There are many different delicious ramen toppings out there, but one of the most discussed is furikake seasoning. While it sounds intriguing and is a popular item for use in ramen, not everyone knows about this product. If you’re unfamiliar with the ramen scene, you might wonder - what is furikake seasoning? What are you supposed to do with it?
If you’re interested in learning more about furikake, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want kimchi ramen, vegetarian ramen, or pork ramen, it’s valuable to know about the items you’re putting in your food. We’ll dive into furikake seasoning, what it tastes like, how it’s used in typical food and other valuable information about furikake.
What Is Furikake Seasoning?
When it comes to ramen toppings, there are several different types. You can use veggies, proteins, and seasonings for the tastiest results. Furikake falls under the seasoning label for ramen toppings.
The spice has roots dating back to the 20th century in Japan. It was originally created as a nutritional supplement, then developed into a kitchen staple most people from Japan grew up with today.
Furikake is a blend made from the following spices:
- Bonito flakes
- Nori seaweed
- Sesame seeds
- Salt
- Sugar
- Shiso leaves
These spices come together to create a unique, rich flavor.
Once upon a time, furikake was made with ground fish bones to increase its medicinal properties. Today, that additional ingredient has been removed from the typical creation process of the topping.
What Does Furikake Taste Like?
Many people choose to use furikake on a healthy ramen, and that’s for a reason. 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.
Not only is the taste of furikake unique, but the texture is another popular reason why people add furikake to their ramen. It’s crispy and crunchy, which allows it to work well with the soft texture of noodles in ramen. It also contrasts with softer ramen toppings that soak up the broth, such as eggs or protein.
Furikake flavors will also vary depending on the specific spices used. Some people might leave out or add different items depending on their flavor preferences.
How Can You Use Furikake?
One of the most common ways to use furikake is on ramen noodles, such as in ramen cups. It’s one of the most popular ramen toppings on products like Mike’s Mighty Good Ramen, as it adds a unique savory element and an excellent crunch. However, there are even more ways to use furikake in food.
Here are a few additional ways to use furikake on food:
- As a topping on avocado toast
- As a texture in tofu dishes
- In a stir-fry to add more spices
- As a texture balancer in rice or poke bowls
- To top fish and add more flavor
- On popcorn
- On eggs
- In miso soup
There are many ways to take advantage of furikake.
Anything that needs a rich, earthy, salty flavor will benefit from furikake. Also, any dish that is soft and typically does not require much chewing will benefit from the crunchy contrast of furikake seasoning.
Can You Make Furikake?
Let’s say you have an instant ramen recipe that calls for furikake, but you don’t have any in stock. Not every store has furikake - so what are you supposed to do? It’s possible for you to create your own furikake seasoning.
Here are the ingredients you will need to bring furikake to life:
- ½ cup white sesame seeds
- 2-3 seasoned nori sheets
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
These are the basics for furikake.
Here are some optional additives to improve the furikake:
- Shiitake powder
- Black sesame seeds
- Dulse
- Kelp powder
- Wasabi power
- Shiso leaves
- Miso powder
These will all further the rich flavor profile of your seasoning.
It’s best to invest in a small, empty seasoning shaker to place your completed furikake inside for storage and easy access when it’s needed. By making your own furikake, you will save more money in the long term. However, it might take a little practice to perfect the process of developing furikake seasoning.
What Type of Ramen Is Furikake Good With?
If you want to use furikake in ramen, it’s ideal to pick the right flavor profile. There’s a multitude of ramen flavors out there, and not everyone will pair well with the salty unique taste of furikake. If you want to enjoy it, there are a few popular selections you can choose from on the market.
Furikake is excellent with the following types of ramen:
- Chicken ramen
- Miso ramen
- Beef ramen
- Vegan Ramen
- Spicy ramen
Furikake is an excellent balance to any of these ramen profiles.
Mighty Good Ramen offers all these ramen flavors, ready to mix with furikake seasoning. It’s especially excellent with ramen that has a rich meaty or spicy flavor, as the furikake works to bring balance to the dish and will unite the taste in every bite. Also, fish-based ramen will benefit from furikake because it will emphasize the fish for those who enjoy it.
Best Storage Methods for Furikake
Let’s say you enjoy your ramen noodles and your furikake on top of them. If you have leftover furikake, it’s critical to store it properly to ensure it lasts for a long time. The longer your ramen lasts, the more money you will be able to keep in your pocket, especially if you make your furikake by hand.
If you have furikake, you should store it by completing the following ideas:
- Place it in a sealed container with a silica packet at room temperature
- Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for two weeks
- Keep it in an airtight container in the freezer for two months
Keep air out of the container and the furikake should be able to last for a long time.
Your goal with furikake should be to keep it sealed in a container for as long as possible. The longer you can do this, the longer the furikake will remain crisp and ready for use on top of your meals. Once the furikake uses its texture, it might be time to throw it out and invest in a new container.
What Is a Good Substitute for Furikake?
Maybe you have an organic ramen noodle and want a topping, but you don’t want furikake. There are a couple substitutes that will provide the same concept as furikake, but don’t have the same rich and fishy profile as the iconic topping.
Here are a few of the best alternatives to furikake on food:
- Crushed seaweed with sesame seeds
- Salt and sesame seeds
- Nori flakes
- Shichimi togarashi
Each offers either a similar salty tang or a crunchy texture that imitates furikake.
The best substitutes for furikake in a meal add crunch and a distinct salty tang. If you want something a little less complex and fishy, go with one of the four alternatives on our list.
Final Thoughts
There are many different ramen toppings, and one of the most popular is the seaweed mix known as furikake. It’s a salty, crunchy, and rich flavor that many ramen eaters love. Although it isn’t for everyone, those that love furikake know it’s one of the staples for ramen.
If you’re interested in quality ramen to pair with your furikake, try Mighty Mike’s Ramen. Our goal is to make high-quality ramen available to everyone, no matter who or where you are. We are passionate about quality food and would love to provide an excellent meal to everyone while creating a unique group of foodies across the country.
