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.
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.
See the recipe card for quantities.
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 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.
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.
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.
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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Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
Furikake is a Japanese seasoning that adds umami flavor to many dishes. Make it in no time with sesame seeds, nori and other seasonings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Condiments
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 10
Calories 23 kcal
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.
Calories: 23kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 21mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.02gVitamin A: 27IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
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.