Furikake Seasoning: The Perfect Seasoning For Rice

What Is Furikake?

Furikake is a dry Japanese seasoning that is usually sprinkled on top of rice, noodles, or vegetables. It typically contains four main ingredients: dried fish, bonito flakes, seaweed, and sesame seeds. These ingredients are then combined with salt, sugar, and msg to create a savory and umami-rich flavor profile. 

One of the most popular ways to eat furikake is by sprinkling it on top of steamed white rice. The combination of the savory bonito flakes and umami-packed seaweed makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. It is also a great way to add some extra flavor to plain rice dishes like sushi or fried rice.

In addition to being sprinkled on top of food, furikake can also be used as an ingredient in cooking. For example, it can be used to make onigiri (rice balls) more flavorful or added to soup or noodle dishes for extra savoriness. 

How To Use Furikake Seasoning

Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning that can be used on just about any dish. It's perfect for rice, salmon, Chex mix, popcorn, and even French fries! In this blog post, we'll show you how to use furikake to give your dishes an extra boost of flavor. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Furikake Rice

Rice is the perfect canvas for furikake seasoning.

To make furikake rice, simply add a few spoonfuls of furikake to your cooked rice and stir it in until evenly mixed. You can also add other ingredients like sesame seeds or dried seaweed for extra flavor.

2. Furikake Salmon

Salmon is another great dish to use furikake on. The savory and umami flavors of the seasoning go perfectly with the rich taste of salmon.

To make furikake salmon, simply sprinkle some furikake on top of your cooked salmon fillets. You can also add a little bit of soy sauce or mirin for extra flavor.

3. Furikake Chex Mix

Chex mix is a classic snack that's perfect for parties and gatherings.

To make furikake Chex mix, simply add a few spoonfuls of furikake seasoning to your favorite Chex mix recipe. You can also add other ingredients like dried seaweed or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

4. Furikake Popcorn

Popcorn is another great snack to use furikake on. The savory and umami flavors of the seasoning go perfectly with the crunchy texture of popcorn.

To make furikake popcorn, simply sprinkle some furikake on top of your popped popcorn kernels. You can also add a little bit of soy sauce or mirin for extra flavor. Once the popcorn is coated with the seasoning, it's ready to eat.

5. Furikake French Fries

French fries are a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything.

To make furikake French fries, simply sprinkle some furikake on top of your cooked French fries. You can also add a little bit of salt or pepper for extra flavor. Once the fries are coated with the seasoning, they're ready to be eaten.

Furikake (ふりかけ) vs Shichimi Togarashi (七味唐辛子)

If you're new to the world of Japanese cuisine, you may be wondering what the difference is between furikake and togarashi. Both are common seasoning blends used in Japanese cooking, but they have different flavor profiles and uses.

Furikake is a type of Japanese rice seasoning that is typically made from a blend of dried fish, bonito flakes, sesame seeds, seaweed, and salt.

It has an umami-rich flavor that makes it ideal for sprinkling on top of rice or noodles. Because of its savory taste, furikake is often used as a finishing touch for dishes like fish or chicken.

Togarashi, on the other hand, is a chile pepper-based seasoning blend that also includes ingredients like dried citrus peel, sesame seeds, ginger, and seaweed.

It has a spicy-salty flavor profile that can add depth and complexity to a dish. Togarashi is commonly used as a table condiment or as a seasoning for soup and noodle dishes.

Types Of Furikake

Once upon a time, the only furikake available was gomashio, a mixture of toasted sesame seeds and salt. But these days, you'll find furikake in a variety of flavor combinations, both traditional and modern.

The Classic Gomashio

Gomashio is still the most popular type of furikake, and for good reason. Its savory umami flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes, and its simple ingredients—sesame seeds and salt—make it easy to prepare at home.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own gomashio furikake by mixing toasted sesame seeds with salt to taste. Just be sure to use roasted sesame seeds for the best flavor.

Shiso Furikake

If you're looking for something a little more exotic, try shiso furikake. Shiso is a type of Japanese mint that imparts a unique flavor to this furikake mix.

Shiso furikake is typically made with roasted sesame seeds, shiso leaves, salt, and sometimes other ingredients like nori or dried fish.

You can find ready-made shiso furikake at most Asian markets, or you can make your own by mixing together equal parts roasted sesame seeds and chopped shiso leaves. Add seasoning to your taste.

Nori Furikake

Nori furikake is another popular type of furikake, made with roasted sesame seeds, nori seaweed sheets, and salt. It has a savory umami flavor that pairs well with rice and noodles. You can find ready-made nori furikake at most Asian markets or online retailers.

Furikake Variations

In addition to the conventional gomashio, shiso, and nori furikake, there are various other contemporary ingredients are now available such as dehydrated egg, wasabi, sardines, umeboshi, pork, cod roe, curry powder, yuzu peel, and other spices.

Furikake Seasoning Substitutes

Furikake is a dry mix that includes salt, sesame seeds, nori, and sometimes MSG. If you cannot find furikake or do not have any on hand, here are three substitutes that will give your food a similar flavor. 

1. Salt + Sesame Seeds + Nori 

If you have these three ingredients in your pantry, you can easily make a furikake substitute. Simply mix together 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, and 1 sheet of nori that has been finely chopped. This substitute will give your food a salty, umami flavor with a slight crunch. 

2. Shichimi togarashi 

Shichimi togarashi is a Japanese spice mix that typically includes chili pepper, Szechuan peppercorn, ground ginger, orange peel, garlic, and seaweed powder. It will give your food a slightly spicy kick with hints of citrus. 

3. Nanami togarashi 

Nanami togarashi is another Japanese spice mix that includes chili pepper, orange peel, Szechuan peppercorn, ginger, seaweed powder, and poppy seed. This spice mix can also be found in most Asian markets or online.

Wrap Up: Furikake Seasoning

• Furikake is a versatile and delicious seasoning that has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. Whether you sprinkle it on top of your food or use it as an ingredient in cooking, furikake is sure to add some extra flavor to your meal.
• If you're looking for something with a savory flavor, go with furikake. But if you want to add some spice to your dish, reach for the togarashi. Experiment with both seasonings until you find your perfect balance of flavors.
• While the classic gomashio furikake made with sesame seeds and salt is still the most popular type of furikake, modern variations made with ingredients like shiso leaves, nori seaweed sheets, dehydrated egg powder, wasabi, and curry powder are becoming increasingly popular.
• If you cannot find furikake or do not have any on hand, here are three substitutes that will give your food a similar flavor: Salt + Sesame Seeds + Nori; Shichimi Togarashi; Nanami Togarashi.
• Whether you're shaking it over rice or sprinkling it on roasted vegetables, furikake makes everything taste better! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own furikake at home in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get seasoning!