If you’re craving a dish that brilliantly fuses the comforting crunch of pizza with the fresh, delicate flavors of sushi, then this Sushi Pizza Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture crispy, golden-fried sushi rice forming a sturdy, flavorful base that’s piled high with silky sashimi, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, all tied together with spicy mayo and a drizzle of unagi sauce. This dish is a sensational crowd-pleaser that delivers vibrant tastes and textures in every bite, perfect for when you want something playful, elegant, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sushi Pizza Recipe calls for a handful of essential ingredients that are simple yet crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each element complements the other, from the tangy sushi rice base to the luxurious toppings that bring freshness and zest.
- Sushi rice (2 cups, cooked and cooled): A sticky, slightly sweet base that holds together beautifully when fried.
- Rice vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds the signature tang that sushi rice is famous for.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the rice mixture.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): For frying the sushi rice into a crispy pizza crust.
- Sashimi-grade salmon or tuna (4 oz, thinly sliced): Provides a fresh, buttery richness on top.
- Avocado (1, sliced): Adds creamy texture and vibrant green color.
- Cucumber (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Offers a refreshing crunch.
- Spicy mayo (2 tbsp): Combines mayo with sriracha for a creamy kick.
- Unagi sauce (2 tbsp, optional): A sweet-savory glaze to deepen the flavor profile.
- Nori sheet (1, cut into thin strips): Brings an authentic seaweed flavor and a striking garnish.
- Sesame seeds (1 tbsp): Toasty bits that add nuttiness and crunch.
- Green onions (2, thinly sliced): A sharp, fresh garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Sushi Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Season the Sushi Rice
Start by mixing the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt into your cooked sushi rice while it’s still warm. This seasoning step is what turns plain rice into that deliciously tangy sushi staple. Once combined, let it cool to room temperature — this makes it easier to form into the perfect pizza base.
Step 2: Form the Rice Bases
Using your hands or a mold, shape the sushi rice into four small, uniformly round discs about 5 to 6 inches wide. Press down firmly so they’ll hold their shape during frying. This stage is like building the foundation of your sushi masterpiece, so don’t be shy with the pressure!
Step 3: Fry the Rice Discs
Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place each rice disc into the hot oil and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy texture. Make sure to drain them on paper towels afterward to remove excess oil. These crispy rice pizzas are the defining feature of the Sushi Pizza Recipe, offering a wonderful contrast to the silky toppings.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Now for the fun part: layering your pizza! Arrange thin slices of sashimi-grade salmon or tuna on top of each crispy rice disc, then add sliced avocado and cucumber for creaminess and crunch. This combination of fresh toppings not only looks stunning but delivers an exciting mix of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Drizzle Sauces and Garnish
Drizzle spicy mayo generously over the top to give your sushi pizza a creamy heat, and if you’re using it, add a little unagi sauce for that sweet, smoky depth. Finally, sprinkle with thin strips of nori, sesame seeds, and green onions to add color, crunch, and a hit of umami that perfectly finishes this dish.
How to Serve Sushi Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, keep it fresh and simple: extra green onions, a pinch of sesame seeds, and delicate nori strips enhance both the look and the taste. Adding a small dollop of pickled ginger or a side of wasabi can balance the richness with a little zing, making every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
Sushi pizza pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. A simple seaweed salad or a refreshing cucumber and wakame salad can complement the flavors without overwhelming the dish. If you want to keep things casual, a bowl of miso soup also makes a comforting, warm accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dazzling presentation, try serving each sushi pizza on a wooden platter topped with edible flowers or microgreens. You can also cut the pizzas into quarters to create bite-sized pieces, perfect for parties or tapas-style dining. Serving with small dipping bowls of soy sauce encourages your guests to customize the flavor intensity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover sushi pizza (though it’s so good it might not last), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Because the rice crust is fried, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but refrigeration helps keep the toppings safe to eat.
Freezing
Freezing is generally not recommended for the sushi rice base due to changes in texture; the crispy crust will become soggy upon thawing. It’s best to make this sushi pizza fresh to maintain the perfect crispy crust and vibrant toppings.
Reheating
To resurrect that crispy rice base, reheat leftovers in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes on each side, which helps restore some crunch. Avoid microwave reheating as it tends to make the rice soggy. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish in the Sushi Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! While sashimi-grade salmon or tuna are classic choices, you can experiment with yellowtail, shrimp, or even cooked eel depending on your preference and availability.
Is it necessary to fry the rice base?
Frying the rice is what gives the sushi pizza its signature crispy texture, but if you want a lighter option, you can serve the rice discs as they are, though they won’t have that golden crunch.
How spicy is the spicy mayo in this recipe?
The spicy mayo has a gentle heat that complements rather than overwhelms the dish. You can adjust the sriracha amount to make it milder or hotter to suit your taste buds.
Can I make the sushi pizza vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the sashimi for marinated tofu or thinly sliced grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian twist on the Sushi Pizza Recipe.
What’s the best way to cook the sushi rice?
Use short-grain sushi rice cooked according to package instructions, ideally with a rice cooker for the best texture. Once cooked, season it promptly with the vinegar mixture to enhance its flavor and stickiness.
Final Thoughts
This Sushi Pizza Recipe is such a fun and inventive dish that’s guaranteed to impress whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself to something special. Its fusion of textures and flavors is truly unique, combining the familiar comfort of pizza with the fresh, refined taste of sushi. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Sushi Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-inspired)
Description
Sushi Pizza is a creative fusion dish combining the flavors of traditional sushi with the fun form of a pizza. This recipe features crispy fried sushi rice bases topped with fresh sashimi-grade fish, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and drizzled with spicy mayo and unagi sauce for a flavorful and visually appealing appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice Base
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Toppings
- 4 oz sashimi-grade salmon or tuna, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with sriracha)
- 2 tbsp unagi sauce (optional)
- 1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare sushi rice: In a bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt into the cooked sushi rice evenly and allow it to cool completely to achieve the proper texture and flavor balance.
- Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium heat, preparing it for frying the rice bases.
- Form rice bases: Shape the cooled sushi rice into four small round pizza bases approximately 5-6 inches in diameter, pressing firmly so they hold together well during frying.
- Fry rice bases: Fry each rice base in the heated oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Then, transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Add toppings: Arrange thin slices of sashimi-grade salmon or tuna on top of each crispy rice base, followed by slices of avocado and thinly sliced cucumber.
- Drizzle sauces: Generously drizzle spicy mayo (a mixture of mayonnaise and sriracha) and unagi sauce over the assembled ingredients on the rice bases for added flavor complexity.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the sushi pizzas with thin strips of nori, sesame seeds, and thinly sliced green onions to enhance texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the sushi pizzas fresh and warm for the best texture contrast between the crispy base and soft toppings.
Notes
- Use sashimi-grade fish to ensure freshness and safety when eating raw seafood.
- If you do not have unagi sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or mirin can be a substitute.
- The rice bases must be pressed firmly to prevent them from falling apart during frying.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crispiness of the rice bases.
- Spicy mayo can be adjusted based on heat preference by varying the amount of sriracha.
