Excited to enjoy some Japanese food but don’t have any Furikake? I’ve got you covered. Here are my favourite simple Furikake substitutes.
What is Furikake?
Furikake is a dry Japanese seasoning that can be used to season food before cooking or sprinkled on at the table.
It’s made from white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, salt, nori flakes (seaweed), sugar, chilli, orange peel and Sichuan pepper.
The major flavours are nuttiness from the seeds and savouriness from the seaweed. And aromatics from the orange and Sichuan pepper.
The Best Simple Furikake Substitutes
1. 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.
2. Salt + Sesame Seeds + Nori
If you want a closer match, adding some toasted nori sheets (seaweed) that have been finely chopped (I use scissors) will add extra savoriness.
3. Schichimi Togarashi
If you happen to have Shichimi Togarashi another Japanese sprinkle, it can be used. It will be hotter than Furikake but will be so full of flavour you won’t notice the difference.
More Tips for Cooking with Spice
- Have You Tried this Amazing Spice?
- My 3 Favourite Spice Blends (and their substitutes)
- Interview with a spice master
- How to stock a minimalist spice collection
Favourite Simple Japanese Recipes
- Fried Eggs with Smashed Avo & Togarashi
- Togarashi Beef
- Japanese Omelette with Miso Mayo
- Easy Japanese Burgers
- Okonomiyaki (Japanese Cabbage ‘Pancake’)
- Japanese Steaks with Ginger Miso Mustard
- Super Yum Japanese Broccoli
More Ingredient Substitutes
- The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Substitutes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Collard Greens
- Miso Paste
- Oyster Sauce
- Pesto
- Tahini
Also see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x