Furikake Japan's Simple Spice

Welcome back! Today I want to tell you about Furikake, the refined Japanese seasoning, show you what it is, what it consists of, where you can get it and how you can even make it yourself! So sit back and join me in the culinary world of Japan!

What is Furikake?

First of all, you'll surely want to know what Furikake (振り掛け) is all about. Furikake is a special seasoning blend for cooked rice. And since so much rice is eaten in Japan, it's only logical that Furikake is one of the standard utensils in a kitchen. Of course, Furikake comes in different flavors. For this, the seasoning blend is simply sprinkled over the cooked rice. The name suggests this too, because "furu" means "to sprinkle" and "kakeru" means "to cover". 

But you should be sparing with Furikake, otherwise the rice can become too salty. This seasoning blend is not really spicy, but all the more aromatic. Furikake is therefore also used with vegetables, rice noodles, soba noodles, fish and eggs. But it is also a popular topping for onigiri - the Japanese rice balls. You want to know more about onigiri? Then you'll find a recipe here:

The history of Furikake

Furikake has been around in Japanese cuisine for a long time - since the Taishō Period (1912 - 1926). During this time, many Japanese people had a calcium and protein deficiency. The pharmacist Suekichi Yoshimaru (吉丸末吉) therefore invented a mixture, which was originally known as "Gohan no Tomo" (ご飯の友) and translates as "A friend for rice". 

Since Furikake was mainly made from ground fish bones, which don't taste very good, the powder was refined with sesame, poppy seeds and seaweed. And just like that, the first Furikake seasoning was born! 

What is Furikake made of?

Standardly, the Japanese seasoning blend consists of a mix of spices and seeds. There are both vegetarian Furikake varieties as well as those with fish, egg or even meat. Classic ingredients of Furikake are dried, ground fish, white sesame, soy sauce, seaweed, sugar, salt and the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate. Other goodies are also added, such as fish flakes (katsuobushi), salmon, shiso (a type of herb), eggs or vegetables. Furikake powder often has a bright, colorful appearance, depending on the ingredients, and can come in various forms - from powder to flakes.

Where can you buy Furikake?

In Germany, you can find this special seasoning blend in Asian grocery stores, but you can also order it online. Meanwhile, Furikake is available almost everywhere in Japan: whether in the supermarket, in small shops or in 100-Yen shops. There are usually many different flavors to choose from. No matter whether you like your rice spicy, a little spicier or with a fishy aroma, there's the right Furikake for every taste! 

You'll find, among other things, the spicy Wasabi-Furikake, Nori-Furikake (with Nori flakes), and Salmon-Furikake. Other flavors include dried omelet pieces, toasted sesame, bonito flakes or even Matcha powder. Furikake is usually packaged in small, practical bags. 

Unfortunately, ready-made Furikake seasoning blends often contain many artificial additives and flavor enhancers. But luckily, you can also make Furikake very easily yourself!

Making Furikake yourself

For a good Furikake, sesame seeds, dried Nori leaves or Wakame and bonito flakes are the best basis. If you want a vegetarian Furikake, you can simply leave out the flakes. With Furikake, there are no limits to your creativity. You can add all the spices you like!

The only important thing is that you only use dry spices and herbs, so that your Furikake will last longer. Chop up all the ingredients for your Furikake to the same size, mix them well and that's it! Homemade Furikake can be stored airtight for up to two months in a cool, dry place.

The most popular Furikake varieties

Shiso-Furikake

This Furikake has a dark red to purple color and tastes mainly of herbs. It is made from the seasoned and dried red leaves of the Shiso plant. Shiso-Furikake is very popular sprinkled on sushi or onigiri, to give them both a special taste and a beautiful color.

Wasabi-Furikake

For all those who like it spicy, Wasabi-Furikake is the perfect seasoning! This seasoning blend is made from dried Wasabi, radish, Nori seaweed flakes and sesame, along with other typical Japanese spices. It goes perfectly with rice, steamed fish or together with rice and green tea in Chazuke soup.

Nori-Tama-Furikake

There is hardly any seasoning that can improve simple foods better than Furikake. With Nori-Tama-Furikake, you can turn rice, toast, tofu and pasta into real taste explosions with a wonderful umami flavor. This seasoning blend consists of Nori flakes, sesame, egg and bonito fish flakes.

Salmon-Furikake

The main ingredients here are - you guessed it - salmon and often Nori flakes as well. This Furikake is salmon pink, tastes deliciously salty and goes particularly well with the green tea soup Chazuke.