Sushi Pizza Recipe
Get ready for a Japanese-Canadian mashup that will wow both sushi lovers and pizza fanatics: Sushi Pizza! This playful fusion dish combines the crispy satisfaction of a golden rice crust with all the colorful, creamy, and tangy toppings you love from sushi rolls. With fresh avocado, savory seafood, vibrant veggies, and a fiery drizzle of spicy mayo, Sushi Pizza is perfect for dinner parties, fun family nights, or when you’re just craving something totally unexpected and delicious. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for anyone who likes their meals bold, beautiful, and hands-on!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about Sushi Pizza is how each ingredient brings its own bit of magic to the party—whether it’s a punch of color, a hit of umami, or that must-have crunch. Gather up these simple essentials to set the stage for a show-stopping, flavor-packed creation.
- Sushi Rice: The heart of our “pizza”—make sure it’s seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for authentic sushi flavor and perfect stickiness!
- Vegetable Oil: Helps crisp up the rice crust, giving each bite a satisfyingly golden, crunchy base.
- Imitation Crab or Cooked Shrimp: Adds protein and classic seafood flavor; feel free to mix and match or use what you have.
- Avocado: Brings buttery richness and a gorgeous pop of green to every slice.
- Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and brightness that lightens up the whole dish.
- Mayonnaise: The base for our creamy, addictive spicy mayo.
- Sriracha: A splash of heat that ramps up the flavor of the mayo—adjust to your spice preference!
- Soy Sauce: For drizzling and dipping, this deepens the umami, salty notes.
- Nori: These crispy seaweed strips offer classic sushi taste and extra texture.
- Sesame Seeds: Just a sprinkle adds a nutty aroma and visual appeal.
- Chopped Green Onions (optional): For a fresh, sharp contrast and final pop of color.
- Nonstick Spray or Oil: Essential for getting that rice crust to release cleanly from your skillet.
How to Make Sushi Pizza
Step 1: Shape and Sear the Rice Crust
Start by pressing your seasoned sushi rice into a flat, round “pizza base” about half an inch thick on a greased nonstick skillet or pan. Make sure to press firmly so the base holds together well! Heat vegetable oil over medium and cook the rice for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until it’s beautifully golden and crisp at the edges. You’re looking for a toasty, sturdy crust that’ll stand up to plenty of toppings—don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Mayo
While the crust is cooling slightly, stir together the mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl until smoothly combined. This spicy mayo is the secret sauce that pulls every bite of Sushi Pizza together, adding creamy heat that’s totally irresistible!
Step 3: Top the Pizza
Spread a thin layer of spicy mayo over your crispy rice base. Now, arrange the chopped seafood, avocado slices, and julienned cucumber evenly across the surface. Creativity is encouraged! Sprinkle over the nori strips and sesame seeds, then drizzle everything with soy sauce and another touch of spicy mayo if you’re feeling bold. Each topping adds a little something unique—flavor, texture, or color—which is what makes this dish shine.
Step 4: Garnish and Slice
Finish your masterpiece with chopped green onions if you like. Use a sharp knife to slice your Sushi Pizza into wedges—just like a regular pizza! Serve immediately so you get the full effect of creamy, crunchy, warm, and cool in every bite.
How to Serve Sushi Pizza
Garnishes
The right garnishes take Sushi Pizza from tasty to absolutely unforgettable. Green onions, extra sesame seeds, or an extra sprinkle of nori give you color and crunch. If you want even more flavor, try a dash of furikake seasoning, tempura flakes, or a squeeze of lime for brightness!
Side Dishes
Pair your Sushi Pizza with light, refreshing sides to balance all those rich toppings. A crisp seaweed salad, a bowl of miso soup, or a simple Japanese slaw with carrot and cabbage work beautifully. If you’re hosting, put out some edamame or pickled ginger, and you’ve got yourself a sushi night spread to remember!
Creative Ways to Present
Unleash your inner chef and make Sushi Pizza the centerpiece of your feast! Serve it on a wooden board for a rustic touch, or cut it into mini heart or triangle shapes for a playful party platter. You can even offer a “pizza bar” so everyone can top their own slice with extras—pickled veggies, mango, or crispy fried onions are all fair game.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Sushi Pizza (lucky you!), store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep best for about a day—though the rice will start to lose its crunch. For maximum freshness, keep the toppings and rice crust separate, assembling just before eating if possible.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for Sushi Pizza because the rice crust and fresh toppings could get soggy or lose their vibrant flavor after thawing. If you must, only freeze the rice crust (uncut and without toppings), double-wrapped in plastic, for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge and refresh in a warm skillet for best results.
Reheating
To revive leftover Sushi Pizza, reheat the rice crust briefly in a skillet over low heat until warmed and crispy again. Toppings like mayo, avocado, or cucumber are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so if possible, add these after reheating the base. Avoid the microwave, which can make the rice chewy.
FAQs
Can I use raw fish like tuna or salmon on my Sushi Pizza?
Absolutely! If you have access to sushi-grade raw fish, go for it—thinly sliced tuna, salmon, or even yellowtail make stunning, authentic toppings. Just be sure to handle them safely and keep everything well-chilled until serving.
What’s the best way to keep the rice crust from falling apart?
Press the rice firmly and evenly when forming your crust, and make sure it’s well-cooked on both sides so it binds together. Also, using rice that is slightly warm and sticky (seasoned rice is naturally sticky) makes a big difference in keeping those slices intact!
Can I make this gluten-free or vegetarian?
Yes! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and double-check that your imitation crab (if using) is gluten-free, or stick to real shrimp or fish. For a vegetarian version, skip the seafood and pile on grilled tofu, extra avocado, mango, edamame, or any of your favorite veggies.
What other sauces go well on Sushi Pizza?
Besides spicy mayo and soy sauce, eel sauce (unagi sauce), wasabi mayo, or even a citrusy ponzu drizzle can be fantastic. A touch of pickled ginger on the side never hurts, either!
Can I bake the rice crust instead of frying it?
You can! Line a baking sheet with parchment, press the rice into your desired shape, and mist with oil. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. The oven method can yield a lighter, less oily base if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something unexpected that still feels cozy and familiar, give Sushi Pizza a try! It’s fun to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to get people talking. Whether you serve it as a show-stopping appetizer or a main dish, Sushi Pizza has a way of bringing smiles (and second helpings) to the table—so don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant favorite at your house, too!
Print
Sushi Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sushi Pizza is a creative fusion dish that combines the flavors of sushi with the concept of a pizza. A crispy rice crust serves as the base for a medley of seafood, vegetables, and spicy mayo, offering a unique twist on traditional sushi rolls.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice:
2 cups cooked sushi rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt
Vegetable Oil:
1 tablespoon
Seafood:
1/2 cup imitation crab or cooked shrimp, chopped
Avocado:
1/2, thinly sliced
Cucumber:
1/2, julienned
Mayonnaise:
2 tablespoons
Sriracha:
1 tablespoon, or to taste
Soy Sauce:
1 tablespoon
Nori:
1 sheet, cut into small strips
Sesame Seeds:
1 teaspoon
Green Onions:
chopped for garnish (optional)
Nonstick Spray:
for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare Rice Crust: Press cooked sushi rice into a flat, round crust on a greased skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Make Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise and sriracha in a bowl.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread spicy mayo on rice crust. Top with seafood, avocado, cucumber, nori, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with soy sauce and more mayo.
- Garnish and Serve: Add green onions, slice into wedges, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customize with sushi-grade fish, pickled ginger, or mango.
- Enhance crunch with fried onions or tempura flakes.
- Best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
