It’s Nazia here again from Food And Meal. I’m back with another fun fusion recipe that I know you’re going to love – Korean-style sweet potato pizza! As a huge fan of both Korean and Italian flavors, I had a lightbulb moment recently to combine two of my favorite comfort foods into one epic dish.
The inspiration struck when I was making traditional Korean sweet potato glass noodles. The sweet, nutty flavor of the potatoes paired with the chewy dough got me thinking what other carb vessel would complement these flavors. Pizza dough seemed like the perfect match!
I did some experimenting to get the ratios just right, topping my crispy pizza crust with a flavorful smear of gochujang (Korean red chili paste), a sprinkle of sesame seeds, roasted sweet potato slices, caramelized onions, baby spinach and melty mozzarella. Every bite is a party for your tastebuds! The mix of savory, sweet and spicy is so addicting.
What I especially love about this recipe is how the sweet potato becomes so beautifully caramelized when baked into the pizza. It reminds me of my favorite Korean street food snack called goguma mattang (candied sweet potatoes). Each tender, almost jammy bite fills me with nostalgia.
Korean-Style Sweet Potato Pizza Recipe
KOREAN-STYLE SWEET POTATO PIZZA
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough or 1 oven-ready pizza crust
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup stir-fried or grilled Sliced Barbecued Beef (bulgogi, here), chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
- 2 scallions, chopped, for garnish
- Hot red pepper flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- If using fresh or frozen pizza dough, roll out to a rectangle or circle that will fit nicely on your baking sheet.
- Spread a layer of mashed sweet potatoes all over the dough or crust.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese on top of the sweet potato layer.
- Distribute the bell peppers, bulgogi meat, and mushrooms over the top of the cheese layer.
- Finish the pizza by spreading the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is browned and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with the chopped scallions and serve with hot red pepper flakes on the side.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Korean-Style Sweet Potato Pizza in an Air Fryer
The Air Fryer Korean-Style Sweet Potato Pizza is a delightful fusion dish that combines traditional pizza elements with unique Korean flavors. Preheat the air fryer, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness, and layer it with Korean sweet potatoes, mozzarella cheese, and optional cooked chicken. Air fry until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of Korean BBQ sauce for a perfect blend of sweet and savory. This quick and delicious recipe offers a creative twist to pizza, resulting in a mouthwatering culinary experience.
Cooking Tips
When making the dough, I like to add a bit of sweet rice flour which gives it an extra chewy, gluten-free texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet potato topping. Don’t be afraid to get kneading! Taking the time to properly knead the dough results in a crisp yet chewy crust that can hold up to all those tasty toppings.
Roasting the sweet potato is key for intensifying its natural sweetness while also caramelizing the edges. I aim for tender insides with crispy burnt ends – that texture contrast is so satisfying. While the potato roasts, take time to prep the other veggies like red onion, zucchini and spinach. Don’t forget the kimchi for a spicy kick!
When layering on all the toppings, it’s important not to overdo it. Pile on too many veggies and you risk a soggy center. I find the sweet spot is one layer of each component, evenly distributed from edge to edge. Except for the cheese – feel free to cover every inch of that pizza with glorious stretchy mozzarella!
The final touch is drizzling on the Korean sweet chili sauce and mayo swirl. This combo of spicy, sweet and tangy flavors brings the whole pizza together. Take a moment to appreciate how the scents of roasted sweet potato and charred kimchi mingle into something new and wonderful.
Serving Suggestions
When serving up a delicious Korean-style sweet potato pizza, I highly recommend topping it with some classic Korean flavors like kimchi, bulgogi beef, gochujang sauce, and sesame seeds. The sweetness of the potato pairs so nicely with the spicy, umami flavors!
For a vegetarian option, try roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, onions, and mushrooms instead of meat. The caramelized veggies match perfectly with the sweet potato. A drizzle of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce gives even more savory depth.
And you can’t go wrong by finishing it off with a sprinkle of scallions and toasted sesame seeds! Those little crunchy, aromatic touches take the pizza over the top.
I also love cracking a fried egg right on top of my slice for extra creaminess and protein. The runny yolk acts like its own little sauce and adds a sublime richness.
FAQs of Korean-Style Sweet Potato Pizza
- Can I make the dough from scratch, or is store-bought dough better for this recipe? You can absolutely make the dough from scratch if you prefer. Store-bought dough is a convenient option, but homemade dough can add a personal touch to your pizza.
- Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of Korean sweet potatoes? While Korean sweet potatoes are ideal for their natural sweetness and creaminess, regular sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute if Korean sweet potatoes are unavailable.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I use a conventional oven instead? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake the pizza on a pizza stone or a baking sheet until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly (usually around 12-15 minutes).
- How can I store leftovers, and can I reheat them? Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven for best results, as it will help maintain the crispy crust.
- Can I make this pizza vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use dairy-free cheese to make a delicious vegetarian or vegan Korean-Style Sweet Potato Pizza.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Korean-style sweet potato pizza is a unique and delicious fusion dish that brings together the comforting flavors of sweet potato and gooey cheese. The sweet potato puree makes for an unexpected but tasty base, providing a subtly sweet backdrop for the savory toppings. Whether you top it simply with cheese, get creative with Korean-BBQ inspired proteins and veggies, or add a drizzle of bulgogi sauce, the options are endless. This recipe is a fun way to shake up your pizza night.
The versatility of this dish means you can customize it to your tastes. Try out different topping combinations until you find your favorite. And if you are feeling extra adventurous, experiment with other Korean ingredients like kimchi, gochujang paste or sesame oil to give your pizza an extra Korean kick.
