Last Updated on November 10, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury
Holy smokes, you guys! I literally stumbled upon this recipe during one of my late-night “healthy-food-that-doesn’t-taste-like-cardboard” hunting sessions.
Let me tell you, this isn’t your regular ol’ pizza – it’s a mind-blowing fusion that’ll make both Hawaiian pizza lovers and haters question everything they know!
Did You Know? Studies show that shrimp contains less than 1 gram of fat per serving while packing a whopping 20 grams of protein, making it a weight-loss superfood!
Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer
Look, we’ve all been there – trying to lose weight while fighting the urge to demolish an entire pizza. But what if I told you that this recipe slashes traditional pizza calories by 40% without sacrificing that “I’m in pizza heaven” feeling?
The secret lies in our cauliflower-based crust (don’t roll your eyes just yet) and strategic ingredient choices.
Fun fact: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in protein digestion and reduces inflammation. About 100g of fresh pineapple contains only 50 calories!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Cauliflower Crust:
- 1 medium cauliflower head, riced (about 4 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 12 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (grass-fed preferred)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella
The Magic Behind the Method
Crust Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Rice cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles coarse snow
- Microwave for 4 minutes, let cool, then squeeze out ALL moisture using a clean kitchen towel
- Mix with egg, mozzarella, and seasonings
- Shape into a 12-inch circle on parchment paper
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden
Shrimp Scampi Preparation:
- While crust bakes, melt butter in a pan
- Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds)
- Add shrimp, cook 2 minutes per side
- Remove shrimp, add parsley to the butter sauce
Assembly:
- Spread garlic butter sauce over crust
- Layer with mozzarella
- Add shrimp and pineapple chunks
- Sprinkle Parmesan and red pepper flakes
- Bake for additional 5-7 minutes
Pro Tips That’ll Change Your Pizza Game
- Pat your pineapple chunks dry to prevent a soggy crust
- Don’t overcook the shrimp in the initial sauté – they’ll continue cooking on the pizza
- For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in lime juice for 15 minutes before cooking
Nutritional Breakdown Per Slice (Makes 8 slices):
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
Did you know? This pizza contains approximately 60% fewer carbs than traditional pizza, making it perfect for those watching their carb intake!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Pro tip: Reheat in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F to maintain that crispy crust!
Why This Recipe Works for Weight Loss
The beauty of this pizza lies in its strategic ingredient swap-outs. The cauliflower crust provides fiber and nutrients while keeping carbs in check. Shrimp offers lean protein that keeps you satisfied, and pineapple adds natural sweetness with minimal calories.
Plus, the garlic butter sauce is used moderately but effectively – just enough to give you that scampi experience without going overboard on calories.
Final Thoughts
Listen up, pizza lovers! This isn’t just another sad diet recipe – it’s a legit pizza that happens to be good for you. I’ve served this to my pickiest friends (including my brother who thinks kale is the devil), and they couldn’t believe it wasn’t “regular” pizza.
So go ahead, have your pizza and eat it too – your taste buds and waistline will thank you!