with cilantro, cut into slices, and serve immediately.
How many skewers are required?
The recipe recommends using 3 wooden skewers for the 18 shrimp.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded part-skim mozzarella is perfectly fine for this recipe.
What vibe does this pizza have?
It is described as having a flavor that transports you to a beachside taco stand.