Gourmet Hacks is where it’s at, and today we’re spicing things up a notch! Love Japanese furikake?
Same here. This seasoning mix turns anything from plain rice to salads into a flavor party.
But, oh snap, you’ve run out or can’t find it in your local store? No sweat.
We’ve got you covered with the five best swaps that you can use to keep your dishes singing.
Trust us, these alternatives are so good you might just stick with them.
Ready to shake things up in the kitchen? Let’s get into it.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Furikake
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any furikake on hand, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the five best substitutes for furikake that will still give your dishes that delicious umami flavor:
1 – Homemade Furikake Seasoning
With the abundance of store-bought furikake seasoning found in supermarkets, one might find themselves perplexed as to why homemade furikake seasoning is an option.
However, if you’ve never tried it before, you might be surprised by how much better homemade furikake can be.
Homemade furikake seasoning has a unique blend of savory and salty flavors that provides a delectable texture to dishes like rice and vegetables.
It is easy to make with ingredients such as sesame seed, bonito flakes, seaweed, sugar, and salt.
With various combinations of these favorites, you can tailor the taste to your liking.
Homemade furikake seasoning will leave an unforgettable flavor in your meals and have everyone clamoring for more.
2 – Nori Flakes
Have you ever encountered a bowl of rice topped with little green flakes? The mystery ingredient is called nori flakes, an umami-packed condiment made from seaweed.
Rich in iron and vitamin C, these salty and crunchy sheets are commonly served in sushi restaurants to give your meal a burst of flavor.
Although mostly used as an edible garnish on the side of ramen or nabedon, nori flakes can also substitute for furikake.
It has a delightful texture – slightly chewy yet instantly melts in your mouth – and a delicious taste, perfect for sprinkling over a bowl straight out of a steamer.
3 – Schichimi Togarashi
Schichimi Togarashi, also known as ‘Japanese Seven Spice,’ is a unique pantry staple that packs quite the pungent punch.
A type of furikake, it consists of seven main ingredients: ground red chili pepper, roasted orange peel, black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, dried seaweed, poppy seeds, and hemp seeds.
As for its flavor profile, the schizimu togarashi intensifies any dish with its spicy-savory combo.
The mouthfeel is characterized by an alluring mixture of crunch and heat coming from each of these components.
But if you’re without it in your home kitchen and need to substitute it with something else, then just mix together chili powder, dried minced garlic, and ginger, as they will mirror its distinct profile nicely.
4 – Salt + Sesame Seeds
Salt and sesame seeds provide a surprisingly diverse range of flavors and textures.
Used in dishes ranging from Chinese stir-fries to supremely elegant Italian pasta, this classic combination has captivated people for centuries.
Salt and sesame seeds have a light but flavorful punch to them that can make a boring dish truly special.
They also add a wonderfully crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softer elements of a meal.
If you’re looking for an interesting way to give your food an extra kick, why not try sprinkling some salt and sesame seeds on top? A great alternative to furikake, this unique mix will give your plate an extra layer of complexity.
5 – Crumbled Nori (seaweed), Sesame Seeds
Have you ever come across crumbled Nori (seaweed) and sesame seeds mixed together and wondered what the flavor would be like? This food combination, often referred to as furikake, adds savory, salty, and slightly sweet elements to enhance dishes.
Furikake is popular for sprinkling on top of meals such as rice or vegetables but can also be used as a seasoning for soups or stews.
The taste of crumbled Nori and sesame seeds blend together perfectly, while the crunchy texture creates a pleasing contrast.
If you are unable to get a hold of furikake, substitute it with crushed seaweeds and roasted sesame seeds – it will do just the job.
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