Furikake is a versatile Japanese sesame seasoning blend that can enhance a wide variety of dishes with its savory flavor and crunchy texture. Make it in no time with sesame seeds, nori and other seasonings.
Furikake is a staple Japanese savory seasoning that effortlessly transforms many dishes.
Toasted nori seaweed and toasted black and white sesame seeds are a match made in heaven in this sprinkle, and if you can get your hands on dried shiso flakes, then they add another layer of great flavor.
Furikake is a staple in my household, and we love it sprinkled liberally over bowls of steamed rice or used to flavor simple noodle dishes, ramen or pho.
We love it so much that we even use it on scrambled eggs or mashed potato! Totally non-traditional, but totally delicious.
Another way we love to use furikake, is to sprinkle it on Miso Mushrooms, or Roasted Miso Cauliflower.
If you're looking for more homemade Japanese condiments from scratch, be sure to check out Amai Sauce and Gyoza Sauce.
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What is Furikake?
Furikake, which translates to "sprinkle over," is a Japanese seasoning blend typically used to add flavor and texture to rice.
The base ingredients of furikake often include toasted sesame seeds, nori seaweed, and bonito and/or shiso flakes, though variations abound.
This savory mixture is known for its umami-rich taste, thanks to the rich combination of ingredients.
Traditionally, furikake was created as a convenient way to enhance the flavor of plain rice, but its uses have expanded to include everything from noodles to salads.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Enhancement: Homemade furikake allows you to control the flavor profile, ensuring a perfect balance of savory, nutty, and salty notes.
- Customization: Tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the ingredients and proportions to create your signature blend.
- Quality Ingredients: Making this sesame seasoning at home ensures that you're using fresh, high-quality ingredients, resulting in a superior end product.
- Cost-Effective: Crafting your own furikake is often more economical than purchasing pre-made blends, especially if you already have the basic ingredients on hand.
Ingredients
- Nori Seaweed: Toasted nori sheets add a briny, oceanic flavor to furikake. If unavailable, you can substitute with other seaweed varieties.
- White Sesame Seeds: These nutty seeds provide a toasty flavor and crunchy texture to the seasoning blend. Substitute with black sesame seeds for a richer taste.
- Black Sesame Seeds: Rich in color and flavor, black sesame seeds add depth to the furikake mixture. Feel free to adjust the ratio of white to black sesame seeds based on your preference.
- Bonito Flakes (Katsuobushi): Optional but highly recommended for an extra umami boost, bonito flakes are made from dried, fermented fish. Vegetarian alternatives such as dried shiitake mushrooms can be used.
- Dried Shiso Leaf: Also optional, dried shiso leaf lends a unique herbal note.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Black and White Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are tiny powerhouses of flavor and nutrition, each bringing its unique characteristics to dishes like furikake.
White sesame seeds, with their delicate nutty taste and golden hue, add a subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch to recipes. Rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats, they not only enhance the flavor but also provide essential nutrients.
On the other hand, black sesame seeds offer a deeper, more robust flavor profile, with a hint of bitterness and a striking dark color. Packed with antioxidants and beneficial minerals like copper and manganese, black sesame seeds bring depth and complexity to dishes, balancing out the sweetness of white sesame seeds.
Nori
Nori seaweed, a staple in Japanese cuisine, lends a distinct umami flavor and a hint of oceanic brininess to furikake.
Its crisp texture and rich mineral content make it a prized ingredient, offering a nutritional boost along with its savory taste. When toasted, nori transforms into delicate sheets of aromatic goodness, adding depth and complexity to the furikake blend.
Shiso Leaf
Dried shiso leaf, though optional, adds a subtle herbal note and a touch of freshness to furikake.
Known for its distinct aroma and vibrant color, shiso leaf complements the savory elements of the seasoning blend, enhancing its overall complexity. Whether used in its dried form or fresh, shiso leaf lends a unique flavor profile that sets furikake apart from other seasoning blends, adding depth and character to every dish it graces.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Toast the nori seaweed sheets by passing them quickly over an open flame or toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become crisp and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to burn them. Let them cool.
Once cooled, crumble or cut the nori seaweed sheets into small pieces. You can use scissors or tear them by hand.
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over a medium heat for about 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the crumbled nori seaweed with the toasted sesame seeds, shiso flakes (if using).
Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Taste the furikake mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Once you're satisfied with the flavor, transfer the furikake to an airtight container or a small jar for storage.
Storage
- Store homemade furikake in an airtight container or resealable bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, it can last for several weeks.
Variations
- Miso Furikake: Incorporate miso powder into the furikake mixture for a savory, slightly tangy flavor.
- Spicy Furikake: Add chili flakes or powder to the blend for a fiery kick.
- Shiitake Furikake: Add dried shiitake mushroom powder for a rich version.
Ways to use Furikake
- Sprinkle Over Rice: The classic way to enjoy furikake is by sprinkling it generously over steamed rice. It adds depth of flavor and visual appeal to plain rice, transforming it into a flavorful side dish or standalone meal.
- Top Sushi Rolls: Use furikake as a topping for homemade or store-bought sushi rolls to add an extra layer of flavor and texture. It pairs especially well with seafood fillings, adding a delicious umami kick to each bite.
- Season Noodles: Sprinkle furikake over cooked noodles, whether it's udon, soba, ramen, or even spaghetti. It infuses the noodles with savory goodness and elevates simple pasta dishes to gourmet status. Try it on mushroom ramen.
- Garnish Salads: Add a sprinkle of furikake to salads for a burst of flavor and crunch. It's an easy way to jazz up greens, grains, or vegetable salads and make them more exciting and flavorful. Try it on Asian Coleslaw.
- Enhance Vegetables: Sprinkle furikake over roasted or steamed vegetables to add depth and complexity to their natural flavors. It works particularly well with vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and green beans.
- Season Popcorn: Upgrade your popcorn game by sprinkling furikake over freshly popped kernels. The savory-sweet flavor of furikake pairs surprisingly well with the buttery richness of popcorn, creating a unique and addictive snack.
- Flavor Eggs: Sprinkle furikake over scrambled eggs, omelets, or fried eggs for a delicious twist on breakfast classics. It adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to eggs, making them more interesting and satisfying.
- Season Avocado Toast: Spread mashed avocado on toast and sprinkle furikake on top for a flavorful and nutritious breakfast or snack. The combination of creamy avocado and savory furikake is simply irresistible.
Top tips
- Toast the sesame seeds and nori separately to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
- Experiment with different ratios of ingredients to find your perfect furikake blend.
- Don't be afraid to get creative! Add other ingredients such as bonito, other seaweed flakes, or citrus zest for additional flavor dimensions.
- Make a double or triple batch and share with friends and family—they'll appreciate the homemade touch!
FAQ
Yes, you can use pre-toasted sesame seeds, but toasting them yourself will yield a fresher, more aromatic flavor.
While it's technically safe to store furikake in the refrigerator, it may cause the ingredients to lose their crispness and flavor more quickly. It's best to store it in a cool, dry pantry.
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📖 Recipe
Furikake
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 sheets nori seaweed
- 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon bonito flakes (optional)
- 2 teaspoons dried shiso leaf (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the nori seaweed sheets by passing them quickly over an open flame of your gas stove or toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become crisp and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to burn them. Let them cool.
- Once cooled, crumble the nori seaweed sheets into small pieces. You can use scissors or tear them by hand.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over a medium heat for about 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the crumbled nori seaweed with the toasted sesame seeds, (and bonito flakes and shiso, if using).
- Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to an airtight container or a small jar for storage.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It will keep for several weeks.
- Sprinkle the furikake over rice, noodles, salads, vegetables, or any other dish you'd like to add flavor to.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Nora Smythe
I always reach for this sesame mix in Japanese restaurants, so I was really happy to find your recipe on Pinterest. I've started to make homemade sushi, but missed this so now I have a big jar of it in the larder! Thank you for the easy to follow instructions!
Andrea
I've had this many times on Sushi but didn't realize it was a specific combination of textures and flavors. Now that I know it is easy to make and that it goes well with other dishes, I'm going to add this to my essentials list.
TAYLER ROSS
I made this seasoning and added it to some veggies for dinner last night- it was incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Paula
I had never thought to make furikake at home! What a fantastic idea to stock up on this incredible seasoning. Can't wait to try this.
Kushi Mallya
Love the combination of ingredients used to make this seasoning. Pinned to try this soon.