Furikake – Japanese Rice Seasoning

If you haven’t tried FURIKAKE – the Japanese seasoning yet – you are in luck. Because I am going to show you how to make this delicious flavouring in 5 minutes.

Furikake Japanese Rice Seasoning

Since the first day we tried furikake over sushi rice, with a dollop of mayonnaise, it was clear this recipe is here to stay. The sweet and salty flavour of this popular Japanese seasoning plays with all of your taste buds. It is so versatile and easy to use. My kids absolutely love it and I love it too because it is made from nori sheets and sesame seeds. Add a chopped cucumber, peppers or carrots and you have a quick lunch that is definitely better than a cheesy toasty.

What is furikake?

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning that is usually made from nori, sesame seeds, salt and sugar. Sometimes bonito, freeze-dried salmon, cooked egg yolk, and powdered miso are added to the mix.

It is sprinkled over cooked rice, fish or vegetables. It is also used to make Japanese rice balls – onigiri.

Homemade furikake ingredients

All ingredients for furikake rice seasoning are easily found at your local Asian shop and nowadays also in regular supermarkets. My simple furikake recipe calls for 5 simple ingredients only.

• Nori. In case you are new to Japanese cuisine, nori is dried edible seaweed. It is usually sold in square sheets.
• Sesame seeds. I used white sesame seeds, but you can use black sesame seeds if you prefer. The seeds have to be slightly toasted, they will provide a nutty aroma to the furikake.
• Sugar. I always use organic brown sugar in my cooking because it is the least processed variety. You can also use coconut sugar.
• Sea salt. A pinch of good-quality sea salt is a healthy addition to any diet. It is minimally processed and contains minerals including potassium, iron, and calcium. (source)
• Sesame oil. I like adding a splash of sesame oil to bring all ingredients together. When buying sesame oil always opt for an organic or at least GMO-free variety.

See the recipe card below for the full ingredients list.

How to make furikake

This furikake recipe is probably THE easiest recipe I have ever shared.

1. Take the nori sheets and using your fingers break the sheets into very small pieces. You can cut nori sheets with scissors or blend them in a food processor if you would like to have a finer texture. If your nori is not very crisp and doesn’t break easily, put it in the hot oven at 400’F (200’C) for a couple of minutes to crispen them up.
2. Toast the sesame seeds in a small frying pan. Watch and stir at all times. Sesame seeds tend to burn very quickly. Once they turn slightly golden, transfer them to a bowl with the nori.
3. Add the sugar, salt and sesame oil and mix everything to combine.

The homemade furikake seasoning is done.

How to store

You can keep this furikake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

How to use furikake

Once you try the furikake you will know that there are endless ways that you can use it. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

• Sprinkle this Japanese seasoning over freshly cooked sushi rice to make furikake rice.
• Make onigiri balls.
• Sprinkle over avocado toast.
• Make furikake popcorn, by adding the seasoning to natural popcorn.
• Sprinkle it over congee.
• Add furikake to miso-glazed salmon.

Spicy furikake

Feel free to add some chilli flakes or chilli powder to add some heat to the seasoning. Spicy furikake is a great addition to scrambled eggs too.

Furikake seasoning recipe and video