Unique Japanese Pizza Toppings That Will Blow Your Mind

Japanese pizza has evolved to incorporate a wide range of unique and intriguing toppings, reflecting the country's diverse culinary influences and preferences. From seafood to fermented soybeans, these toppings offer a distinct twist on traditional pizza.

Seafood Toppings

Japanese pizza often features a variety of seafood, which is a staple due to the country's abundant marine resources. Some popular seafood toppings include:

• Tuna, Eel, Octopus, and Shrimp: These are commonly found on Japanese pizzas, often paired with white sauce and topped with ingredients like kewpie mayo and aonori.
• Squid: Squid ink is used to create a unique pizza sauce, blending the ink with tomato sauce to produce a dark, briny flavor.
• Shirasu: Baby sardines or anchovies, shirasu are tender and can be eaten whole. They are often paired with Japanese leek and yuzukosho.
• Oysters: Fresh oysters are a gourmet twist, often used in combination with tomato sauce, gruyere, and parmesan cheese.

Unconventional Ingredients

Japanese pizza toppings also include several unconventional ingredients that might surprise even the most adventurous pizza enthusiasts:

• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is a staple in Japanese pizza, often piped out in a lattice design. The Mayo Jaga pizza, for example, includes potato, corn, onions, pancetta, and paprika.
• Mentaiko: Spicy cod or pollock roe, mentaiko adds a welcome oceany taste and a bit of kick due to its togarashi seasoning.
• Nattō: Fermented soybeans, nattō has a pungent smell and sticky texture. It is often paired with seaweed and is a favorite among some, despite being polarizing.
• Bitter Melon: This spiky squash is sliced into thin strips and adds a balance to richer ingredients like prosciutto or miso.

Traditional Japanese Flavors

Many Japanese pizzas incorporate traditional Japanese flavors and ingredients:

• Teriyaki: Pork and chicken are popular toppings, often breaded to make katsu or sauced like teriyaki.
• Miso: Miso paste is used to add a salty, umami flavor to pizzas, enhancing the overall taste.
• Potato and Sweet Corn: These are extremely popular toppings in Japan, especially in regions like Hokkaido where they are readily available.
• Tamago: Japanese-style omelette, tamago is often added as a topping, providing a creamy texture.

Unique Combinations

Japanese pizza also features unique combinations that blend different flavors and textures:

• Shishito Peppers: These peppers add a spicy kick and are often used in combination with other ingredients like shiitake mushrooms.
• Tsukudani Kombu Seaweed: Simmered in soy sauce and sweet mirin rice wine, this seaweed adds a caramelized and salty flavor.
• Pickled Fish Fillets: Pickled fish fillets, such as saba, are used to add a tangy flavor to pizzas.

Innovative Pizza Styles

Beyond unique toppings, Japanese pizza also includes innovative styles that deviate from traditional pizza:

• Mochi Pizza: The dough is mixed with mochi (pounded glutinous rice), resulting in a chewy yet soft texture. This pizza is usually topped with ketchup instead of tomato sauce.
• Pizza Rice Bowls: Popularized by Domino's, these bowls are filled with buttered rice and topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings.

These unique toppings and styles reflect Japan's creative approach to pizza, making it a fascinating culinary experience for those willing to try something new.