Spicy Korean Pizza with Drizzled Scallion Oil
A fiery fusion pizza with gochujang sauce and scallion oil, bringing Korean inspiration to a classic comfort food favorite.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Korea in an unexpected form: pizza. This recipe unites spicy gochujang sauce, succulent chicken, melty mozzarella, and an aromatic scallion oil drizzle atop a chewy, crisp no-knead pizza dough. Each bite bursts with boldness, balancing savory heat and fragrant toppings, delivering a truly memorable fusion dish.
Why Fusion Pizza?
Pizza is a canvas for creativity. By borrowing staple Korean ingredients such as gochujang—a fermented red pepper paste valued for its heat and depth—and pairing it with the universal comfort of homemade pizza, this dish celebrates culinary crossovers. The result is a meal that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
Ingredients
For the No-Knead Pizza Dough
- 2/3 cup lukewarm water
- 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup scallions (green onions), chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for scallion oil)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
Note: This recipe serves 3-4 people, depending on appetites. All quantities can be doubled for parties or larger gatherings.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Make the No-Knead Dough
- In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water and active dry yeast. Let stand for 5–10 minutes, until foamy, to activate the yeast.
- Add flour, sugar, and salt. Stir using a spoon until a shaggy, moist dough forms.
- Using your hands, bring the dough together into a ball. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 3 hours.
This no-knead technique keeps prep easy, allowing gluten to form naturally over time, yielding a chewy yet crisp base.
2. Shape & Rest the Dough
- Generously flour a plate or work surface. Turn the dough out and form it gently into a ball.
- Re-cover and let it rest for 30 more minutes. This second rise ensures lightness and structure.
3. Prepare the Pizza Sauce & Chicken
- While the dough rises, make the sauce. Mix gochujang, hoisin sauce, mirin, and sesame oil together in a medium bowl until smooth.
- If you want a milder heat, add extra hoisin sauce as needed.
- Add the chopped, cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat all pieces thoroughly.
The combination of gochujang and hoisin creates a spicy, slightly sweet, and umami-rich sauce with hints of smokiness and depth.
4. Preheat & Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Oil a large sheet pan liberally to prevent sticking and promote a crispy underside.
5. Shape the Crust & Assemble the Pizza
- Carefully stretch the rested dough on the sheet pan, using your fingers to press it into an even layer nearly reaching the edges. Create a slight rim for the crust.
- Spread the prepared sauce and chicken mixture over the crust, leaving about 1/2 inch uncovered at the edges.
- Distribute the sliced red onions over spots that show sauce for extra color and bite.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously, aiming to cover all chicken pieces to keep them moist and flavorful.
6. Bake the Pizza
- Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the dough is cooked but not overly browned.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the pizza, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust edges are golden brown.
- Monitor the pizza closely to avoid burning.
7. Make the Scallion Oil
- During the last 5 minutes of baking (or just before serving), combine chopped scallions with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the oil smells fragrant and takes on a green tint. The heat releases the essential flavors of the scallions into the oil.
8. Finish & Serve
- Dot the hot pizza with spoonfuls of scallion oil and leafy green scallions.
- Drizzle any remaining oil over the surface for maximum aroma.
- Slice, serve hot, and enjoy the spicy, savory, and fresh flavors with every bite.
Tips, Variations, and Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein Choices: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Tofu or thin-sliced beef work as vegetarian or alternative options.
- Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully. Experiment with blends—mild provolone or fontina can add depth. Avoid strong cheeses that compete with gochujang.
- Vegan-Friendly: Replace chicken with seasoned tofu or seitan. Opt for vegan mozzarella for a fully plant-based version.
- Extra Vegetables: Add thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or kimchi for more texture and flavor complexity.
- Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer less spice, increase the hoisin or add a bit of honey. For more heat, include a teaspoon of Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru).
- Make Ahead: Both dough and sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, making assembly faster on pizza night.
What Makes Gochujang Special?
Gochujang is a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, renowned for its unique heat and sweet-savory undertones from fermented soybeans and glutinous rice. It gives dishes an unmistakable depth, transforming this pizza from a simple meal to an exciting flavor adventure. Commonly used in bibimbap and stews, it’s gaining popularity worldwide as a versatile condiment.
All About Scallion Oil
Simple yet transformative, scallion oil (green onion oil) is a staple garnish in many East Asian dishes, especially Vietnamese and Korean cooking. Heating scallions in oil draws out their sweet, oniony aroma, making it an ideal finishing touch for pizza, noodles, grilled meats, and even salads. The process requires only two ingredients—oil and chopped scallions—yet brings a gourmet flourish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the pizza with a crisp lager or soju cocktail to cut through the spicy and savory notes.
- For sides, offer a light cucumber salad with rice vinegar or a simple Asian slaw to refresh the palate.
- Serve with kimchi or pickled radish for a true Korean touch.
Storage & Reheating
- Wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and the bottom crisps up again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust chewy.
Nutritional Information (Estimate per Serving)
| Calories | 420 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
Actual values will vary based on toppings and serving size.
Korean Flavors on Pizza: Why It Works
Globalized palates crave novelty, and pizza translates easily into Korean flavor territory. Clusters of Korean takeout pizza shops often top their pies with corn, kimchi, and sweet-savory drizzles. In this recipe, strong umami from gochujang and hoisin is mellowed by cheese, while sesame and scallion oil echo classic Korean side dishes (banchan).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the pizza very spicy?
The heat level depends on your gochujang and balance of hoisin. For milder pizza, increase the hoisin or add a dollop of honey. You can also use less gochujang or top with sour cream to mellow the spice.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! While the no-knead dough is simple and tasty, any high-quality store-bought dough will work well and shorten prep time.
What can I substitute for mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, use a mixture of dry sherry and a pinch of sugar, or even a splash of apple juice for sweetness.
Can I grill this pizza?
Absolutely! Stretch the dough onto a grill-safe pan or stone, and grill over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on the bottom crust to avoid scorching.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Crisp up leftovers in a hot oven or skillet rather than microwaving, which preserves the crust’s texture and the freshness of the scallion oil.
Closing Thoughts
Embracing global flavors in familiar dishes not only expands the palate but also celebrates culinary creativity. This spicy Korean pizza with drizzled scallion oil exemplifies how accessible, balanced, and exciting such fusions can be. Whether you’re crafting it for a cozy night in or as the standout dish at a gathering, it’s sure to earn rave reviews—and maybe even start a new pizza night tradition.
