Thai Pork Pizza

I have a lot of wonderful ways to use leftover pork roast, and this is one of the most delicious and unusual. A spicy-sweet-savory- meaty pizza with fresh cilantro and scallions on top!  I first encountered the concept when I had a Thai Chicken frozen pizza from California Pizza. It was good – but frozen (there is no California Pizza restaurant in the area) and it was also very expensive!  I set out to make my own version, which wasn’t difficult. Well, except for one thing…….the peanut sauce.  I grappled with various recipes, but none really hit the mark. Then I made it easy on myself, and got the exact flavor I was looking for. Use a store bought thick teryiaki glaze!

Peanut Sauce for Pizza: (enough for one large pizza)

• 2 heaping teaspoons of creamy peanut butter
• 6 tablespoons thick teriyaki glaze (Kikkoman’s makes a great one)

Mix together until fully blended. This makes a thick but very spreadable sauce, and it goes right on top of the stretched pizza dough. As far as the pizza dough goes – if you make your own you probably have a favorite recipe. If you don’t have that kind of time on your hands use a dough ball from the grocery store or pizzeria – and just stretch or roll it out on a lightly floured surface.

On top of the peanut sauce, add shredded carrot, bite-sized pieces of cooked pork and sliced fresh chilis. I always, always have the little fresh red Thai chilis on hand so I used those – but you can substitute with your favorite.

Shredded cheddar cheese goes on top of those ingredients – and keeps anything from drying out or overcooking. Bake on a non-stick pan or pizza stone dusted with cornmeal in a 450 degree oven for about ten minutes.  

 When it’s out of the oven, add a generous sprinkling of chopped scallion and cilantro – it’s done!  I confess I use any extra peanut sauce (and I try to have extra) for dipping the crusts in – that sauce is that good!

Thai Pork Pizza

• 1 dough ball for a large pizza
• peanut sauce: above
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup diced or shredded cooked pork
• 3/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 scallions, green part – thinly sliced
• 1-2 small fresh chilies, thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro