Sushi Pizza Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s get real. Sushi. Pizza. These are two of the most beloved foods in the world. I mean, who doesn’t love sushi? It’s fresh, flavorful, and just fancy enough to feel like a treat. And pizza? Come on. It’s comfort food in its finest form—crispy crust, melty cheese, and a million topping possibilities. Now, what if I told you there’s a way to combine these two? Yep, you heard that right. Say hello to sushi pizza!

If you’ve ever been to a sushi restaurant and tried some crazy fusion dishes, you know there are some pretty wacky but oh-so-tasty combinations out there. Sushi pizza might sound strange at first, but trust me—it’s a game-changer. Crispy rice topped with your favorite sushi ingredients? It’s like the best of both worlds, and once you try it, you’ll never go back.

So, let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering sushi pizza. I promise, it’s way easier than it sounds—and it’ll impress anyone who comes to dinner.

What Is Sushi Pizza?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s take a second to talk about what sushi pizza actually is. In short, it’s a crispy rice base topped with traditional sushi ingredients, like raw fish, avocado, and drizzled with a tangy sauce. It’s kind of like if you took a sushi roll and gave it a pizza makeover. The rice crust is crunchy and golden on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside, while the toppings bring all that sushi goodness we love.

It’s a perfect combination of textures—crispy, creamy, and a little bit of that umami flavor we can’t get enough of.

Ingredients for Sushi Pizza

Here’s what you’ll need to make your sushi pizza:

For the Rice Base:

2 cups sushi rice (This will be the star of the show. Sushi rice has the right texture and stickiness to hold everything together.)
2 cups water
2 tbsp rice vinegar (For that classic sushi flavor)
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil (To fry the rice later and get that golden crunch.)

For the Toppings:

4 oz sushi-grade tuna (If you’re into tuna, this is your go-to. But if you prefer salmon, go ahead and swap it.)
4 oz sushi-grade salmon (For that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.)
1 ripe avocado (Because who doesn’t love that creamy texture?)
2-3 tbsp mayonnaise (I use regular mayo, but you could also use spicy mayo for a little extra kick.)
1 tbsp sriracha sauce (Optional, but trust me—it adds some heat and flavor.)
1-2 tbsp eel sauce (This sweet and savory sauce is the cherry on top.)
Cucumber slices (For crunch and freshness.)
Black sesame seeds (For that little bit of flair and extra flavor.)
Green onions (Because, why not? They add a nice, mild onion-y crunch.)

Equipment:

Frying pan (For cooking the rice base)
Sharp knife (For slicing up your fish, avocado, and cucumbers)
Cutting board (To keep everything organized)

Instructions: How to Make Sushi Pizza

Step 1: Cook the Sushi Rice

First things first: cook that sushi rice! It’s key to getting the perfect crispy rice base.

Rinse the rice: Sushi rice tends to be super sticky, so make sure to rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and gives the rice a nice, fluffy texture.
Cook the rice: Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit, still covered, for about 10 minutes. This will help the rice finish steaming.
Season the rice: In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice. This step adds that signature sushi flavor to your rice, and it’s essential!

Step 2: Form the Rice Base

Now, the fun part. It’s time to form the crispy rice base for your pizza.

Oil up your pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to crisp up the rice but not so hot that it burns.
Shape the rice: Grab a handful of the seasoned sushi rice and shape it into a small, round patty (think of the size of a personal pizza). You want it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Press the rice down firmly so it holds together. If you want a perfect circle, you can use a round mold or even the bottom of a small bowl.
Fry the rice: Carefully place the rice patty in the hot pan. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Flip the rice patty and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes. The goal is to get both sides crispy and golden brown, creating that satisfying crunch.

Once both sides are crispy and golden, transfer the rice base to a plate and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

While the rice is cooling, it’s time to prep the toppings.

Slice the fish: Using a sharp knife, slice the sushi-grade tuna and salmon into thin strips or cubes, depending on your preference. You want the pieces to be small enough to lay beautifully on top of your crispy rice.
Prepare the avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Slice it into thin strips or cubes—whatever you prefer.
Slice the cucumber: Thin cucumber slices are perfect for adding a little crunch and freshness to your sushi pizza. Slice them as thin as you can.

Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Pizza

Alright, now it’s time to put it all together. This is where the magic happens!

Spread the mayo: Take your mayo (or spicy mayo if you want some heat) and spread a thin layer over the crispy rice base. This adds a little richness and helps all the toppings stick.
Layer the fish: Arrange the tuna and salmon slices on top of the rice. You want to make sure every slice gets some fish, so don’t skimp!
Add the avocado and cucumber: Arrange the avocado slices and cucumber on top of the fish. They’ll give the sushi pizza that creamy, crunchy texture we all love.
Drizzle the eel sauce: This sweet, savory sauce is the key to bringing everything together. Drizzle a little over the top of the pizza—don’t go too crazy, just enough to add that punch of flavor.
Top with sesame seeds and green onions: Finally, sprinkle some black sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over your pizza. It’s a small touch, but it really brings everything to life.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your sushi pizza is assembled, it’s time to dig in. Honestly, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy this. You can slice it like a pizza, or just grab a fork and dig right in. The crispy rice, fresh fish, creamy avocado, and tangy sauces all come together in the most amazing way.

Tips for Making Sushi Pizza

Don’t rush the rice: If you want a perfect sushi pizza, give yourself some time to make the rice just right. The sushi rice is the base of this dish, so take care with it. Be sure to season it properly, and make sure the rice is still a little sticky for the best results.
Use fresh fish: Since sushi pizza features raw fish, the freshness of your ingredients is key. Make sure to get sushi-grade fish from a reputable source.
Get creative with toppings: While tuna and salmon are the classics, you can switch things up! Try adding shrimp, crab meat, or even veggies like radishes or pickled ginger. It’s your sushi pizza, so go wild!
Make it spicy: If you love a little heat, don’t skip the spicy mayo. Just mix a little sriracha with your mayo, and you’ll have the perfect spicy drizzle.
Make ahead: The rice base can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge after it’s cooked and crisp it up when you’re ready to assemble. It makes the process a lot faster if you’re hosting a crowd!

FAQs

What is the base of sushi pizza?

The base of sushi pizza is typically made from crispy fried rice, often seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it that signature sushi flavor. It’s pressed into a patty and fried until golden and crunchy.

What is in a sushi pizza roll?

A sushi pizza roll isn’t the traditional roll you might think of. Instead, it’s a fusion dish where crispy rice is topped with raw fish (like tuna and salmon), avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, eel sauce, and sometimes a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.

What does raw sushi taste like?

Raw sushi, like sashimi or nigiri, has a delicate and fresh taste. The fish is often buttery and smooth, with a mild ocean flavor. The texture can vary depending on the type of fish—some are firm, while others melt in your mouth. The rice adds a slight tanginess and sweetness from the vinegar, balancing the flavors.

How many calories are in sushi pizza?

The calorie count for sushi pizza can vary depending on the ingredients and portion size, but a typical sushi pizza may range from 500 to 800 calories per serving. The main contributors to the calorie count are the rice, fish, avocado, and sauces used.

Which has less calories, pizza or sushi?

Generally, sushi tends to have fewer calories than traditional pizza. Sushi is often made with lean fish, rice, and veggies, which are typically lower in calories compared to pizza’s cheese, dough, and processed toppings. However, the calorie count can vary widely depending on the type of sushi or pizza you’re having.

How many calories in a Hawaiian pizza roll?

A Hawaiian pizza roll, which typically contains ingredients like ham, pineapple, and cheese wrapped in sushi rice and seaweed, may have around 300-400 calories per roll, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Final Thoughts: Why Sushi Pizza is Your New Favorite Dish

And that’s it! Your sushi pizza is ready to be devoured. Honestly, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s fresh, fun, and so different from your typical pizza night (or sushi night, for that matter). Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a sushi party, or just to treat yourself, sushi pizza is always a hit.

Once you try it, you’ll be hooked, and who knows—you might even be the one to start a new food trend in your group of friends. So go ahead, whip up this sushi pizza, and enjoy every crunchy, creamy, savory bite. Bon appétit!

If you’re a fan of unique and flavorful recipes, you might want to check out a few of my other favorites. For something a little out of the ordinary, try making Pickle Pie Pizza, a fun twist on the classic pizza. Or, if you’re celebrating Passover, you’ll love the hearty and delicious Passover Potato Pie. For a side dish that packs a punch, Smothered Potatoes are a must-try, adding flavor to any meal. And for a comforting, filling casserole, don’t miss out on the Cattle Drive Casserole—perfect for feeding a crowd!