Pizza Sauce Recipe with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Twist for a Bold Dinner Idea

Why You’ll Love This pizza sauce

• Ease of preparation: This pizza sauce recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prepare, perfect for home cooks who want a flavorful base without spending hours in the kitchen. It requires just a few pantry staples and takes only about 5 minutes to mix, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous pizza nights.
• Health benefits: Loaded with pure tomato paste and high-quality tomato sauce, this recipe delivers a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and fiber, all while being low in calories and fat. The addition of herbs and spices adds beneficial phytonutrients, contributing to overall wellness with every bite. For more on the nutritional value of tomato sauce, check out Health Benefits of Tomato Sauce.
• Versatility: This pizza sauce is versatile enough to accommodate different dietary needs. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie, plus it can be tailored with optional ingredients like honey or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferences. Its adaptable flavor profile complements a variety of toppings, making it perfect for creative and inclusive pizza-making.
• Distinctive flavor: Bursting with fresh garlic, oregano, and a touch of sweetener to balance acidity, this sauce boasts a thick, bold tomato taste that’s far superior to typical store-bought options. The no-cook method preserves the fresh tomato flavor while avoiding watery or soggy pizza crusts, delivering an authentic and mouthwatering experience with each slice.

Essential Ingredients for pizza sauce

Main Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (about 170 g) tomato paste – provides thickness and concentrated tomato flavor
• 15 ounces (about 425 g) tomato sauce or alternatively 1 (28-ounce/794 g) can whole peeled tomatoes, drained and blended – delivers the fresh tomato base
• 1 to 2 tablespoons dried oregano or a dried Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme) – adds classic aromatic herbs
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder (or 1 tablespoon fresh garlic finely chopped/blended) – infuses savory and aromatic notes
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – enhances depth of flavor
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt (or substitute with extra garlic powder plus sea salt to taste) – balances seasoning
• ½ tablespoon ground black pepper – provides subtle heat and complexity
• ¼ teaspoon sugar or ¼ teaspoon honey (optional) – balances tomato acidity
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (optional) – enriches texture and mouthfeel
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – adds a mild spicy kick

Special Dietary Options:

• Vegan: This sauce is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products; use fresh garlic rather than garlic salt to control sodium.
• Gluten-free: All ingredients are gluten-free; just verify seasoning blends for any additives if in doubt.
• Low-calorie: Omit olive oil and honey or sugar to reduce calories while preserving robust flavor.

How to Prepare the Perfect pizza sauce: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Gather and prepare ingredients

Start by assembling the tomato paste, tomato sauce (or blended whole peeled tomatoes), dried oregano or Italian seasoning, garlic powder or fresh garlic, onion powder, garlic salt or sea salt, black pepper, sugar or honey, olive oil (optional), and crushed red pepper flakes (optional). If using fresh garlic, finely mince or blend it to distribute flavor evenly throughout the sauce.

Second Step: Combine tomato components

In a medium bowl or food processor, mix the tomato paste and tomato sauce (or blended whole peeled tomatoes) until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency. This no-cook base ensures your sauce isn’t runny, helping to avoid sogginess in your pizza crust.

Third Step: Add seasonings and oil

Add in the oregano, garlic powder or fresh garlic, onion powder, garlic salt or sea salt, black pepper, and sugar or honey if using. Pour in the extra-virgin olive oil to enrich the sauce if desired. Mix or blend thoroughly so the seasoning and oil are evenly incorporated, creating a bold and flavorful sauce.

Fourth Step: Adjust to taste

Taste your sauce and adjust seasonings accordingly. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. If the tomato flavor is too tangy, a little extra sugar or honey helps balance acidity. Ensure the texture and flavor suit your preferences before using the sauce on your pizza dough.

Final Step: Spread and bake

Spread a thick, even layer of the pizza sauce over your stretched pizza dough. Since this is a no-cook sauce, it will bake directly in the oven with the pizza toppings, preserving fresh tomato flavor and keeping the crust crisp. Use the sauce immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Warm chilled sauce slightly before spreading for easier handling.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your pizza sauce

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

• Although pizza sauce itself doesn’t contain protein, you can complement it with various toppings such as vegan cheeses, plant-based meats, or classic ingredients like steak or shrimp stir fry to create a balanced meal.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

• Substitute dried oregano with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for a vibrant variation.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes pureed into the base for a richer flavor.
• Swap sugar for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to cater to specific dietary preferences.
• Add extra garlic or smoked paprika to create a deeper, smoky undertone.

Mastering pizza sauce: Advanced Tips and Variations

How to Store pizza sauce: Best Practices

• Refrigeration: Keep pizza sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This preserves freshness and prevents spoilage.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portioned, freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months, making it easy to thaw exactly what you need.
• Reheating: Warm sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent burning or separation. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
• Meal prep considerations: Batch preparing pizza sauce allows for efficient use. Portion before freezing or refrigerating to speed up future meal prep without losing flavor or quality.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About pizza sauce

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An easy and quick stir-fry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This dish features bold flavors of Thai basil, garlic, and chilies, offering a delightful balance of spice and aroma.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 6 ounces tomato paste

– 15 ounces tomato sauce

– 1 to 2 tablespoons dried oregano

– 2 tablespoons garlic powder

– ½ teaspoon onion powder

– ½ teaspoon garlic salt

– ½ tablespoon ground black pepper

– ¼ teaspoon sugar

– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

– Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1-First Step: Gather and prepare ingredients Start by assembling the tomato paste, tomato sauce (or blended whole peeled tomatoes), dried oregano or Italian seasoning, garlic powder or fresh garlic, onion powder, garlic salt or sea salt, black pepper, sugar or honey, olive oil (optional), and crushed red pepper flakes (optional). If using fresh garlic, finely mince or blend it to distribute flavor evenly throughout the sauce.

2-Second Step: Combine tomato components In a medium bowl or food processor, mix the tomato paste and tomato sauce (or blended whole peeled tomatoes) until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency. This no-cook base ensures your sauce isn’t runny, helping to avoid sogginess in your pizza crust.

3-Third Step: Add seasonings and oil Add in the oregano, garlic powder or fresh garlic, onion powder, garlic salt or sea salt, black pepper, and sugar or honey if using. Pour in the extra-virgin olive oil to enrich the sauce if desired. Mix or blend thoroughly so the seasoning and oil are evenly incorporated, creating a bold and flavorful sauce.

4-Fourth Step: Adjust to taste Taste your sauce and adjust seasonings accordingly. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. If the tomato flavor is too tangy, a little extra sugar or honey helps balance acidity. Ensure the texture and flavor suit your preferences before using the sauce on your pizza dough.

5-Final Step: Spread and bake Spread a thick, even layer of the pizza sauce over your stretched pizza dough. Since this is a no-cook sauce, it will bake directly in the oven with the pizza toppings, preserving fresh tomato flavor and keeping the crust crisp. Use the sauce immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Warm chilled sauce slightly before spreading for easier handling.

Notes

Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference. Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variation.

• Author: Camille Hayes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Thai
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 65mg