Homemade Furikake (Japanese Rice Seasoning)

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own furikake at home is a fun and rewarding experience. This Japanese rice seasoning adds great flavor to many dishes, such as rice, vegetables, and fish. By making it yourself, you can control the ingredients and customize the taste to your liking. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare!

How to Make Homemade Furikake

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup white sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp black sesame seeds
  • 2 tsp shiitake powder
  • 1 tsp kelp powder
  • 3 tbsp bonito flakes
  • ½ tsp wasabi powder
  • ¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tsp dried red shiso/perilla leaves
  • 2-3 seasoned nori sheets
  • Sugar & salt to taste (optional)

Directions:


  1. Prepare the Sesame Seeds: Using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the white sesame seeds a few times until they are partially ground, leaving some seeds whole.



  2. Toast the Seeds: Heat a frying pan on low heat. Fry the white sesame seeds for about 5 minutes. Then, add the black sesame seeds and stir for around 10 minutes or until the white sesame seeds turn light golden brown and become fragrant.



  3. Prepare the Nori: Stack the nori sheets, then cut or crush them into small pieces.



  4. Grind the Bonito Flakes: In a spice grinder or using a mortar and pestle, grind the bonito flakes into small pieces.



  5. Mix the Ingredients: Place the sesame seeds in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. If desired, add sugar and salt to taste. Mix everything well.



  6. Store Your Furikake: Use the furikake to season your dish immediately or store it in an airtight container. It can last up to 6 months.


How to Serve Homemade Furikake

Furikake is versatile! You can sprinkle it on steamed rice, use it as a topping for sushi, or even add it to salads or popcorn for extra flavor. It is perfect for enhancing the taste of simple dishes, making them more exciting.

How to Store Homemade Furikake

Store your homemade furikake in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for about 6 months. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to keep it from losing its flavor.

Tips to Make Homemade Furikake

  • Adjust the spices: Feel free to add more or less wasabi powder and red chili flakes based on your spice preference.
  • Fresh ingredients: Using fresh sesame seeds and bonito flakes will enhance the flavor of your furikake.
  • Experiment with flavors: You can try adding other ingredients like garlic powder or different types of seaweed to customize your seasoning blend.

Variation

If you want a vegan version, you can omit the bonito flakes and use additional shiitake powder for umami flavor. You can also try adding dried fish flakes or different kinds of seaweed as per your taste.

FAQs


  1. What is furikake used for?
    Furikake is mainly used to season rice, but it can also be sprinkled on salads, vegetables, or seafood dishes.



  2. Can I make furikake without bonito flakes?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting bonito flakes and using more shiitake powder.



  3. How long does homemade furikake last?
    If stored in an airtight container in a cool place, it can last up to 6 months.


Furikake

A flavorful Japanese rice seasoning that enhances dishes like rice, vegetables, and fish, while allowing for ingredient customization.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Condiment, Snack
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 50

Ingredients
  

Sesame Seeds and Seasonings
  • ½ cup white sesame seeds Partially ground
  • 1 tsp black sesame seeds
  • 2 tsp shiitake powder
  • 1 tsp kelp powder
  • 3 tbsp bonito flakes
  • ½ tsp wasabi powder
  • ¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes Optional
  • 2 tsp dried red shiso/perilla leaves Can substitute with other dried leaves
  • 2-3 sheets seasoned nori sheets Cut or crushed into small pieces
  • to taste sugar Optional
  • to taste salt Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the white sesame seeds a few times until they are partially ground, leaving some seeds whole.
  2. Heat a frying pan on low heat and fry the white sesame seeds for about 5 minutes. Then, add the black sesame seeds and stir for around 10 minutes or until the white sesame seeds turn light golden brown and become fragrant.
  3. Stack the nori sheets, then cut or crush them into small pieces.
  4. In a spice grinder or using a mortar and pestle, grind the bonito flakes into small pieces.
  5. Place the sesame seeds in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. If desired, add sugar and salt to taste. Mix everything well.
Storage
  1. Use the furikake to season your dish immediately or store it in an airtight container. It can last up to 6 months.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your spice preference. Using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor. For a vegan version, omit the bonito flakes and use additional shiitake powder.