Grilling pizza is a fun and unique way to make a delicious meal, and when you take the classic idea of grilling pizza and combine it with the versatility of a Caja China, you get a whole new level of flavor and excitement. A Caja China, a Cuban-style roasting box typically used for cooking whole pigs, can also be used for grilling a wide variety of other foods, including pizza. The indirect heat and smoky flavors from the charcoal create a perfectly cooked, crispy crust and melted cheese with a deliciously smoky undertone.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, preparing a family meal, or just experimenting with new cooking methods, grilling pizza in a Caja China is an easy way to add a unique twist to this popular dish. This guide will walk you through the steps of how to prepare, cook, and serve pizza using the Caja China, as well as tips for perfecting your pizza in this traditional Cuban cooking device.

What is a Caja China?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand what a Caja China is and why it’s such a great tool for grilling pizza. The Caja China (translated as “Chinese box”) is a wooden roasting box that originated in Cuba. It was initially designed for roasting whole pigs, allowing for indirect heat and even cooking with a smoky flavor. The design consists of a wooden box with a metal rack inside, where the food is placed. The heat comes from charcoal placed on top of the box, and the smoke and heat circulate inside to cook the meat or food evenly.

What makes the Caja China great for pizza is its ability to mimic the high heat of a pizza oven. Traditional pizza ovens are designed to create intense heat to cook the dough quickly and achieve that crispy crust with melty cheese. Using a Caja China offers a similar effect, thanks to the indirect heat from the charcoal and the insulation of the box, which helps trap the heat and ensure that your pizza cooks evenly.

Why Grill Pizza in a Caja China?

You may wonder why you should use a Caja China instead of a regular pizza oven or grill. Here are some reasons why grilling pizza in a Caja China offers an exciting and flavorful experience:

1. High-Temperature Cooking: The Caja China creates a hot, controlled environment perfect for cooking pizza quickly, much like a traditional pizza oven. The heat from the charcoal helps create a crispy crust while melting the cheese evenly.
2. Smoky Flavor: One of the standout features of grilling pizza in a Caja China is the smoky flavor it imparts to the crust and toppings. The charcoal smoke creates a depth of flavor that you can’t replicate with a conventional oven.
3. Convenience: If you’re hosting a BBQ or cookout, the Caja China frees up space on your regular grill for other items, such as meats or vegetables. You can make multiple pizzas at once without crowding your primary grill.
4. Perfect Crust: Thanks to the Caja China’s indirect heat, your pizza will cook evenly, achieving that ideal balance between a crunchy, golden-brown crust and gooey cheese.
5. Fun and Unique: Using a Caja China to cook pizza is a fun and novel way to prepare this classic dish. It adds an element of creativity to your cooking and makes your pizza experience stand out.

Preparing the Pizza for Grilling in a Caja China

Now that you know why the Caja China is an ideal tool for grilling pizza, let’s go over the preparation steps. You can either make your own dough from scratch or use pre-made pizza dough for convenience. Here’s how you can prepare the pizza for grilling in the Caja China.

Ingredients

For the pizza dough:

• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp of active dry yeast
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of sugar
• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 tbsp of olive oil

For the pizza toppings:

• 1 cup of pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp of olive oil (for brushing the crust)
• Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)

Step-by-Step Pizza Dough Preparation

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes bubbly and foamy.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare the pizza: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions. Roll out each portion into a round pizza shape, about 10-12 inches in diameter, depending on the size of your Caja China.
6. Preheat the Caja China: Light the charcoal and allow it to burn for about 30 minutes to an hour. You want the charcoal to be evenly distributed and covered with a layer of white ash before cooking the pizza.

Grilling Pizza in the Caja China

Once your pizza dough is prepared and your Caja China is preheated, it’s time to grill the pizza. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Prepare the Caja China: Once the charcoal is ready, spread it evenly over the top of the Caja China. Place the rack inside the box and make sure the pizza will fit comfortably without touching the sides.
2. Prepare the pizza: Place your pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel to help with easy transfer. Brush a light layer of olive oil on the crust to prevent it from sticking and to give it a golden, crispy finish. Then, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the dough, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add your desired toppings on top.
3. Place the pizza in the Caja China: Carefully transfer the prepared pizza to the Caja China. You can place the pizza directly on the rack or use a pizza stone if you prefer. The key is to ensure that the pizza sits evenly inside the box to cook properly.
4. Cover the Caja China and cook the pizza: Close the lid of the Caja China and allow the pizza to cook. Check the pizza after 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s cooking evenly. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the dough and the heat inside the Caja China, but it should take about 15-20 minutes for a thin crust pizza and 20-25 minutes for a thicker crust.
5. Monitor the pizza: Keep an eye on the pizza to ensure it doesn’t burn. If the top is cooking too quickly, you can move the pizza to a lower rack or adjust the charcoal for more even heat distribution.
6. Check for doneness: The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and crispy, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and any toppings are cooked through. You can use a pizza peel or a spatula to carefully lift the pizza from the Caja China.
7. Remove the pizza and serve: Once the pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the Caja China and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Slice it and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Flavor Variations for Grilled Pizza

Grilling pizza in a Caja China opens up a world of flavor possibilities. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Margherita Pizza: Classic and simple, top your pizza with fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella for a light, flavorful option.
2. BBQ Chicken Pizza: Spread BBQ sauce as the base instead of traditional pizza sauce, then add cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a smoky twist.
3. Vegetarian Pizza: Top your pizza with a variety of fresh veggies like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, and olives for a healthy, vibrant pizza.
4. Meat Lover’s Pizza: For a hearty option, load your pizza with various meats like sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ground beef for a satisfying meal.
5. White Pizza: Skip the tomato sauce and spread a mixture of ricotta, garlic, and olive oil as the base. Add spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella for a creamy, savory pizza.

Tips for Perfecting Pizza in the Caja China

• Use parchment paper or a pizza peel: To make it easier to transfer the pizza in and out of the Caja China, use parchment paper or a pizza peel to slide the pizza onto the rack.
• Adjust the heat: The temperature in the Caja China can fluctuate, so monitor the charcoal and make adjustments as needed. If the pizza is cooking too quickly, reduce the amount of charcoal or adjust its position.
• Don’t overload the toppings: While it’s tempting to add lots of toppings, too many can make the pizza soggy or cause it to cook unevenly. Stick to a few key ingredients for the best results.

Conclusion

Grilling pizza in a Caja China is an exciting and delicious way to prepare this beloved dish. The Caja China‘s high heat, combined with the smoky flavors from the charcoal, creates a pizza that’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita, a meat lover’s pizza, or a creative vegetarian option, the Caja China can help you achieve the perfect pizza every time. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be ready to impress your family and friends with a unique, mouthwatering pizza experience right off the grill.