Spicy Gochujang Pizza: A Spicy Korean Twist

Creating delicious gochujang pizza starts with understanding the key ingredients.

You'll need good quality gochujang and the right pizza dough to make this Korean-inspired dish shine.

What Is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented red chili paste that adds a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors to your pizza.

This thick, sticky paste is made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It has a complex flavor profile that's simultaneously spicy, sweet, and umami-rich.

When using gochujang on pizza, you'll want to mix it with other ingredients to create a sauce.

Try combining it with:

• Tomato paste
• Brown sugar
• Rice wine vinegar
• A touch of mayonnaise (for a creamier sauce)

Start with a small amount if you're new to gochujang—about 2-3 tablespoons for a 14-inch pizza.

Choosing the Right Cheese for Gochujang Pizza

Mozzarella is your best friend for gochujang pizza. Its mild flavor won't compete with the bold sauce, and it melts into that stretchy goodness everyone loves.

Consider using low-moisture mozzarella rather than fresh. It releases less water during baking, keeping your crust crisp instead of soggy.

Want more flavor depth? Mix in a bit of another cheese like mild cheddar or provolone. Just don't overpower the star of the show.

Sprinkle cheese evenly across your pizza, making sure to cover any chicken or meat chunks. This helps keep proteins moist during baking.

Don't pile on too much cheese - balance is key! You want enough to get that delicious melt but not so much that it drowns out other flavors.

Prepping the Gochujang Sauce

Start with 2 tablespoons of gochujang paste as your flavor base.

Mix in about 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste or purée. This creates a sauce with depth while taming the intense heat of straight gochujang.

Add complexity with supporting ingredients: a splash of rice wine vinegar for tang, a teaspoon of sesame oil for nuttiness, and minced garlic and ginger for aromatics.

Some recipes suggest adding a bit of hoisin sauce or mirin for sweetness to balance the heat. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preference.

Blend everything together until smooth. The sauce should be thick enough to spread easily but not so runny that it makes your crust soggy.

Spread a thin, even layer across your dough, leaving that small border for the crust. Don't overdo it - the sauce is potent!

Topping Selection and Preparation

Selecting the right toppings for your gochujang pizza creates a perfect balance of Korean and traditional pizza flavors. The key is combining spicy, sweet, and savory elements that complement rather than overwhelm the gochujang base.

Korean Flavors on Pizza

For meat options, pulled pork or pork carnitas cooked with gochujang creates an amazing flavor profile.

Chicken is another excellent protein choice - try marinating it in a mixture of gochujang, garlic powder, ground ginger, sesame oil, and honey.

Kimchi adds wonderful tangy crunch to your pizza. Chop it finely and distribute it evenly for best results.

You can also create a kimchi dipping sauce by mixing chopped kimchi with mayonnaise for serving alongside.

Red onions provide a sharp contrast to the sweet-spicy flavors. Slice them thin so they cook properly in the hot oven.

Balancing Toppings and Taste

Don't overload your pizza with too many toppings. You want to taste the gochujang sauce, not bury it under too many ingredients.

A sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving adds authentic Korean flair and a pleasant nutty crunch. Fresh cilantro leaves scattered after baking bring a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich flavors.

Consider adding quartered cherry tomatoes for juicy freshness and acidity that balances the spicy gochujang. For extra heat, thinly sliced jalapeños work well.

Serving and Enjoyment

Fresh garnishes can take your pizza to the next level!

Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top for a bright, herbaceous contrast to the spicy gochujang pizza sauce. A light drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and authentic Korean touch.

For extra flavor and visual appeal, try adding:

• Thinly sliced green onions
• A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
• Kimchi bits
• A zigzag of mayo for cooling creaminess

Pairing with Sides and Drinks

Your gochujang pizza pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors without overwhelming them.

Try a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to refresh your palate between bites.

For drinks, cold beverages work best to balance the pizza's spiciness.

 If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try:

• Cold barley tea (boricha)
• Lemonade with mint
• Sparkling water with cucumber

For a complete Korean-inspired meal, serve small banchan (side dishes) like pickled vegetables or a simple kimchi slaw alongside your pizza slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Where can I find a pizzeria that offers gochujang pizza?

Most Korean-fusion restaurants in major cities often feature gochujang pizza on their menus. Check local food blogs and review sites for specific recommendations in your area.

Many trendy pizza places are now incorporating global flavors, so call ahead to specialty pizzerias to ask if they offer Korean-inspired options.

You might also find gochujang pizza at food festivals or pop-up events focused on fusion cuisine.

How do I incorporate gochujang into my pizza dough?

To add gochujang directly to your pizza dough, mix 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang paste with the water before adding it to your dry ingredients.

This creates a subtle heat throughout the crust. Make sure to dissolve the paste completely in warm water.

The dough will take on a slight reddish tint but won't be overly spicy. This technique works best with basic pizza dough recipes that use flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil.

What are some tasty vegetarian toppings that pair well with gochujang on pizza?

Kimchi is a perfect vegetarian topping that complements gochujang's flavor. Other great choices include sliced mushrooms, thinly sliced sweet potatoes, and roasted corn kernels.

Add caramelized onions or fresh scallions for additional sweetness and bite.

Tofu can be marinated, baked until firm, and added as a protein-rich topping. Bell peppers, zucchini, and bean sprouts also work well, adding freshness and crunch to balance the rich flavors of the gochujang sauce.

Can you suggest a method for preparing gochujang pizza sauce?

For a balanced gochujang pizza sauce, combine 3 tablespoons gochujang paste with 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic.

Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes.

This cooking process helps meld the flavors and reduces any harsh edges. Let the sauce cool before spreading on your pizza dough.

You can adjust the sweetness or heat to your preference by changing the honey or gochujang amounts.

What unique toppings would complement the flavor of gochujang on a pizza?

Korean bulgogi (marinated beef) makes an excellent topping for gochujang pizza. The sweet-savory meat balances the spicy sauce perfectly.

Seafood options like shrimp or squid pair surprisingly well with gochujang's heat. For an authentic Korean twist, try adding a sprinkle of seaweed flakes or furikake seasoning.

After baking, consider finishing your pizza with fresh ingredients like thinly sliced radishes, a drizzle of honey, or even a sunny-side-up egg placed in the center.