Shichimi togarashi, or Japanese seven spice, is a mix of red chili flakes, sansho pepper, sesame seeds, nori seaweed, shiso, dried orange peel, hemp, and poppy seeds.
Shichimi togarashi (“seven flavored chili peppers”) 七味唐辛子 is a spice blend featuring dried red chili pepper, sansho pepper, hemp seeds, white and/or black sesame seeds, mandarin orange peel, and nori. It’s ground into a fine powder for easy sprinkling over dishes.
Table of contents
What Is Shichimi Togarashi
Shichimi togarashi is a powdered spice mix. It’s sprinkled over ramen, udon and soba noodles, gyudon, tonjiru, yakitori, and hot pot dishes. It’s a pantry staple, an all-purpose condiment, and a finishing seasoning.
There are regional differences in the balance and differences of ingredients, such as the addition of yuzu peel, shiso leaves, poppy seeds, and ground ginger. The three historic shichimi producers are Yagenbori in Asakusa, Tokyo, Shichimiya in Kiyomizu, Kyoto, and Yawata Isogoro in Zenkoji, Nagano.
Other names include Japanese seven-spice and nanami togarashi.
What Does It Taste Like
It’s subtly citrusy, spicy, and nutty with an umami complexity.
Are Shichimi and Ichimi Togarashi the Same
They do sound similar, but the spice composition is different.
- Ichimi (一味) is made of red chili pepper
- Shichimi (七味) is made of chili pepper and other spices (shichi means ‘seven’ in Japanese).
How To Use
Sprinkle it over noodle soups, rice bowls, soups and stews, or popcorn. It’s also an excellent seasoning for grilled proteins and vegetables, such as steak, poultry, seafood, and tofu.
You could also mix it with Japanese mayo for spicy mayonnaise.
Where To Buy
You can find S&B Shichimi Togarashi on Amazon and in Japanese/Asian grocery stores.
My favorite brand is Yawataya Isogoro Shichimi Togarashi (八幡屋礒五郎七味唐辛子). You can purchase it on Amazon. You won’t miss this bright color tin in a spice aisle at the Japanese grocery stores!
How To Store
Keep away from humidity and moisture and store in a cool place.
Recipes Using Shichimi Togarashi
- Nabeyaki Udon 鍋焼きうどん
- Oyakodon 親子丼
- Japanese Roasted Kabocha Squash
- Teba Shio 手羽先塩焼き
Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.
