Korean-style Pizza Margherita

Ingredients

While the original Pizza Margherita is known for its simplicity and traditional Italian ingredients, this Korean adaptation incorporates the iconic Korean ingredient, kimchi. The addition of kimchi adds a spicy and tangy flavor profile to the pizza, giving it a distinct Korean twist. Additionally, the cooking method and techniques remain true to the Italian original, ensuring a crispy crust and melty cheese. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Margherita, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (100g) kimchi, drained and chopped 1/2 cup (100g) kimchi, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced green onions 1/4 cup (30g) sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 14g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. 4.
   Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. 6.
   Distribute the chopped kimchi evenly over the cheese.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, mix together the sesame oil and gochujang. Drizzle this mixture over the pizza.
8. 8.
   Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh basil leaves.
11. 11.
    Slice and serve the Korean-style Pizza Margherita while it's still warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kimchi — Make sure to drain the kimchi well before chopping it to remove excess liquid. This will prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.
• Gochujang — Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Korean cheese or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, to add more depth of flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
• Serve the pizza with a side of Korean pickled vegetables for an authentic Korean dining experience.
• Leftover pizza can be reheated in a preheated oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Korean-style Pizza Margherita as a main course for lunch or dinner. Cut it into slices and enjoy it while it's still warm and the cheese is gooey. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of pickled vegetables to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of extra gochujang sauce. Arrange fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color. Serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board or a pizza stone to create an inviting and rustic look.