Kimchi Pizza (김치 피자) is a Korean fusion pizza made with spicy fermented kimchi, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce on a crispy crust. This easy Kimchi Pizza recipe blends the bold, tangy flavors of Korean cuisine with the comfort of classic Italian pizza. It’s quick, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy.
Recipe Snapshot
✅ Recipe Name: Kimchi Pizza (김치 피자)
⏲️ Ready In: 30 mins
👥 Serves: 6 slices
🍽 Calories:
🌏 Cuisine: Korean Italian Fusion
🍕 Recipe Type: Main / Snack
🔥 Flavor Profile: Spicy & cheesy
🧀 Ingredient Highlights: Kimchi, cheese
Table of contents
Hold on to your hats because this Korean fusion Kimchi Pizza is seriously next level! Topped with spicy kimchi, melty mozzarella cheese, this kimchi cheese pizza is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
This Korean kimchi pizza takes everything you love about pizza and gives it a fiery, tangy Korean twist. Made with old kimchi that’s stir-fried in sesame oil and garlic, it brings out deep caramelized flavors that balance perfectly with creamy melted cheese and a crispy base.
If you love Korean food and fusion recipes, try my Kimchi Burger, Creamy Kimchi Pasta, or Kimchi Fries next!
Hanelore's Note
I actually came up with this recipe after a friend made me stir-fried kimchi one night and I thought, this would be amazing on pizza! It’s now my go-to homemade pizza whenever I want something quick, bold, and satisfying to enjoy while watching my favorite K-drama.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Round-up
- Kimchi: Use old kimchi or baechu kimchi (napa cabbage) for maximum flavor. It should be drained and roughly chopped. I like using my homemade kimchi for a more delicious flavor.
- Sesame oil: Add a delicious nutty depth. Don’t substitute with olive oil, as it changes the flavor profile.
- Tomato sauce: Use marinara or any red sauce base that complements the kimchi’s tanginess.
- Mozzarella cheese: The best for stretch and creaminess; melts beautifully over toppings.
- Pizza base: Store-bought or your own pizza dough recipe works perfectly. Bake directly on a pizza pan lined with parchment paper for best results.
Optional toppings: Red onions, spring onion, shiitake mushrooms, or a drizzle of gochujang paste for extra spice.
How to Make Kimchi Pizza
- Make the sauce: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and chopped kimchi, cooking until caramelized. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Assemble: Line a tray with parchment paper. Place the pizza base on top and spread the kimchi pizza sauce evenly.
- Top: Add favorite toppings like red onions, bell pepper, or shiitake mushrooms. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Assemble and bake: Line a tray with parchment paper. Place the pizza base on top and spread the kimchi pizza sauce evenly. Cook until cheese is melted and the crust turns golden brown.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use old kimchi: If you have old kimchi at hand, it brings out an even more intense flavor. It’s a great use for it!
- Stir-fry first: Cooking the chopped kimchi before adding it to the pizza base removes excess moisture, so the pizza won’t be soggy. It also caramelizes the kimchi, which enhances the spicy and tangy flavor.
- Don’t overload toppings: Don’t go overboard with toppings as this can make the base soggy. Lightly and evenly spread the toppings to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Add herbs after baking: To keep their freshness, add herbs like basil or thyme only after the pizza is out of the oven.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add slices of shiitake mushrooms, red pepper flakes, or pepperoni to take this kimchi pizza to a whole new level.
Substitutions & Variations
- Mushroom Kimchi Pizza: Add shiitake mushrooms for deep umami flavor.
- Different types of meat: Add Italian sausage, bacon, or pork belly.
- Extra Spicy: Mix gochujang red pepper paste or sprinkle gochugaru red pepper flakes into the sauce. You can also try making your own Chilli Garlic Oil recipe!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust for easy substitution.
What To Serve It With
Pair this spicy Korean pizza with your favorite Korean-inspired sides for a full meal:
- Kimchi Mayo — perfect for dipping your crust.
- Kimchi Hot Dog — the ultimate comfort combo.
- Kimchi Grilled Cheese — double the kimchi, double the fun!
- Cucumber Kimchi – ideal as a side
- Kimchi Coleslaw – quick to make and perfect as a fresh salad
- Korean Strawberry Milk - if the pizza feels too spicy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crispy.
Yes! Swap the crust for a gluten-free version — it works perfectly.
Add a spoon of gochujang paste or sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
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If you’ve tried this recipe out, please don’t forget to rate and comment on this post. I love hearing from you, so feel free to reach out to me on social media as well and tag me in your posts!
Recipe
Cheesy Spicy Korean Kimchi Pizza Recipe (김치 피자)
Ingredients
- 1 pizza base 12"
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced (or crushed)
- ¼ cup kimchi drained and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheese
Optional toppings
- Red onion rings
- Bell pepper
- Mushrooms
- Fresh basil
- Green onion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (450°F).
- In a skillet, heat up some sesame oil. Saute the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Add in the kimchi and cook for another 1-2 minutes until caramelized.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir it well to combine, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Line a large oven tray with parchment paper, then place the pizza base on top. Spread the kimchi mixture evenly across the base.
- Add any optional toppings like red onion rings, bell pepper slices or mushrooms. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust looks golden-brown.
- Serve with sliced green onions.
Notes
- Storing leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes. I don't recommend microwaving, as it makes the pizza base soggy.
- Nutrition information is estimative and provided for reference only. Nutrition is calculated with no additional toppings.
Nutrition
About The Author
Han is the creator of SugarYums and winner of Netflix’s Crazy Delicious. She shares delicious Korean street food, East Asian desserts, and playful fusion recipes that bring global flavours to everyday kitchens. Inspired by the markets of Seoul and beyond, Han combines tradition with creativity to make cooking feel bold, cozy, and fun!
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