Ingredients
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
5 cloves garlic, quartered
3/4 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1/8 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg (optional)
3 c. cooked rice
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
1 tbsp. sesame seeds (optional)
1 (14-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 large clove garlic, grated
1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 c. shredded mozzarella
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 c. pepperoni
Fresh basil leaves
Preparation
Step 1Make the rice: In a 10” oven-safe skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add garlic, onion, pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, and cook until garlic turns golden, 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook until slightly caramelized, about 1 minute. Add nutmeg, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and rice, and cook until rice begins to turn slightly crispy, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, then stir in ½ cup Parmesan and sesame until well combined.Step 2Preheat oven to 400°. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, stir together all sauce ingredients until well combined.Step 3Assemble the “pizza”: Spread ½ cup tomato sauce over fried rice in an even layer, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across, and top with pepperoni.Step 4Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until cheese is melty and edges are golden, about 10 minutes.Step 5Garnish with basil before serving.
Think of it as pizza with a different foundational carb: rice instead of bread. It’s still delicious, and you don’t need to wait for that dough to proof and rise. Customize this any way you want, using whatever kind of rice you want (glutinous brown rice is my personal favorite here, but any variety will do) and whatever cheese and toppings you want. If you’ve made this recipe, drop us a line down below and let us know how you liked it, along with your suggestions for pizza toppings!