Making pizza has become a universal experience, enjoyed in kitchens all over the world. While pizza originated in Italy and gained massive popularity in the U.S., Japan has put its own unique spin on this beloved dish, creating what we now call Japanese pizza.
Japanese pizza blends Western and Eastern influences, combining traditional ingredients like cheese and pepperoni with Japanese staples like mochi and mentaiko. Whether you’re dining at a pizza chain in Japan or making your own, the creative toppings used in Japan offer a new way to experience the classic dish. Let’s explore some of the most popular and unique pizza toppings that are worth trying!
Popular Pizza Toppings in Japan
- Tuna Mayo and Potato: If you love the flavor of tuna mayo in onigiri, you’ll adore it as a pizza topping. Paired with potatoes and sometimes corn, this combination is rich, savory, and distinctly Japanese. The addition of tuna mayo brings a creamy texture and flavor, which blends well with the starchiness of potatoes. Corn often adds a sweet burst to every bite, balancing the richness. Of course, it wouldn’t be pizza without a healthy layer of cheese, which ties everything together.
- Mochi, Nori, and Mentaiko: This topping is as Japanese as it gets! Mentaiko is spicy cod roe marinated in chili peppers and other seasonings, giving it a bold and slightly spicy flavor. Thinly sliced mochi (chewy rice cake) is placed on the pizza dough, adding texture, while nori (seaweed) is sprinkled on top for an extra layer of umami flavor. This combination offers a delightful contrast between the softness of the mochi and the crunch of the pizza crust. It’s a unique experience that blends traditional Japanese ingredients with the comfort of pizza.
- Renkon Genovese: A fun twist on the classic pesto pizza! Renkon (lotus root) is sliced and placed atop a layer of Genovese sauce, adding a crunchy texture to the otherwise smooth and creamy flavors of the pizza. The renkon’s mild flavor complements the herbaceous pesto, creating a harmonious blend of Italian and Japanese elements. The crunch of the lotus root offers a unique contrast to the soft cheese and dough.
Don’t Sleep on Rice Pizza!
In Japan, the innovation doesn’t stop at toppings—there’s even rice pizza! Instead of a traditional dough base, rice is used to create the crust. This option is perfect for those who want to combine their love of rice with the experience of eating pizza. The rice crust is typically crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a different texture from regular pizza dough. Rice pizza is a fun and unexpected way to make pizza more representative of Japanese culinary staples, combining the country’s favorite grain with the flavors of a global dish.
Try These Toppings at Home
You don’t have to travel to Japan to enjoy these creative pizza toppings. Host a pizza-making party at home and try these unique pizza toppings with your own homemade pizza dough. You can make delicious pizza dough from scratch with the help of a Zojirushi breadmaker, ensuring it’s fresh and perfectly risen every time. Whether you’re making a classic or experimenting with fun pizza recipes, the quality of your dough is key to a great pizza.
Don’t forget to share your fun pizza recipes with us on Instagram by tagging @ZojirushiAmerica. We love seeing how you incorporate unique pizza toppings into your homemade creations! #Zojirushi #ZoFan
Leave a Reply