If you’re searching for a show-stopping dish that mashes together the best of your favorite sushi bar with the fun spirit of pizza night, Sushi Pizza has to be at the top of your list. Imagine a crispy, golden rice “crust” piled high with creamy avocado, crab, crunchy cucumbers, a spicy drizzle, and all those playful toppings you crave—every bite is an adventure in texture and flavor. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party or making it the star of your next dinner, Sushi Pizza is sure to impress both sushi fans and newbies alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sushi Pizza is how a handful of simple pantry and fridge staples transform into something truly special. Each ingredient is chosen for its role in creating just the right bite—fresh, crunchy, creamy, savory, and a little bit spicy!
- Sushi Rice: The foundation—this sticky, short-grain rice holds everything together and crisps up beautifully for the base.
- Water: Essential for cooking the sushi rice to fluffy, tender perfection.
- Rice Vinegar: Gives the rice its subtle tangy-sweet flavor—the signature touch of great sushi.
- Sugar: Balances out the vinegar for that perfect seasoned rice.
- Salt: Just a pinch for bringing all the flavors to life.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying up an irresistibly crispy rice crust.
- Soy Sauce: Deepens the umami flavor of the “pizza.”
- Cream Cheese: Makes every bite extra luscious—like a sushi roll meets New York!
- Avocado: Buttery, cool slices for those classic sushi vibes.
- Imitation Crab or Cooked Shrimp: Creates that seafood-forward flavor and the perfect “poke” texture.
- Cucumber: Adds freshness and crunch for contrast.
- Mayonnaise: The base for a spicy mayo drizzle—yes, please!
- Sriracha: Brings heat and tang, making the whole pizza pop.
- Sesame Seeds: For that little burst of nuttiness and extra crunch.
- Nori Sheets: Salty, earthy strips for a boost of authentic sushi flavor.
- Microgreens or Green Onions (Optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to finish with flair.
How to Make Sushi Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
Start by giving your sushi rice a good rinse under cold water—this removes excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy, not gummy. Combine it with water in a pot, bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Let the rice rest, covered, off the heat for 10 minutes to reach the perfect sticky-yet-tender texture we’re after.
Step 2: Season the Rice
While the rice is still warm, dissolve the sugar and salt into the rice vinegar, then gently fold this mixture into the rice. This classic sushi rice seasoning gives your Sushi Pizza its subtle, tangy backbone. Spread the rice out in a large bowl or tray to cool so it’s easy to work with in the next step.
Step 3: Shape and Pan-Fry the Rice Crust
Line a baking sheet with parchment, then wet your hands to prevent sticking and press the seasoned rice into a flat, even-circle about 1/2-inch thick and 8 inches across. Next, heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Carefully slide your rice round into the pan, frying 3–4 minutes per side, until each is golden and crisp—think: crispy rice magic! Transfer to a rack to cool so it won’t steam and go soft.
Step 4: Prep the Toppings
While your rice crust cools, whip the mayonnaise and sriracha together for a spicy drizzle. Slice up your avocado, chop the imitation crab or shrimp, and julienne the cucumber. Arrange everything within easy reach so topping your Sushi Pizza is a breeze.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sushi Pizza
Here’s where the fun comes in! Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese over the cooled rice crust (gently so you don’t break it). Arrange avocado slices, sprinkle on the crab or shrimp, tuck in cucumber, and finish with swirls of your spicy mayo. Sprinkle sesame seeds, strips of nori, and any optional greens on top for that chef’s kiss finish. Slice into wedges and serve immediately, marveling at your creation!
How to Serve Sushi Pizza
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what make your Sushi Pizza really eye-catching. Scatter on a fistful of toasted sesame seeds, arrange nori strips for that classic black-and-white contrast, and if you have them on hand, a few microgreens or sliced green onion for brightness and a little bite. Don’t forget a final drizzle of spicy mayo if extra heat is your style!
Side Dishes
Sushi Pizza can totally hold its own as a meal, but it plays especially well with simple Japanese-inspired sides. Think miso soup, an easy seaweed salad, edamame sprinkled with sea salt, pickled ginger, or even a refreshing cucumber salad—each adds a different texture and taste to complement your main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Serve in classic pizza wedge slices, arrange on a big platter for sharing, or even cut into “sushi squares” for a party-friendly finger food. You can also make individual mini Sushi Pizzas for a fun twist on appetizer night. Top each one with a different combination—try smoked salmon, extra veggies, or a drizzle of eel sauce for a gourmet variety platter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra slices of Sushi Pizza (lucky you!), store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. For best texture, enjoy within 24 hours, as the rice crust will soften a bit but the flavors remain delicious.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze assembled Sushi Pizza, as raw vegetables and seafood don’t always thaw well. However, you can make and freeze the crispy rice crust on its own—simply cool, wrap well, and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost and crisp in a hot pan before topping.
Reheating
For a fresh-from-the-pan experience, reheat plain rice crusts in a nonstick skillet with a touch of oil until warm and crispy again. If topped slices need a boost, gently warm them in the oven at low heat (cover loosely with foil) for a few minutes—just enough to revive but not wilt the toppings.
FAQs
Can I use other seafood for Sushi Pizza?
Absolutely! Smoked salmon, cooked shrimp, or even diced tuna work beautifully. You can swap the seafood for just about anything you’d enjoy in a sushi roll.
What if I don’t have sushi rice?
Short-grain rice is best for stickiness, but in a pinch, you can use other types of rice—just know the crust may not hold together as well or be quite as authentic in texture.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Definitely. Simply skip the seafood and load up on extra veggies like bell pepper, mango, or even marinated tofu for a veggie-forward take on Sushi Pizza.
Is Sushi Pizza gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your imitation crab or other add-ins, it’s easy to keep this dish gluten-free. The rice crust itself contains no gluten!
How do I keep the rice from sticking to my hands?
Wet your hands with water before shaping the rice, and keep a bowl of water nearby to dip them in as needed—this simple trick makes it so much easier to form the perfect base.
Final Thoughts
Sushi Pizza is one of those dishes that’s endlessly fun to make and even more rewarding to eat—each slice brings something a little unexpected to the table. If you’re craving a meal that’s colorful, creative, and shareable, gather your ingredients and give Sushi Pizza a try. You just might find your new favorite fusion recipe!
Print
Sushi Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sushi Pizza is a delightful fusion dish that combines the flavors of sushi with the fun of pizza. A crispy rice crust topped with creamy cheese, fresh seafood, and vibrant veggies, all finished with a spicy mayo drizzle.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 ripe avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 cup imitation crab or cooked shrimp (chopped)
- 1/2 small cucumber (julienned)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori (cut into strips)
- Optional microgreens or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and Cook Rice: Rinse sushi rice, cook with water until tender, then season with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Prepare Crust: Flatten rice into a circle, pan-fry until crispy.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread cream cheese on crust, add avocado, crab/shrimp, cucumber, and spicy mayo.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with sesame seeds, nori, greens, then cut into wedges and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked salmon or tuna for the crab/shrimp.
- For a vegetarian version, omit seafood and use extra veggies like bell pepper or mango.
- A drizzle of eel sauce or soy glaze adds extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
