Furikake is a sweet-savory Japanese seasoning traditionally eaten with rice. There’s a vast range of flavors, and you can even make it from scratch!
Furikake (ふりかけ) is a Japanese rice seasoning. The Japanese eat it with steamed rice and season Onigiri (rice balls). You can also sprinkle it over salads, poke bowls, avocado toast, popcorn, and grilled protein, such as chicken.
What is Furikake
Furikake (“sprinkles”) is a flaky or powered Japanese seasoning consisting of sesame seeds, seaweed, and dried seafood, meat, or vegetables. It is often sprinkled over steamed rice to enjoy.
It’s popular with young children and adults and can come in single-serving packets or large containers.
Furikake goes back to the 12th century when there are records of making a salty powdered condiment consisting of dried sea bream, salmon, and shark. The current iteration was invented as a nutritional supplement in the early 20th century. It contained ground fish bones and poppy seeds to address the calcium and nutrient deficiency among the population.
The commercial variety contains a blend of bonito flakes, toasted sesame seeds, nori seaweed, sugar, and salt. Some include salmon flakes, umeboshi plum, shiso, egg, wasabi, and vegetables. Creative flavors include Japanese curry, mentaiko, dried natto, la-yu, and yuzu kosho.
What Does It Taste Like
The flavor can vary depending on the ingredients, but it tends to have a sweet and umami flavor.
How To Use
Sprinkle furikake seasoning over a bowl of rice, onigiri rice balls, grilled salmon, snacks, or anything you wish to add to a sweet-umami flavor.
Homemade Furikake
You can make homemade furikake with leftover umami-rich ingredients like kombu and katsuobushi from making dashi or Mentsuyu, daikon greens, or salted shiso leaves. It won’t contain preservatives and additives, and you won’t create waste!
Recipes Using Furikake
Where To Buy
Find it at Asian and Japanese grocery stores or in the ethnic food aisle of major supermarkets.
How To Choose The Best
Some brands include MSG. Look for those with No MSG or mutenka (無添加) labels.
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