Hubei-style Pizza Cake

Ingredients

In this Hubei-style adaptation, the traditional pizza crust is replaced with a combination of wheat flour and glutinous rice flour, giving it a distinct texture. The toppings are also modified to include marinated pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and dried shrimp, which are commonly used in Hubei cuisine. These changes infuse the dish with the flavors and ingredients typical of Hubei, creating a unique fusion of American and Chinese culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Cake, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) wheat flour 2 cups (250g) wheat flour
• 1 cup (120g) glutinous rice flour 1 cup (120g) glutinous rice flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 200g marinated pork belly, thinly sliced 200g marinated pork belly, thinly sliced
• 100g pickled mustard greens, chopped 100g pickled mustard greens, chopped
• 50g dried shrimp, soaked and drained 50g dried shrimp, soaked and drained
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup (30g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup (30g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, glutinous rice flour, and salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture while stirring.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, mix the marinated pork belly with vegetable oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, five-spice powder, and chili flakes (if using). Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a round shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. 7.
   Place one dough round on a greased baking sheet. Spread the pickled mustard greens, marinated pork belly, and dried shrimp evenly over the dough.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
9. 9.
   Cover the filling with the second dough round and seal the edges by pressing them together.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Marinated pork belly — Make sure to thinly slice the pork belly for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Glutinous rice flour — The addition of glutinous rice flour gives the crust a slightly chewy texture. If you can't find it, you can substitute with regular wheat flour.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add more chili flakes to the pork belly marinade.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or Chinese sausages.
• Serve the Hubei-style Pizza Cake with a side of chili oil for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the bottom dough round for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Hubei-style Pizza Cake warm as a main dish. Cut it into slices and enjoy it with friends and family.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Hubei-style Pizza Cake with fresh cilantro leaves or thinly sliced green onions before serving.