Spicy Thai Pizza

Spicy Thai Pizza Recipe - Vegetarian Brown Rice Pizza from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spicy Thai Pizza is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, combining the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the comfort of a classic pizza. This recipe is sure to impress your taste buds with its spicy peanut sauce, crunchy vegetables, and gooey cheese.

History

The origins of Spicy Thai Pizza are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the popular Thai dish, Pad Thai. This fusion dish combines the flavors of Thailand with the convenience of a pizza, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups 8 oz (227 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup crunchy peanut butter, divided
1 beaten egg
vegetable cooking spray
0.5 cup hot water
0.25 cup minced cilantro
2 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp divided dark sesame oil
0.25 tsp ground red pepper
2 cups broccoli flowerets
1 medium-sized chopped red onion
2 large carrots, julienned

How to prepare

Combine 1 cup of rice, 0.25 cup of cheese, 0.25 cup of peanut butter, and 1 egg in a large bowl.
Press the mixture firmly into a 12-inch pizza pan or a 10-inch pie pan that has been coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 8 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 0.75 cup of peanut butter, water, cilantro, soy sauce, 2 tbsp of sesame oil, and red pepper; set aside.
In a large skillet, stir-fry the broccoli, onion, and carrots in the remaining 1 tbsp of sesame oil over medium-high heat until tender-crisp.
Spread the sauce over the crust and top with the vegetable mixture.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 10 to 12 minutes.
Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.
Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to press the rice mixture firmly into the pan to create a sturdy crust.

- Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp to maintain their crunch and vibrant color.

- Let the pizza stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Thai Pizza with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the vegetables helps to retain their crunch and vibrant color.

- Baking the pizza at a high temperature ensures a crispy crust and melted cheese.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for brown rice for a lower-carb option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the rice mixture and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake the pizza.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished pizza with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Thai Pizza with a cold beer, a crisp white wine, or a refreshing Thai iced tea for a complete dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Thai Pizza contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Thai Pizza contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Thai Pizza contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Thai Pizza contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Thai Pizza is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron due to the variety of vegetables used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any other allergens based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Summary

Spicy Thai Pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spicy Thai Pizza is a delicious and satisfying fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the comfort of a classic pizza. With its spicy peanut sauce, crunchy vegetables, and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Spicy Thai Pizza. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had recently returned from a trip to Thailand. She had brought back so many souvenirs and stories, but what caught my eye was a photo album filled with pictures of the incredible food she had eaten during her travels.

As we sat down to catch up over a cup of tea, she pulled out a hand-written recipe that she had managed to snag from a street vendor in Bangkok. It was for a unique twist on a classic pizza, combining the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the comforting familiarity of a cheesy slice.

The recipe called for a homemade spicy peanut sauce as the base, topped with tender slices of grilled chicken, crunchy bean sprouts, vibrant red peppers, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. My mouth watered just reading the ingredients list, and I knew I had to try making it myself.

My friend graciously shared the recipe with me, and as soon as I returned home, I set to work in my kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients, including a jar of spicy Thai chili sauce that I had picked up at a local specialty store.

The first step was to make the peanut sauce, which involved blending together roasted peanuts, coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a generous spoonful of the Thai chili sauce. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the sauce simmered on the stove was intoxicating, and I couldn't resist sneaking a taste before spreading it onto the pizza dough.

Next, I grilled the chicken until it was perfectly charred and juicy, then thinly sliced it to layer on top of the sauce. I arranged the bean sprouts, red peppers, and cilantro in a colorful pattern, making sure to evenly distribute each ingredient for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

As I slid the pizza into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building in my chest. The scent of the spicy peanut sauce mingling with the bubbling cheese was almost too much to bear, and I anxiously watched through the oven door as the crust turned golden brown and crispy.

When the timer finally dinged, I carefully removed the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. The first bite was a revelation – the creamy peanut sauce was a perfect foil for the spicy chili sauce, and the combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs created a harmony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I knew right then and there that this Spicy Thai Pizza would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. It was a dish that encapsulated the spirit of adventure and discovery that I had always cherished in my culinary pursuits, and every time I made it, I was transported back to that warm summer day when I first saw the recipe that had captured my imagination.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, each time adding a personal touch or variation to make it uniquely my own. And every time I take a bite of that spicy, flavorful pizza, I am reminded of the joy and excitement that comes from trying something new and delicious. It's a reminder that the world is full of culinary treasures just waiting to be discovered – all we have to do is open our hearts and our taste buds to the possibilities.