Hello, fellow flavor enthusiasts! Sun-Hee Chang here, ready to take you on a culinary adventure with my Spicy Kimchi Pizza recipe. Trust me, this fusion of Korean and Italian flavors is going to blow your taste buds away! Imagine the zing of tangy kimchi, the heat of gochujang sauce, and the gooey perfection of melted mozzarella cheese all coming together on a crispy yet chewy pizza crust. This recipe is the epitome of flavor fireworks that will leave you craving for more.
Sun-Hee Chang is a passionate food enthusiast from a small town nestled in the hills of South Korea. Growing up in a family of talented home cooks, she developed a deep appreciation for the rich and diverse flavors of Korean cuisine. With a background in graphic design and a love for photography, Sun-Hee enjoys capturing the artistry of food through her lens. She is currently residing in a bustling city, where she continues to explore global culinary traditions and experiment with fusion recipes.
Sun-Hee Chang currently resides in the United States and grew up in South Korea.
Hailing from the picturesque mountains of South Korea, I’ve always had a deep connection to my country’s vibrant and bold cuisine. Growing up, kimchi was a staple in our household, a symbol of tradition and love. It’s incredible how a humble fermented cabbage can transform into a tangy, spicy delight bursting with umami. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it combines the flavors of my heritage with my love for exploring global culinary traditions.
Now, let’s dig into the origins of this Spicy Kimchi Pizza. Despite being an Italian favorite, this recipe has a unique twist that comes from the fusion of cultures. In South Korea, pizza has become immensely popular over the years, with local adaptations and creative toppings. It’s fascinating how Koreans have taken classic pizzas and infused them with their own flavors, resulting in mouthwatering combinations like bulgogi pizza and yes, you guessed it, kimchi pizza! This fusion creation is a testament to the culinary creativity and adaptability that brings people together across borders.
What you need
Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure with my Spicy Kimchi Pizza recipe! This delightful creation combines the fiery goodness of kimchi with the classic comfort of Italian pizza. Picture this: a crispy and chewy crust topped with a tantalizing layer of gochujang sauce. Next comes the star of the show – tangy kimchi, with its spicy kick, paired harmoniously with sliced red onions for that perfect crunch. And let’s not forget about the heavenly blanket of melted mozzarella cheese that ties everything together. Baked to golden perfection, this pizza emerges from the oven with cheesy strings of goodness. I garnish it with fresh cilantro, drizzle sesame oil for a nutty punch, sprinkle black sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes for that extra zing. It’s a heavenly marriage of Korean and Italian cuisine that will transport your taste buds to new heights. So, preheat that oven, follow the simple steps, and get ready to savor a unique and mouthwatering experience with my Spicy Kimchi Pizza. Let the flavor fusion begin!
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough – The foundation of the pizza, the dough provides a chewy and crispy base for the toppings. You can use store-bought dough or make your own. If you prefer, you can also use a gluten-free pizza dough.
- Kimchi – The star ingredient of the recipe, kimchi adds a spicy, tangy, and umami flavor to the pizza. It is a traditional Korean fermented side dish made from cabbage, radishes, and spices. If you don’t have kimchi, you can substitute it with sauerkraut.
- Mozzarella cheese – The classic cheese choice for pizza, mozzarella adds a creamy and melty texture to the dish. You can use either shredded or fresh mozzarella. If you prefer a vegan version, you can use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Gochujang sauce – A Korean chili paste, gochujang sauce adds a spicy and slightly sweet flavor to the pizza. It is a key ingredient in Korean cuisine and can be found in most supermarkets. If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with a mixture of Sriracha and soy sauce.
- Red onion – Sliced red onion adds a crunchy texture and a mild onion flavor to the pizza. It complements the tanginess of the kimchi. If you don’t have red onion, you can substitute it with white or yellow onion.
- Fresh cilantro – Chopped fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness and a hint of citrus to the pizza. It enhances the overall flavor and adds a vibrant touch. If you don’t like cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with fresh basil.
- Sesame oil – Sesame oil is used to drizzle over the pizza for an extra layer of nutty flavor. It complements the other Asian flavors in the dish. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil as a substitute.
- Cornmeal – Cornmeal is used to dust the pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking and to add a subtle crunch to the crust. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.
- Salt – Salt enhances the overall taste of the pizza and helps to balance the flavors. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Black sesame seeds – Black sesame seeds are sprinkled over the pizza for a finishing touch and to add a subtle nutty flavor. If you don’t have black sesame seeds, you can use white sesame seeds or omit them.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Crushed red pepper flakes add an additional kick of heat to the pizza. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Utensils:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza peel or large spatula – Optional. If you don’t have a pizza peel, you can use a large spatula or the back of a baking sheet to transfer the pizza to and from the oven.
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Oven
Kimchi: A Fiery Flavor Bomb
Kimchi has been a staple in Korean cuisine for centuries, and it adds a unique twist to this Spicy Kimchi Pizza. Bursting with flavor, kimchi is made through a fermentation process that develops its distinct tangy and spicy taste. Packed with probiotics, vitamins, and antioxidants, kimchi is not only delicious but also has numerous health benefits. It aids digestion, boosts the immune system, and promotes gut health. Despite its exceptional flavor and health benefits, some people may shy away from kimchi due to its strong aroma or spicy kick. However, when combined with the cheesy goodness of pizza, kimchi adds a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Gochujang Sauce: A Spicy Korean Elixir
Gochujang sauce is a secret ingredient that takes this Spicy Kimchi Pizza to a whole new level. It is a thick and savory Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, red chili peppers, glutinous rice, and salt. What sets gochujang apart is its complex flavor profile that combines spiciness, sweetness, and umami. Not only does it add a fiery kick to the pizza, but gochujang also adds a depth of flavor that is both addictive and satisfying. It’s worth noting that gochujang is not just about heat. It adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of smokiness to the dish. While gochujang may not be as widely known as other hot sauces, its popularity is steadily rising as more people discover its versatile and mouthwatering qualities. Trust me, once you try this Spicy Kimchi Pizza, gochujang sauce will become a staple in your pantry.
What to serve it with?
One of my favorite accompaniments to serve with this Spicy Kimchi Pizza is a refreshing cucumber and mint salad. The cool crunch of cucumbers pairs perfectly with the fiery kick of the pizza, providing a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. As a Korean, I have always cherished the tradition of banchan, which are small side dishes served with meals. This cucumber and mint salad is reminiscent of the banchan I grew up enjoying, adding a fresh and soothing element to the vibrant and spicy pizza. It’s an ode to the beautiful balance of flavors that Korean cuisine is known for, and it completes the whole dining experience with a burst of brightness.
Summary
And there you have it, my fellow food adventurers! The Spicy Kimchi Pizza, a delightful fusion of Korean and Italian flavors that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this unique and mouthwatering creation that combines the fiery goodness of kimchi with the comforting familiarity of pizza.
Now, it’s your turn to dive into the kitchen and give this recipe a whirl! I can’t wait to hear about your experiences and see your own creative twists on this fusion dish. Did you add any extra toppings to personalize it? Or maybe you have a favorite side dish that you think would go perfectly with this pizza? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.
Remember, cooking is not just about following recipes; it’s about sharing stories, exploring new flavors, and connecting with others through food. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the flavor fusion begin. Don’t forget to regale me with your delicious tales in the comments!
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
-Sun-Hee Chang
Here’s the recipe:
Spicy Kimchi Pizza: A Fusion of Korean and Italian Flavors
Equipment
- pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza peel or large spatula
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or Fork
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound Pizza dough
- 1 cup Kimchi
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang sauce
- 1/2 Red onion
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons Cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Black sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven - Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet on the middle rack. This will ensure the pizza gets crispy and perfectly cooked.
- Prepare the pizza dough - If using store-bought pizza dough, follow the package instructions to bring it to room temperature. If making your own dough, roll it out into a 12-inch (30 cm) round shape on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Spread the gochujang sauce - Spread a thin layer of gochujang sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Adjust the amount of sauce according to your spice preference.
- Layer the kimchi and red onion - Evenly distribute the kimchi and sliced red onion over the sauce. The combination of the spicy and tangy kimchi with the mild crunch of red onion adds a burst of flavors to the pizza.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese - Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings, ensuring it covers the entire pizza. The melted cheese will create a deliciously gooey and stringy texture.
- Bake the pizza - Carefully transfer the pizza from the pizza peel or baking sheet to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve - Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a drizzle of sesame oil. Sprinkle black sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve hot. Enjoy the perfect fusion of Korean and Italian flavors!
