Furikake is a wonderful Japanese spice blend that's used as a condiment on sushi, rice, fish, vegetables, poké bowls, and more. It's really easy to make homemade furikake to use in your recipes.
There are many kinds of furikake blends, so I'll give you several mix-in options and suggestions that you can try!
What is furikake made of?
A basic furikake recipe can be made by combining bonito flakes, nori, black and white sesame seeds, and salt. This blend has a mild, briny, and savory flavor.
Some recipes include miso, soy sauce, sugar, dried kelp (kombu), dried egg, shiso, freeze-dried salmon, wasabi, sardines, dried shrimp, dried anchovies, or shiitake powder.
Recipes using Furikake
While furikake might be thought of as typically a rice seasoning, it can be used in so many ways! Here are some of our favorite dishes that use it.
- Furikake Salmon - a savory salmon recipe with kewpie mayo and furikake topping.
- Furikake Chex Mix - a sweet-salty Hawaii snack made from cereals and chips, tossed with furikake and a sweet and savory butter-soy sauce syrup.
- Furikake Discard Crackers - thin and crispy, these are the perfect solution to your sourdough discard!
- Furikake Fries - matchstick fries tossed with a sticky sweet sauce and topped with furikake.
- Spicy Tuna Onigiri - Japanese rice balls stuffed with tuna and topped with furikake.
- Chili Oil Eggs - a delicious breakfast bowl with fried eggs, rice, and furikake.
How long will furikake keep for?
Homemade furikake blends are good for a month or less. Store the seasoning blend in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Homemade blends don't last as long as store blends because they don't have preservatives.
What does furikake taste like?
Furikake tastes briny and tangy. It has an umami flavor from the savory and salty mix of ingredients and also tastes like the sea.
Depending on the ingredients in your furikake blend it might also have some spicy or sour notes.
More Great Spice Blends to Try
If you enjoy this recipe, try some of our other favorite spice blends that you can make at home.
- Chinese Five Spice - a richly flavorful spice blend that can be used in cooking and baking.
- Dukkah Spice Mix - a Middle Eastern spice blend made with ground nuts and earthy spices.
- Shichimi Togarashi Recipe (Japanese Seven Spice) - a tangy blend made with dried orange peels and nori.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning - dried lemons and pepper combine for a zesty blend that's great on chicken.
Tips for Making this Recipe
Storing Tips - I recommend using your furikake blend within a month. Store it in a jar or Tupperware in a cool, dry location.
Diet/Allergy Alternatives - If you'd like your blend to be vegan, leave out the bonito flakes.
Furikake Recipe
This delicious Japanese spice blend combines toasted nori and sesame seeds for a savory bite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 2 sheets of nori
- 2 tablespoons bonito flakes (Katsuobushi)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Heat the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat for 1 minute, or until toasted. Remove them from the heat and place them in a small bowl.
- Wave nori over a gas range with the flame at medium for 30 seconds or toast in the small skillet over medium heat. Crumble it into small flakes in the bowl with the sesame.
- Add the bonito flakes, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.