Furikake ふりかけ (Japanese Rice Seasoning)

This homemade furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) includes nori (seaweed), toasted black and white sesame seeds, salt, and sugar for a simple and easy basic furikake known as ‘nori komi furikake’. Sprinkle this on steamed rice, udon noodles, onigiri, ramen, popcorn, and more to easily add flavor to any dish!

This Japanese rice seasoning is fast, easy, and ready in just 5 minutes! It’s a quick and easy way to add flavor and umami to any meal. Best of all, you can make a big batch of it and store it in the fridge for at least a month!

Furikake Ingredients

• Nori seaweed – This is made of dried seaweed that’s been processed into a thin sheet. It has a delicious umami flavor that tastes like the ocean and should have no fishy flavor.
• White sesame seeds – Make sure to purchase toasted white sesame seeds to get its full nutty aroma and flavor.
• Black sesame seeds – Make sure to purchase toasted black sesame seeds for the same reasons above. Black sesame seeds add pleasing color contrast with the white sesame seeds but have the same flavor.
• Sugar – Sugar balances out the salt and draws out more of the other flavors.
• Salt – Salt acts to highlight all the flavors of this rice seasoning. Adjust to your liking.

Furikake Flavors

Plenty of flavors exist that can easily be found in Japanese or Asian grocery stores. Here are a few flavors to get ideas from when making this homemade version:

• Nori Komi Furikake – This is the most popular and basic furikake flavor, which is made with thin nori pieces, sesame seeds, salt, and sugar.
• Katsuo Furikake – Another popular flavor, this contains bonito flakes, sugar, and soy sauce which adds tons of umami flavor. It’s definitely a favorite of mine.
• Ebi – Contains crushed dried shrimp for a delicious sweet and savory seafood flavor.
• Noritamago – This version contains dried egg yolks and bonito flakes.
• Shiso – Made with dried red shiso (perilla) leaves. It has a lovely herbal flavor.
• Wasabi – Great for those who are looking for spicy furikake.

How to Make Furikake Seasoning

Use your hands, a sharp knife, or kitchen scissors to crumble or cut the nori sheets into small, thin strips or pieces. Add them to a bowl.

1. Add the black and white sesame seeds, salt, and sugar to the nori pieces and mix them together.
2. Next, add optional flavorings such as bonito flakes, dried herbs (I used dried parsley), and dried chili pepper such as gochugaru or togarashi. Wasabi powder is another option for spicy furikake. Taste and adjust the salt and sugar to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

• Mix with a bowl of plain rice to make furikake rice.
• Make rice balls – Onigiri, yaki onigiri, and Korean rice balls (jumeokbap).
• Sprinkle on udon noodles or ramen noodles.
• Entrees – Add to any meal like chicken teriyaki, salmon teriyaki, Asian sea bass, kani salad, or hamburgers.
• French fries or onion rings– Sprinkle a few teaspoons on top right after they come out of the fryer.
• Snacks – Sprinkle on top of ramen eggs, popcorn, or chex mix.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the nori crisp. Humidity will make the nori pieces soggy and they will lose their texture.
• Make sure all the ingredients are completely dried before storing. Wet or damp ingredients can shorten the shelf life.

I hope you enjoy this Japanese rice seasoning! Let me know how you like it by leaving a comment and rating. Happy cooking!

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