Smoky Barbecue Prawn Pizza with Salsa Verde

Pizza is a dish that invites creativity, and one of the best things about it is how it adapts to different flavors and culinary traditions. While the classics like Margherita or Pepperoni have their place, sometimes you want a pizza that makes a statement — something smoky, zesty, and vibrant. That’s where the Smoky Barbecue Prawn Pizza with Salsa Verde comes in.

This recipe fuses the smokiness of barbecue sauce, the succulence of prawns, and the fresh, herbaceous punch of salsa verde. The result is a pizza that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard pizza nights, or even a gourmet twist on family pizza night, this dish is guaranteed to stand out.

The combination of smoky and fresh flavors also pays homage to surf-and-turf style cooking, where seafood meets robust sauces and seasonings. With each bite, you get a harmony of textures: chewy crust, tender prawns, gooey cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, and the bright kick of salsa verde drizzled over the top.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza

• Unique Flavor Profile: Sweet-smoky barbecue sauce balanced by vibrant salsa verde.

• Seafood Twist: Prawns bring elegance and freshness to pizza night.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Impressive enough for entertaining yet easy enough for a weeknight.

• Customizable: Adjust the spice, cheese, or toppings to your taste.

• Perfect Balance: Smoky, cheesy, tangy, and herbaceous all in one bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough (12-inch pizza)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 cup warm water (110°F)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

(Or use store-bought dough for convenience.)

For the Smoky Barbecue Base

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (smoky variety)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Toppings

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

• ½ cup smoked cheddar or gouda (optional, for extra depth)

• 12–15 medium prawns (peeled and deveined)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Cajun or chili seasoning

• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)

• ½ red bell pepper (sliced)

• Fresh coriander or parsley (for garnish)

For the Salsa Verde

• 1 cup fresh parsley (packed)

• ½ cup fresh cilantro (optional)

• 2 garlic cloves

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon capers

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit until frothy (about 5–10 minutes).

2. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until dough forms.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

(Skip if using pre-made dough.)

Step 2: Make the Salsa Verde

1. Place parsley, cilantro, garlic, capers, lemon zest, juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor.

2. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Prawns

1. Toss prawns with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high and quickly sear prawns for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.

2. Roll out dough into a 12-inch circle. Place on parchment paper.

3. Spread barbecue base (BBQ sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika) over the dough.

4. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and smoked cheddar.

5. Add prawns, red onion, and bell pepper.

6. Top with remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Slide pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or sheet.

2. Bake 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

3. Remove from oven. Drizzle generously with salsa verde.

4. Garnish with fresh herbs.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook prawns: They cook quickly and will finish in the oven.

• Smoky cheese matters: Smoked gouda or cheddar enhances the barbecue flavor.

• Balance the drizzle: Add salsa verde after baking to keep it fresh and vibrant.

• Preheat fully: A hot oven gives the crust the right texture.

• Thin slices for toppings: Prevent sogginess and ensure even cooking.

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Variations to Try

1. Spicy BBQ Prawn Pizza – Add jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.

2. Mediterranean Twist – Replace barbecue sauce with olive oil and garlic, then top with prawns and salsa verde.

3. Cheese Lovers’ Version – Add ricotta or feta for creaminess.

4. Surf & Turf Pizza – Add crispy bacon or chorizo alongside prawns.

5. Vegan Option – Use plant-based prawns, vegan BBQ sauce, and dairy-free cheese.

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Perfect Pairings

This smoky prawn pizza pairs wonderfully with:

• A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Grilled corn on the cob

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• Drinks: crisp Sauvignon Blanc, light lager, or sparkling water with lime

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze baked slices individually for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm in a hot oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for best texture.

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Nutrition (Per Slice, Approximate, 8 slices)

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 580mg

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes. Thaw completely, pat dry, and season before cooking.

2. What type of barbecue sauce works best?
A smoky variety pairs best with prawns. Avoid overly sweet sauces to keep flavors balanced.

3. Can I make this on a grill?
Absolutely. Grill the dough on one side first, then flip and add toppings. Close the lid until cheese melts.

4. What if I don’t have a food processor for salsa verde?
Finely chop ingredients by hand and whisk with olive oil.

5. Can I use a premade crust?
Yes! Store-bought crusts make this even quicker.

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Conclusion

The Smoky Barbecue Prawn Pizza with Salsa Verde is a feast for the senses. It combines smoky barbecue richness, tender prawns, melty cheese, and the brightness of fresh salsa verde into one unforgettable dish. Perfect for pizza night when you want to shake things up, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite or a showstopper when entertaining guests.

With its bold yet balanced flavors, this pizza captures the best of comfort food and gourmet flair. Once you try it, you’ll understand why smoky seafood pizzas deserve a place on your table.

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