Today is all about pizza! For this month's Recipe Redux theme, the Reduxers were challenged to share a recipe that's not only fun to make but also healthy and of course...delicious. I had to think long and hard about this one bc let's face it, there are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings and which part of the world you want to go. Mexico? Italy?
This time, I visited my very own country, Korea. And of course, you can't talk about Korean food without mentioning bulgogi and kimchi. While they are often made complete with a side of rice, their versatility causes them to be the center of attention in many fusion dishes. Personally, I think they taste fabulous with cheese and tomato sauce!
I took a little shortcut and used Trader Joe's whole wheat pizza dough, which is one of my freezer staples. However, if you have a favorite pizza crust recipe, now is the time to bring it out. I also used no-salt-added marinara sauce because between the marinated beef, kimchi, and cheese...that's plenty of savory.
I like to prepare a huge batch of bulgogi at one time as it freezes beautifully. Just put the uncooked meat along with the marinade in a zip-lock bag and throw it in the freezer.
There's really no recipe to follow, as is the case with most pizzas. Spread a layer of tomato sauce on top of the dough. Pile on the cheese as much or little as you want and the same goes for the mushrooms, bell peppers, bulgogi and kimchi. You can also add whatever vegetables you'd like.
Maybe it's the Korean in me, but there was something oh so comforting about the flavors in this pie. A little bit of sweet, a little bit of salty, and that unmistakable fermented sour of well-ripened kimchi. The cheese melted into a beautiful pillow, securely holding all of the toppings in place. I found out that later that the Hungryman couldn't get this pizza off his mind while he was at work (he doesn't even complain that all we use is whole wheat pizza dough now).
Whether you're appreciating it from the Korean angle or the Italian angle, the healthy angle or the fun angle, you've just got to give this recipe a try!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat pizza dough homemade or store bought (I used Trader Joe's brand)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Bulgogi
- Kimchi
- Mushrooms sliced thinly
- Green bell pepper sliced thinly
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F or follow the instructions of your dough recipe or of the dough package.
- Flour the work surface and evenly roll out dough to roughly 12-in across. Spread tomato sauce first. Then add mozzarella cheese, the veggies, bulgogi, and finally kimchi. Bake until cheese has melted and crust turns crispy and lightly browned, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Now come and join me as I drool over all the healthy pizzas my fellow Recipe Reduxers came up with ;).
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Kim says
I have a bunch of leftover bulgogi beef from a work lunch, and a Trader Joe's cheese pizza in the freezer...I think you just convinced me of my dinner plans! I don't have any kimchee handy though - I'll have to throw some Sriracha in there for a little tang.
Min says
That sounds like a fabulous idea! I bet sriracha worked beautifully with bulgogi! ;). Thank you also for sharing the photo on Twitter, Kim! It's lovely to connect with you, and I look forward to following you.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
This is SO cool. I've tried thai style pizza before, but I love Korean version! I thin my kids who love Asian food more will definitely pick this bulgogi kimchi pizza than peperoni. 🙂
Shannon | JustAsDelish says
Me love this Korean flavours in the pizza! A new network channel have been showing a lot of Korean food shows lately, I get so hungry watching them.
Rachel @ The Conscious Dietitian says
Wowzers! Kimchi Pizza! I like it 🙂
Diane Balch says
Now this is an original pizza. My son is fasinated by Korea he is going to love this. Thanks for bringing it to foodie friday…good to see you back.
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
Ok, just want pizza... right now! Love the twist that pulled on this and the korean flavors! YUM! 🙂 Great recipe Min, pinned this one for sure!
Kevin @ Closet Cooking says
Nice pizza!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Beef, kimchi and mushrooms sounds divine!
Serena says
OK, you finally put you over the edge...I HAVE to order kimchi (or find a good fast way to make it NOW.) I keep saying I'm going to try to make it, but this pizza recipe looks so amazing with all the flavors going on I just have to have it! (There are disadvantages to living in the country...and no kimchi within a very large radius is one of them!)
Valentina @ The Baking Fairy says
Totally drooling! This pizza looks fantastic. I have practically zero experience when it comes to Korean food, but I could make pizza in my sleep... this seems like the perfect baby step to get me in the right direction. Thanks for sharing!
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
This pizza looks SO good, Min! I love that you incorporated traditional Korean cuisine into this pizza. Pinned!
Melissa Loh says
What an amazing crazy combination of flavours! I was wondering what type of cheese you used, then realised you had the mozzarella cheese listed in your method, but not in your ingredients
Min says
I apologize, Melissa! I mentioned it in the directions and forgot to include it in the ingredients list. It's been fixed! Thank you for bringing it to my attention. Hope you like the pizza ;).
Regan @ The Healthy Aperture Blog says
What a great idea, Min. And as always, beautiful pics 🙂
Min says
Thanks, Regan! And as for the photos, I have you to thank! The webinar you hosted a while back was super helpful! 😉
EA-The Spicy RD says
What a fun idea Min, and I imagine so delicious! Love the sweet, salty, sour combo you've got going on. Kind of like a B-B-Q Chicken pizza , but with a Korean twist 🙂
Min says
Exactly! My husband thought it tasted like a pizza steak with peperoncini 😉
Deborah Davis says
I constantly crave pizza most of the time but I try not to have it too often for obvious reasons. When I discovered a vegan pizza parlor in my city I was elated. They offered lighter, healthier, vegetable-laden pizzas with whole grain crusts and fresh, whole food ingredients. So I am delighted to read your post on Kimchi Whole Wheat Pizza. The variations on the theme above are absolutely mouthwatering. I can see infinite possibilities for whole wheat pizza ahead in my kitchen.
Min says
That vegan pizza parlor sounds fabulous! I want to go there! It's super fun to make pizza at home as there are endless possibilities. Just look at all the amazing flavor combos the Recipe Reduxers came up with! Drool...
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
This looks so amazing! All about pizza is all good in my view 🙂 I love your Korean twist on it.
Nettie Moore says
I have always been a huge fan of Kimchi, your pizza looks fantastic!Thank you for linking up at Simple Supper Tuesday! Nettie
Dana says
Everything in this sounds incredible, especially the kimchi! I'm also a fan of TJ pizza dough -- will have to try this preparation next time for a delish and unique take on pizza!
Kat @ Eating The Week says
Fantastic fusion recipe. I have a friend who does kimchi stuffing in the Thanksgiving turkey - endless uses for it!
Min says
Kimchi stuffing? Ooh that sounds amazing! I wish I could get my hands on that recipe haha. You're absolutely right…endless possibilities!
Natalie Tamara says
Well of all the ways I have eaten kimchi... I'm pretty sure I've never had it on a pizza. Can definitely see this working though - maybe one to do next time there's kimchi in the house 🙂
Danielle Omar - Food Confidence RD says
Another one my husband would LOVE! This looks amazing and I don't even eat meat. Might have to try it on my cauliflower crust? LOL
Min says
Sounds like a brilliant idea ;). I can't wait to try your cauliflower crust recipe! I will let you know how it turns out!
Amari @ Eat Chic Chicago says
I have had a jar of kimchi in my fridge waiting to be used, but I wasn't sure how I wanted to use it. Now I have my answer! This recipe looks so unique and mouthwatering - I can't wait to make it and bring my kimchi to life!
Min says
Oh yes, it's time to use up that jar of kimchi before it gets too sour ;). Can't wait for you to try this pizza!!
Liz says
Thank you Min for the nice recipes. Have a Happy Wednesday.
Jaime @ Zest & Zeal says
Who would have thought to put kimchi on pizza! I love this idea.
April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
What a lot of wonderful flavours there are in your Bulgogi Kimchi Pizza. I like that you used a whole wheat crust too. This is such a great twist on traditional pizza, I really like the sound of it! Thank you for sharing it with us at the Hearth and Soul hop, Min.