Furikake Seasoning: Description, Recipes, & Uses | Blue Apron (2024)

FAQs

What do you use furikake seasoning on? ›

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning intended to be sprinkled on rice, vegetables and fish.

Noritama Furikake – This popular variety includes dried nori seaweed, dehydrated egg, and sesame seeds seasoned with soy, sugar, and artificial preservatives. It has a savory and slightly sweet flavor and is often used as a topping for rice dishes.

Furikake is a savory Japanese seasoning blend that typically contains dried fish (or other protein), sesame seeds, dried seaweed flakes, sugar and soy sauce.

Salt + Sesame Seedss

My first choice is to just sprinkle on some sea salt (preferably sea salt flakes) and some toasted sesame seeds. This will give you the visuals and nutiness of furikake.

All you have to do is add a few teaspoons to the top of your dish, and you'll instantly boost the flavor, texture, and appearance of whatever you're serving. Generally, furikake is a savory mix of sesame seeds, seaweed, and salt that is used as a finishing touch on meals.

It has a distinct seaweed taste which many associate with healthier food. It's also crunchy and salty, meshing with a lovely nutty taste that comes from the inclusion of the sesame seeds. It's a very savory seasoning that combines well with Japanese flavors.

3. As a topping: Sprinkle furikake over diced avocado or use it as a topping for fried eggs, scrambled eggs, or omelets. 4. As a snack: The seasoning can add a burst of umami flavor to toasted nuts, popcorn, or granola if you're in the mood for a savory snack.

Sprinkled on rice

As such, the most well-known and accepted way of using furikake is to tear open a sachet and sprinkle it over a serving of rice, whether that be hot, steamed rice fresh from the rice cooker/saucepan, cold rice from the night before, or rice that is going into a bento box for lunch.

Furikake: A Staple of Japanese Cuisine

Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning made from seaweed, toasted sesame seeds, and dried fish. There are many variations to this dry condiment, which translates to “sprinkled over” in English; however, the basic make-up is fairly consistent.

Furikake are further categorized into dry types, which have a long shelf-life, and soft, moist varieties, which typically require refrigeration after opening.

How long does furikake last after opening? ›

Furikake stays fresh for quite a while due to its dry nature. When unopened, it can easily last for more than a year, even up to two years, if stored properly. Once the package is opened, it's usually good for about 6 months because air exposure can decrease its quality.

Togarashi is spicy and has a strong citrus flavor, while Furikake is savory and has a slightly sweet taste. The ingredients in each seasoning are also different, with Togarashi containing red pepper flakes and ginger, while Furikake contains dried fish and seaweed.

Furikake is a savory Japanese spice blend made with dried seaweed (nori), toasted sesame seeds, salt, and spices, typically sprinkled over Japanese rice, veggies, ramen, fish or avocado toast!

Nori and sesame seeds furikake: This classic combination is one of the most common furikake options, offering a simple yet delicious flavor. Katsuobushi and nori furikake: Another popular choice is bonito and nori furikake which is a staple in many Japanese households and a quick way to add some umami to your meals.

As you can see from its origin story, furikake is high in many vital nutrients. As previously mentioned, that includes calcium, but it's also high in protein, iodine, iron, and other minerals. Considering the combination of health benefits and depth of flavor, it's easy to see why furikake is so popular!

Furikake is absolutely wonderful on just a simple bowl of rice, porridge, or udon noodles. It's also perfect for seasoning onigiri (Japanese rice balls), soba noodle salad, grilled salmon, or rice crackers.

In terms of nutritional elements, furikake is rich in protein, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber, depending on the ingredients used. It can also supply various essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B, C, iodine, and zinc [4].

Most of the store-bought furikake contain M.S.G; even if health concerns surrounding M.S.G. have been disproven, I still consider it cheating to use it: The key ingredients of furikake are already intensely umami—they don't need a synthetic boost, just a pinch of salt and sugar.