Elevate Your Game Day: The Ultimate Shrimp Banh Mi Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Super Bowl Sunday calls for extraordinary food, and this Shrimp Banh Mi Flatbread Pizza is ready to be the MVP of your party spread. Imagine layers of perfectly melted mozzarella cheese, topped with succulent, buttery shrimp, a vibrant medley of crisp, pickled banh mi vegetables, a scattering of fresh, aromatic herbs, slices of creamy avocado, and a delightful drizzle of homemade peanut dressing. This innovative fusion dish isn’t just a snack; it’s a culinary experience that promises to impress and satisfy even the largest game day crowd. Its unique combination of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors makes it an unforgettable centerpiece for any gathering.
While some eagerly anticipate the kickoff and every play on the field, I confess my true passion lies less with the actual game of football and more with the incredible smorgasbord of delicious food that inevitably accompanies every single game day celebration. For me, these events are a magnificent excuse to indulge in a wide array of delectable treats, savored in good company.
It’s truly a magical tradition, if you consider the anticipation and camaraderie it generates. As the scheduled hour of the first game approaches, friends and family begin to arrive, their hands full with an impressive parade of trays, casserole dishes, and slow cookers. Each vessel holds a treasure trove of delicious, finger-friendly snacks, meticulously prepared and eagerly awaited, all destined to be enjoyed in front of the television, amidst cheers and chatter.
I may not be a die-hard football enthusiast, but I am, without a doubt, a fervent food enthusiast. And where there’s football, there is almost always a lavish food table waiting to be plundered. For that irresistible combination, you can absolutely count me in! It’s the perfect blend of social gathering and culinary adventure, making game day one of the most anticipated events of the year for any food lover.
Every year, I make sure to deliver the requested game day staples that have become legendary among my friends and family. These crowd-pleasing favorites include irresistible stuffed jalapeños, piled-high Game Day Loaded Nachos, savory Apple Cider Glazed Meatballs, and the ever-popular Chipotle Pork Sliders with Honey Lime Slaw. You see, it’s a non-negotiable part of the tradition; if I don’t provide these beloved dishes, my adult friends and family members are not shy about their disappointment, making their displeasure known like grown babies!
However, amidst the familiar favorites, I also make it a mission each year to subtly introduce a new, exciting dish to the game day spread. The trick is to ensure that the revered staples are prominently displayed around it, which usually keeps everyone content and open to culinary discovery. This year, that eagerly anticipated new addition is the spectacular Shrimp Banh Mi Flatbread Pizza. It’s a truly unique and incredibly delicious twist on the classic Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, reimagined for the American palate and game day spirit. And, in my humble opinion, it not only holds its own but far exceeds its traditional counterpart, largely due to one glorious ingredient: cheese… specifically, generous amounts of freshly grated, perfectly melted Mozzarella cheese!
Beyond the amazing fusion of flavors, this flatbread pizza is also generously loaded with ripe Mission Emeralds in the Rough Avocados. These aren’t just any avocados; they bring a creamy texture and rich flavor that elevates the entire dish. While I could have opted for a classic guacamole – and certainly, it would have been delicious – I decided to venture into more creative territory this time. This Shrimp Banh Mi Flatbread Pizza showcases a far more inventive and exciting use for the perfectly imperfect Emeralds in the Rough Avocados, proving their versatility beyond the dip bowl. Their natural goodness is a true highlight of this recipe, adding a layer of indulgence and freshness.
Mission’s Emeralds in the Rough Avocados might not win a beauty contest based on their exterior. True, their appearance might be a bit more rustic, a little less uniform than their picture-perfect counterparts. But isn’t it what’s on the inside that truly matters? And when it comes to flavor and creamy texture, these avocados are absolutely second to none. They deliver the same fantastic taste and nutritional benefits, making them a smart and delicious choice for any recipe.
By the time you slice them open, carefully dice them, or gently smash their rich green flesh, no one will ever know, or care, about their initial exterior. Their deliciousness shines through every time, proving that true quality and taste lie beneath the surface. Using these avocados is a testament to embracing natural beauty and focusing on what truly counts: exceptional flavor and a delightful culinary experience.
Now, let’s talk about the sheer brilliance and simplicity of making this Shrimp Banh Mi Flatbread Pizza. There’s absolutely no need to fuss with making and rolling out your own pizza dough, which saves a significant amount of time and effort. Simply head to your local grocery store and pick up your favorite pre-made flatbread. I personally opted for naan bread for this recipe, as I happened to have some readily available in my freezer, and its soft, chewy texture makes an ideal base for our flavorful toppings. This shortcut ensures that you can focus on the exciting flavors rather than the laborious prep.
While this recipe does involve a few distinct steps, the beauty is that none of them are particularly difficult or overly time-consuming. In fact, most of the crucial prep work can be completed well in advance, transforming game day into an absolute breeze for the host. The overarching concept here is to maximize your enjoyment and time with friends and family, allowing you to relax and savor the moment while watching the game eating the delicious spread. Imagine sipping your favorite beverage, chatting with loved ones, and enjoying this incredible pizza without being tethered to the kitchen.
Each bite of this Shrimp Banh Mi Flatbread Pizza is a symphony of flavors and textures, a testament to the love and thought put into its creation. You’ll find a whole lot of culinary bliss packed onto one delightful piece of flatbread: gooey, melty mozzarella cheese, succulent and perfectly seasoned buttery shrimp, the bright crunch of tangy pickled banh mi vegetables, the rich, creamy goodness of Mission Emeralds in the Rough avocados, a burst of freshness from chopped cilantro, a subtle kick from spicy jalapeño slices, and finally, a generous drizzle of our homemade, irresistible peanut dressing. It’s a vibrant, layered masterpiece that truly captures the essence of fusion cuisine at its finest.
This Shrimp Banh Mi Flatbread Pizza isn’t just a dish; it’s the life of the party! It embodies the excitement of game day food with its vibrant colors, incredible aroma, and unforgettable taste. Get ready to impress your guests with this unique, flavorful, and surprisingly easy-to-make appetizer that promises to be a talking point long after the final whistle blows. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of good food, good company, and great times.
For even more inspiring and delicious recipe ideas featuring the incredible versatility of avocados, make sure to visit Mission Avocados on their social media channels. You can find them on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter for a constant stream of fresh culinary inspiration.
Shrimp Banh Mi Flatbread Pizza
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Ingredients
Flatbread Pizza:
- 2 10-inch flatbread
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 2 jalapenos, thinly sliced
- 2 Mission Emeralds in the Rough Avocados, diced
- ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 12 ounces cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
Banh Mi Vegetables:
- 1 cup thinly sliced radishes
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced Persian cucumbers
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Peanut Dressing:
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 1 large lime
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 heaping teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
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To make the banh mi veggies, add vinegar, sugar, and salt to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. While the mixture is cooling, prep the veggies and add them to a large mason jar. Pour the warm vinegar mixture over the top. Screw on the lid and give the mixture a shake to coat all of the veggies with the vinegar mixture. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight. Drain the veggies before adding them to the pizza. The veggies will stay fresh in the fridge for 2 weeks.
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To make the peanut dressing, add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. The dressing will stay fresh in the fridge for 7-10 days.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the flatbread pieces on a baking sheet and top each piece with 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and evenly top each flatbread with the cooked shrimp. Continue to bake until the cheese is melted and the shrimp are warmed through, about 5 minutes.
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Top with sliced jalapenos, diced avocados, drained banh mi veggies, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with peanut dressing. Slice and serve immediately.