10.16.10
Pasta, Rice & Grains, Recipes, Seafood/Fish
80

When Pizza Met Sushi

If there were two distinctive foods that might consider themselves friends but never lovers, it just might be the ubiquitous Pizza and the glamorous Sushi.

Picture this: it’s a brisk fall day in New York City, the foliage in Central Park boldly splashed with bright crimsons and golds, and a buzz of hungry workers emerge from their buildings in search of lunch. The scents of nearly every world cuisine imaginable waft together in the city’s melting pot, tantalizing potential diners as they breeze by.

Of these, I can see the classic Pizza, that simple yet brilliant fusion of cheese, tomato sauce and dough, a little rough around the edges, but comforting to the soul. A few doors down lives his friend, the stylish and more complex Sushi, always stunning, her beauty a delicate balance of umami and freshness. They are chums, they even share friends, but beyond that? They would never consider it.

Until now.

Thanks to your support, I am thrilled to progress to Challenge 5 of Project Food Blog. In this challenge, the 72 remaining contestants are tasked with putting our own spin on pizza, defined as having a solid base, a sauce and at least one topping. So for this challenge, I thought it was high time for Pizza and Sushi to explore a deeper relationship. I was excited to have some fun and play culinary matchmaker by creating Personal Sushi Pizzas.

 

When Pizza met Sushi, it was not love at first sight. No. The two seemed more different than the same, and it took years before they reconnected, but only as friends. But behind these two, there is a culinary love affair that was begging to unfold, and I was so excited to speed it along. Because at the heart of the matter, they were meant to be together…and to have babies.

I am pleased to introduce their children.

 

My Personal Sushi Pizzas are built on a base of crispy tofu rounds, fried to mimic the crunchy but doughy pizza crust. A Ginger Sesame Teriyaki Sauce is spread on top of the tofu, followed by a salty round of Roasted Nori Seaweed. I couldn’t help it — out came the Exacto knife to ensure perfect circles.

A cylindrical patty of delightfully sticky sushi rice adds to the base, delicately touched with a smear of wasabi paste.

Then it’s time for the toppings. Cubes of jewel-toned tuna are the featured topping, highlighted by pepperoni-sized disks of avocado, salty beads of red lumpfish caviar, black sesame seeds, and slivers of scallion. A fiery red curry chile sauce is drizzled on top, its beautiful coral color camouflaging flashes of heat.

Crowning the personal sushi pizza is a wonderfully crunchy shrimp tempura.

Pizza and Sushi, it took too long for you to understand: you are perfect together. The teriyaki flavored tofu crust provides an excellent base for the spicy tuna and crispy tempura shrimp, while the cool medallions of avocado balance the heat of the chile-infused sauce.

As for chopsticks, it’s just there for people who like to pick at their toppings. This is a pizza – use your hands!

I can’t believe we’ve reached the halfway mark for Project Food Blog. My heartfelt thanks to all who voted for my fourth entry, I wouldn’t be here without you!! This post is my submission for Challenge 5: Recipe Remix. Contestants were asked to put their own spin on the same recipe, pizza. They can tackled it however they wish, whether it is applying molecular gastronomy techniques, sharing a super-secret trick, or re-envisioning the dish from a different perspective. For the purpose of this contest and challenge, Foodbuzz is defining pizza as having a solid base, a sauce and at least one topping. Voting for this challenge takes place from 6AM Pacific Time (9 AM Eastern) Monday, October 18th through 6PM Pacific Time (9 PM Eastern) Thursday, October 21st. Please consider voting by clicking here, or by clicking on the widget to the right. Don’t forget to click on the heart to show your love! Thank you, everyone.

Personal Sushi Pizzas

Makes 4 individual pizzas.

For the base:

  • Extra-firm tofu, cut into four 3 1/2 inch circles
  • Roasted Nori Seaweed sheets or flakes*
  • Sushi rice (see recipe below)
  • Wasabi Paste

*While I adore the visual appeal of the Nori sheet rounds, I actually recommend using the seaweed flakes – it will be easier to eat this way.

Toppings:

  • 1/3 lb sushi-grade tuna, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced and cut into circles with a 1-inch round cutter
  • 2 teaspoons red lumpfish caviar
  • black sesame seeds
  • 4 tempura shrimp
  • scallions, sliced

Sauces:

Sushi Rice:

Cook rice; if you do not have a rice cooker, follow the product’s directions for cooking the rice on a stove top. Warm the vinegar in a small saucepan or in the microwave, stir in sugar and salt till dissolved. Allow to cool. When the rice is completed, fold the vinegar mixture into the rice, distributing evenly. Allow to cool before use.

Spicy Red Curry Chile Mayonnaise Sauce:

Adapted from Emeril Legasse

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon red curry chile paste
  • 1 teaspoon hot chile oil

Stir mayonnaise, red curry chile paste and hot chile oil in a bowl. Place in a piping bag or ziplock bag and set aside.

To Assemble:

  1. Cut rounds of tofu using a 3 1/2 inch round cutter. If you don’t have a cutter, use a circle guide such as a ramekin or a can, and cut to shape using a sharp knife. Deep fry each round until it is crispy and a golden brown. Set aside on paper towels to cool.
  2. Prepare tempura shrimp. Set fried shrimp on paper towels to cool.
  3. Brush Ginger Sesame Teriyaki Sauce on tofu base.
  4. Layer with Roasted Nori Seaweed.
  5. Form a round patty of sushi rice about 1/2 inch thick using a cutter or ramekin. Place on top of Nori.
  6. Lightly smear a scant amount of wasabi paste onto the rice.
  7. Spread your diced tuna.
  8. Pipe the Spicy Red Curry Chile Mayonnaise Sauce.
  9. Top with an avocado medallion.
  10. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of red lumpfish caviar on avocado.
  11. Place one tempura shrimp.
  12. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and scallions.

 

 

 

 

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by Liren on October 16, 2010
80 Comments

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80 Responses to “When Pizza Met Sushi”

  1. Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite — October 16, 2010 @ 3:04 am (#
    1
    )

    Liren it’s absolutely inspired! I *knew* someone more talented than me would attempt sushi pizzas so I left it at that – a thought in my head and glad I did – would be able to even come CLOSE to the beauty of these… Good luck – start packing your cooler!

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:08 pm

      Mardi, I would have loved to see what you would have done with the idea…don’t even say anything about talent!!! I will be running over to your blog to check out what you created, I can’t wait!

  2. Sharlene (Wheels and Lollipops) — October 16, 2010 @ 4:26 am (#
    2
    )

    Liren, perfection at its best ! No doubt the bar is set very high for this round :) The beauty of this is that you make it look so easy but when in fact the each layer is a work of art on its own. I wonder what you are going to do with the cooler :) :)

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:14 pm

      Sharlene, thank you so, so much. I don’t know what to say, you’re too kind. I will say, this pizza was definitely a LOT more labor intensive than I expected. But it was worth it :)

  3. Cristina - TeenieCakes — October 16, 2010 @ 6:28 am (#
    3
    )

    This sushi-pizza (pizzettes) will find it’s way in food magazines for sure. Brilliant Liren!

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:05 pm

      Oh Cristina, wouldn’t that be nice if it did???

  4. sippitysup — October 16, 2010 @ 7:25 am (#
    4
    )

    This gave me goosebumps! And that’s a very good thing. GREG

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:15 pm

      Goosebumps for real, Greg? Cool!

  5. Kimberly @ Poor Girl Eats Well — October 16, 2010 @ 7:52 am (#
    5
    )

    YAY! I’m so glad someone did this! I was going to make my own sushi pizza then decided to go in a completely different direction. Speaking of which, I should get back to working on mine. Good luck to both of us in Round 5!!!

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:16 pm

      Thanks Kimberly! I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!

  6. Spicy Green Mango — October 16, 2010 @ 9:22 am (#
    6
    )

    I am in awe! These are sooo amazing Liren and you are ingenious! I love, love this! Way to raise the bar—great job of recreating pizza and the photos are on point!

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:18 pm

      Chandara, I am so relieved you like it! You can imagine how nervous I was when I was working on it! Oh, did you notice your gift of sake in the background? Thank you again, it was perfect with this!

      • Spicy Green Mango replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 8:56 pm

        Hehe..you totally read my mind and I kept wondering if I should change my comment and mention that I DID notice the sake in the background. Ahh..you totally are like my long-lost Gemini. Hugs and Cheers on acing this challenge!

  7. Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels — October 16, 2010 @ 11:51 am (#
    7
    )

    Wow just incredible! Talk about taking pizza to the next level! I love that you made sushi into a pizza, I would have never of thought of that. Your photos are just stunning. Best of luck to you! :)

  8. Magic of Spice — October 16, 2010 @ 1:13 pm (#
    8
    )

    These are absolutely fantastic! Gorgeous presentation :)

  9. Susi — October 16, 2010 @ 1:57 pm (#
    9
    )

    You are out of this world girl! These Sushi pizzas are so inspired and nothing I have ever seen before! Stunning presentation and can I please have your autograph? I just know you are going to go far! :o)

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:19 pm

      Susi, puh-lease! Autograph? How about just a hug?

      Thank you – I am so glad you like them!

  10. Jackie — October 16, 2010 @ 3:01 pm (#
    10
    )

    These are so awesomely creative! And for me, as a sushi-lover and a pizza-hater, something that definitely screams out ‘EAT ME’ ;)

    Beautiful photos as always, and amazing entry! Good luck, lovely!

    Jax x

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:20 pm

      Hi Jackie, wow, I don’t think I’ve ever met pizza-hater before! But in that case, this is definitely up your alley! Thank you for the lucky wishes!

  11. Brie — October 16, 2010 @ 3:49 pm (#
    11
    )

    haha, very cute story. this is a brilliant idea and it looks stunningly delicious. congrats on making it to Round 5 – you’ll have my vote again!

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:21 pm

      Thanks Brie! It just reminded me so much of one of my favorite movies :)

  12. Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } — October 16, 2010 @ 4:47 pm (#
    12
    )

    Incredible! What a great spin on pizza! Your photos are stunning and the tempura shrimp on top is perfect! Good luck – I know you will be filling that cooler with goodies. :)

    • Liren replied: — October 16th, 2010 @ 6:21 pm

      Lisa, thank you! Let’s hope we’re BOTH filling coolers with goodies!

  13. Stephanie @ Per l'Amore del Cibo — October 16, 2010 @ 5:46 pm (#
    13
    )

    Totally shocked! What a great interpretation of the challenge! Congrats on making it half way. You know you’ve got my vote again this round!

  14. Lora@cakeduchess — October 16, 2010 @ 6:51 pm (#
    14
    )

    This is just gorgeous and looks delicious! Your photographs are stunning. Congratulations Liren :)
    Lora

  15. Jean — October 16, 2010 @ 7:06 pm (#
    15
    )

    Very nice, Liren. :-) These sushi pizzas look so fresh and just oh, so good!

  16. Monet — October 16, 2010 @ 8:18 pm (#
    16
    )

    These are stunning…they should grace the cover of Bon Appetit! I’m not surprised you made it to the next round. You ooze talent, and your writing is always such a pleasure to read. I’m supporting you all the way! And thank you for all your kind words on my blog…your thoughts are so appreciated.

  17. Emme — October 16, 2010 @ 9:07 pm (#
    17
    )

    Brilliant! This look amazing…my mouth is watering! And your pictures are gorgeous. Very inspiring :) – emme

  18. Cristina, from Buenos Aires to Paris — October 17, 2010 @ 12:36 am (#
    18
    )

    Nice presentation! Great photos as always! Congrats!

  19. Chef Dennis — October 17, 2010 @ 4:25 am (#
    19
    )

    Hi Liren

    simply amazing…I love seeing foods I never would have thought of!! I have the most talented friends! Congrats on moving into the next round of the FB challenge, you know you always have my vote!
    Dennis

  20. Winnie — October 17, 2010 @ 6:42 am (#
    20
    )

    Really beautiful, Liren. I can’t wait to see what you come up with each time…you are so very talented ;)

  21. Belinda @zomppa — October 17, 2010 @ 7:12 am (#
    21
    )

    Now THIS is what I call stepping up to the challenge!! Incredible!! Definitely have my vote!

  22. norma — October 17, 2010 @ 7:18 am (#
    22
    )

    You inspire me to do better. What a great concept. You have had my vote since the start. Good luck Liren….masterpiece.

  23. Brian @ A Thought For Food — October 17, 2010 @ 8:55 am (#
    23
    )

    What a creative, beautiful, and flavorful idea! You really outdid yourself here… a contest winning post, if you ask me!

  24. obparker — October 17, 2010 @ 9:27 am (#
    24
    )

    Fantastic! This even looks delicious right now…and it’s breakfast time. You’ve got another vote from me.

  25. RhodeyGirl — October 17, 2010 @ 9:28 am (#
    25
    )

    BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

    I love this entry- unique, colorful, and simply stunning!

  26. Cheryl — October 17, 2010 @ 9:56 am (#
    26
    )

    Amazing and so creative…….it is so LIren!!!

  27. Torviewtoronto — October 17, 2010 @ 9:59 am (#
    27
    )

    delicious presentation

  28. A Canadian Foodie — October 17, 2010 @ 10:01 am (#
    28
    )

    Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant – now that I have taken the time to really understand the contest. Gorgeous photos, too! Checking in to see if any pom posts are up.I love your site. Great visually and lots I can learn!
    :)
    Valerie
    Thanks!

  29. Trissa — October 17, 2010 @ 7:33 pm (#
    29
    )

    I think even the most uptight and conservative Italians would fall in love with this idea! Very unique and wishing you the best of luck in the next round!

  30. Mariko — October 17, 2010 @ 8:34 pm (#
    30
    )

    mouthwatering. So fresh looking too.

  31. Trish — October 17, 2010 @ 10:38 pm (#
    31
    )

    So creative. Beautiful presentation and great photos!! Making my mouth water…

  32. Ben — October 18, 2010 @ 12:20 am (#
    32
    )

    I like to think there was a drunken hook-up between the pizza and the sushi. It may have been embarrassing, but I’m glad it happened. Love how you ran with this challenge and made it your own.

  33. Gitte — October 18, 2010 @ 4:12 am (#
    33
    )

    Beautiful photos and presentation. All I can say is wow.

  34. Amelia from Z Tasty Life — October 18, 2010 @ 7:10 am (#
    34
    )

    very very creative!

  35. Megan — October 18, 2010 @ 7:43 am (#
    35
    )

    Love, love, love! Usually I have something wittier to say in the comments but really, I love this. Good luck!

  36. I'm a full-time mummy — October 18, 2010 @ 9:05 am (#
    36
    )

    Looks great! I voted for you! Good luck!

  37. Lindsey @ Hot Polka Dot — October 18, 2010 @ 9:07 am (#
    37
    )

    I adore your story about pizza and sushi. You’re quite the matchmaker! Looks beautiful and delicious! You have my vote for sure!

  38. Jacob's Kitchen — October 18, 2010 @ 9:44 am (#
    38
    )

    Oh, Liren. You never fail to amaze. This is absolutely breathtaking. You have elevated pizza to art. And not only is it beautiful but it also sounds mouthwatering-ly delicious as well. You put us all to shame, as usual. =)

    I voted for you, of course. best of luck in this round (not that you need it!).

    Hope to see us both in round 6!!! =)

  39. Paula - bell'alimento — October 18, 2010 @ 10:26 am (#
    39
    )

    I’m absolutely blown away by your beautiful post Liren! You should truly write a book, your writing is inspiring, your photos breathtaking and your recipes well, I’m drooling ; ) No need to wish you luck because you DON’T need it ; ) I LOVED LOVED meeting you this weekend. You’re even more beautiful on the inside than the out {and that’s hard to do bc you’re GORGEOUS} See you soon! Mwah!

  40. Mara @ What's For Dinner? — October 18, 2010 @ 10:30 am (#
    40
    )

    I did a sushi pizza too, and went a totally different (ok, just a bit different) direction with it. i love your use of Tofu as the base! Great job :)

  41. stephchows — October 18, 2010 @ 10:40 am (#
    41
    )

    delicious and beautiful! amazing idea! voted :)

  42. RavieNomNoms — October 18, 2010 @ 11:57 am (#
    42
    )

    You have my vote! How fantastic! That looks so amazing and creative!

  43. Asha@FSK — October 18, 2010 @ 12:37 pm (#
    43
    )

    Love the East-West melange!! Gorgeous presentation and ofcourse voted :)

  44. The Young Foodie — October 18, 2010 @ 1:23 pm (#
    44
    )

    WOW!!! This is absolutely amazing! Pure gastronomic perfection! And stunning visuals to boot! You get one VOTE from me!! See you in Round 6 (hopefully)!! ;-)

    The Young Foodie

    http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/5/view/1422

  45. Duchess — October 18, 2010 @ 1:52 pm (#
    45
    )

    Truly beautiful, congrats.

  46. Julie @ Willow Bird Baking — October 18, 2010 @ 3:24 pm (#
    46
    )

    SO creative!!! What a great matchmaker you are ;) You definitely have a vote from me!

    For my entry, I made pizza for all the wrong times of day: some Deep Dish Pizza Cupfakes and Pizzas Benedict :) Come see if you’d like!

  47. A Little Yumminess — October 18, 2010 @ 5:00 pm (#
    47
    )

    Just voted for you. Yum! I want like 10 of these right now….which is not a goof thing

  48. Marie (FoodNouveau) — October 18, 2010 @ 7:28 pm (#
    48
    )

    Gorgeous pictures and your take on the sushi-pizza is legitimate, nothing looks forced. It’s a perfect marriage! I would gladly eat that bite right now (after taking some time just to admire it :). Good job!

  49. Amy — October 18, 2010 @ 7:29 pm (#
    49
    )

    Beautiful! I’d love to try these, voted :)

  50. Hope — October 18, 2010 @ 7:43 pm (#
    50
    )

    Wow. These look amazing!! Absolutely beautiful!

  51. riceandwheat — October 18, 2010 @ 10:54 pm (#
    51
    )

    I love the imagery of pizza and sushi running into each other on the streets of NYC and beginning a torrid love affair – good job on the matchmaking! You’ve managed to merge my two favorite food groups into one, which is no small feat, Liren. I think you need to start a food truck to sell these now, but of course, make sure to park it outside my apartment. :) I enjoyed every part of this post – the writing, the photography, the concept, everything – bravo!

  52. Joanne Choi — October 18, 2010 @ 11:25 pm (#
    52
    )

    very cool! And sounds so delicious! It is an unusual match, but why in the world not!

  53. Jamie — October 19, 2010 @ 2:28 am (#
    53
    )

    I seriously never would have imagined but now that I see it I am blown away by how perfect it is. Gorgeous, mouthwatering and I want to use my hands. So delicious!

  54. betsy — October 19, 2010 @ 7:18 am (#
    54
    )

    Amazing, this is just amazing!

  55. Peggy — October 19, 2010 @ 12:40 pm (#
    55
    )

    You definitely conveyed great imagery in your writing! I love the pairing of sushi and pizza… and I can’t believe I’ve not thought of this myself! I love both and with you good luck! You’ve got my vote for sure!

  56. Adelina — October 19, 2010 @ 4:16 pm (#
    56
    )

    Very neat idea! Great work!

  57. Reeni — October 19, 2010 @ 5:27 pm (#
    57
    )

    Your sushi pizzas are stunning! The tempura shrimp balanced on top look so regal. You made sushi and pizza fall in love! Good luck!

  58. Foododelmundo — October 20, 2010 @ 6:58 am (#
    58
    )

    Gorgeous presentation, unique idea! Voting now. -Katy

  59. Jun Belen — October 20, 2010 @ 8:09 am (#
    59
    )

    Outstanding! Your post, Liren is just bursting with creativity! Well done!!!

  60. Marisa — October 20, 2010 @ 8:44 am (#
    60
    )

    Beautifully presented!

  61. Debi(Table Talk) — October 20, 2010 @ 10:16 am (#
    61
    )

    Very inventive! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with in the next round…I know you’ll be there after this post. Great job.

  62. blackbookkitchendiaries — October 20, 2010 @ 2:21 pm (#
    62
    )

    this is just brilliant:) you are so talented and creative.

  63. Oui, Chef — October 20, 2010 @ 5:46 pm (#
    63
    )

    A brilliant and perfect post. Lick my screen beautiful, and an easy vote for me! – S

  64. denise @ quickies on the dinner table — October 20, 2010 @ 11:13 pm (#
    64
    )

    Awwww……What a story! The kind you tell your grandchildren ;) I LOVE the idea and the execution is superb! The flavors I am imagining in this gorgeous creation are driving me mad with pizza/sushi lust!!!

  65. Liren — October 21, 2010 @ 7:14 am (#
    65
    )

    Thank you, everyone! Your comments have put such smiles on my face – I’m glad that so many of you understand how pizza and sushi *should* be together. I had so much fun with this post, and your thoughtful notes mean so much!

  66. Jen H — October 21, 2010 @ 2:14 pm (#
    66
    )

    We actually have something called sushi pizza here in Toronto, though I don’t think the crispy rice cake with salmon, spicy sauce and fish eggs can hold a candle to your thoughtful creation. Well done!

  67. Danny — October 30, 2010 @ 12:54 pm (#
    67
    )

    Wow, I just love the way you think ‘out of the box’, well done!

  68. culinaryneophyte — November 20, 2010 @ 11:21 am (#
    68
    )

    Amazing! Love this idea, and your presentation!

  69. Kat aka Food Advokat — April 4, 2011 @ 5:05 pm (#
    69
    )

    I really have been away from cooking, eating, reading fabulous blogs way too long, I have a good excuse (as you know) but I am sorry to have missed what looks like some amazing posts!! If I pay for air fare will you make these awesome treats for me! lol.

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