Sichuan-Style Spicy Pizza

Ingredients

While the original New York-style pizza is characterized by its thin, crispy crust and classic toppings, our Sichuan adaptation infuses the pizza with the distinct flavors of Sichuan cuisine. We incorporate Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and a medley of Sichuan spices to create a fiery and numbing experience. Additionally, we replace traditional pizza sauce with a spicy Sichuan sauce to elevate the flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for New York-Style Pizza, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15g) Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 tablespoon (15g) Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) chili oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) chili oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) Sichuan peppercorn powder 1 teaspoon (5g) Sichuan peppercorn powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon (5g) Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (60g) sliced bell peppers 1/2 cup (60g) sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup (60g) sliced red onions 1/2 cup (60g) sliced red onions
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced green onions 1/4 cup (30g) sliced green onions

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water while kneading until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Drizzle vegetable oil over the dough and knead for another 5 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and shiny.
3. 3.
   Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll out the dough into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter.
6. 6.
   Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, mix the crushed Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorn powder, and Chinese five-spice powder to create the Sichuan sauce.
8. 8.
   Spread the Sichuan sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
10. 10.
    Arrange the sliced bell peppers, red onions, black olives, and green onions on top of the cheese.
11. 11.
    Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. 12.
    Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sichuan peppercorns — Toast the peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before crushing them to enhance their aroma.
• Chili oil — Adjust the amount of chili oil according to your spice tolerance. Add more for an extra kick or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra spicy kick, sprinkle additional crushed Sichuan peppercorns on top of the pizza before baking.
• Experiment with different vegetable toppings such as sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts to add more texture and flavor.
• Serve the pizza with a side of Sichuan-style pickled vegetables to complement the spicy flavors.
• If you prefer a thinner crust, divide the dough into two portions and roll them out into two smaller pizzas.
• To make the pizza more authentic, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and drizzle a little soy sauce over the toppings before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Sichuan-Style Spicy Pizza hot and fresh. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or share it as an appetizer during gatherings. Pair it with a cooling cucumber salad or a refreshing glass of iced green tea to balance the heat.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or basil leaves before serving. The vibrant green herbs will add a pop of color and freshness to the pizza.