Introduction
Seafood Pizza is one of the most popular pizza varieties in Italy, especially in coastal cities overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
This pizza is based on a refined combination of fresh seafood such as shrimp, calamari, and mussels, paired with rich tomato sauce and high-quality mozzarella cheese.
With its distinctive ocean flavor and irresistible aroma, seafood pizza is considered a luxury dish in upscale pizzerias. However, it can be easily prepared at home when fresh ingredients are available.
First: Ingredients for Italian Seafood Pizza
Dough Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Warm water for kneading
Marinara Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- A pinch of oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Seafood Topping:
- ½ cup small shrimp, peeled
- ½ cup calamari, sliced into rings
- ¼ cup mussels or clams (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Parsley or fresh basil for garnish
Second: The Secret Behind Seafood Pizza Flavor
Seafood pizza differs from other pizza types because it relies heavily on the tenderness and freshness of seafood.
Key points:
- Shrimp and calamari should not be pre-cooked for long, or they will become tough.
- Seafood should be added right before baking.
- A very hot oven ensures quick cooking while keeping the seafood juicy and tender.
Third: Step-by-Step Preparation
1) Preparing the Dough
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add olive oil and warm water gradually until a soft, elastic dough forms.
Knead well and let it rest in a warm place for about one hour until doubled in size.
2) Preparing the Marinara Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan and add garlic.
After a few seconds, add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3) Preparing the Seafood
Wash shrimp and calamari thoroughly.
Season lightly with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Do not cook them beforehand to preserve tenderness.
4) Shaping the Dough and Adding Sauce
Roll the dough into a round or oval shape and place it on a baking tray or hot pizza stone.
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
5) Adding Mozzarella
Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, which helps hold the seafood in place during baking.
6) Adding the Seafood
Arrange shrimp, calamari, and mussels evenly on top.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
7) Baking
Bake in a very hot oven (250–300°C / 480–570°F) for 8–12 minutes.
Keep an eye on it, as seafood cooks quickly.
Fourth: Italian-Style Serving Method
Seafood pizza is traditionally served with:
- Lemon wedges to squeeze on top before eating
- Arugula salad or Caprese salad
- Italian bread or focaccia
In authentic Italian restaurants, seafood pizza is usually served without extra sauces, allowing the natural seafood flavor to shine.
Fifth: Optional Flavor Enhancements
- Mild chili paste or flakes for heat lovers
- Cherry tomatoes for balance and freshness
- Fresh basil added just before serving
- A light sprinkle of Parmesan for deeper flavor
Sixth: Tips for Perfect Seafood Pizza
- Always use the freshest seafood possible
- Avoid excessive sauce to prevent sogginess
- Low-moisture mozzarella gives the best texture
- Do not pre-cook shrimp for more than 30 seconds
- High oven temperature is the key to restaurant-quality pizza
Conclusion
Italian seafood pizza combines the simplicity of traditional pizza with the elegance of fresh seafood flavors.
It is a perfect choice for a luxurious dinner or weekend gathering, and a valuable addition to Atayeb Kitchen under the Italian cuisine section.
This recipe attracts high interest due to its uniqueness and simplicity, making it an excellent option to boost engagement and search visibility on your blog.
