Furikake is a tasty rice seasoning that is sprinkled over steamed rice. Japanese people love this seasoning because it gives plain rice a delicious flavour. You can easily buy packets of furikake in Japan with a variety of different interesting flavours ranging from salmon to wasabi and even egg. If you can’t buy it, then don’t worry! There’s good news. You can also make it at home yourself.
So What Exactly is Furikake?
Furikake is a versatile and delicious seasoning typically sprinkled over rice to add flavour and texture. The name Furikake is derived from the verb ‘Furiakakeru’ which means ‘to sprinkle’ in English. So Furikake is a noun that literally means something that is sprinkled over cooked rice. Japanese Koshihikari rice is so delicious on its own but sprinkling with this Japanese Rice Seasoning brings it to the next level. I could easily just eat this as a meal because it’s delicious. And I am not exaggerating.
Types of Furikake
Furikake used to be thought of as something for kids to enhance plain rice and make it more fun. The notion of furikake being kids’ food is no longer true. They are marketing for adults nowadays also. Flavours of rice seasonings catering to suit adults include Sansho (Japanese pepper) and Wasabi. Classic and common flavours are Katsuo (bonito flake), and Noritama (Nori seaweed and Tamago). There is Sake/Shake (salmon) and Tarako (Cod Roe) too, which are my family’s favourites. Japanese Rice Seasoning typically does not have any shellfish, shrimp, or nuts so it should be okay for people with allergies to these ingredients.
Where Can I Buy This Seasoning?
Nowadays, furikake can be bought from many places such as Asian grocery stores, online, at Daiso stores, and even in regular supermarkets here in Australia. If you are in the USA then you can purchase them at Trader Joes. I usually buy it from Japanese grocery stores as they have more options and source it from Japan. What if there are not any those stores in your town? Well, you can buy it online or make your own!
Delicious Japanese Solution to Reduce Food Waste
It is important to reduce food waste. This is one of the Japanese ways of reducing food waste by using leftovers instead of throwing them out. When you make Dashi stock, keep the leftover Bonito flakes and reuse them to make tasty rice seasoning. The leftover bonito will make a perfect soft textured Katsuo furikake. This is one of the common and classic furikake flavours.
Storing Furikake Rice Seasoning
Furikake can expire and spoil eventually, but it does last a while. Check the packaging for the expiration date but be mindful that this is the date prior to opening the packet. Once opened, you should store it in the fridge and generally you should eat it within a month or less. Homemade furikake will also not last as long as store-bought versions so eat this hastily too. Once your homemade furikake has cooled down, stock them in an airtight container. Eat it within 3-4 days. It stores in the fridge for this length of time. Or you can freeze store-bought and homemade furikake for up to a month.
How To Use Furikake?
People sprinkle it over fries and even toast. Furikake is not just for seasoning rice! We love with the seasoning because it is so versatile. You can use it in Onigiri rice ball filling, Yaki Udon, Yaki Soba, Okonomiyaki, and Takoyaki toppings. You can also mix it into Tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled egg). Sprinkle it over some fries or avocado toast too!
Let your creativity run wild and let me know if you find a new way to use Furikake. Japanese people have not thought of every possible use for this seasoning. If you think of another great use, please make a comment below.
Related Japanese Recipes
FAQ
A: I have never heard or seen anything of this before about any furikake from Japan or homemade ones containing lead.
A: Some furikake may contain msg but furikake is evolving and there are now many msg and preservative-free options. Look for “化学調味料無添加” that means no msg, no preservative added.
A: NO, it is not gluten-free if bought from the store. But you can make your homemade furikake gluten-free!
A: Most are not as they contain some type of fish or egg. However, your homemade version can be made vegan if you need.
Stay Connected
Hope you like this bonito flake recycled homemade Furikake recipe. If you liked the recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Youtube, Pinterest, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . This way you keep up to date with all the latest happenings on Chopstick Chronicles. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ChopstickChronicles so I can see your wonderful creations!
Furikake
Ingredients
- 50 g Leftover Bonito Flake *1
- 1 tbsp sugar natural sweetener
- 1 tbsp sake *2
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 3 g seasoned seaweed sheets ajitsuke nori *3
Instructions
- Place leftover bonito flakes from making Dashi stock *1 in a saucepan.
- Add sugar, sake and soy sauce into the saucepan and cook them all together over low to medium heat.
- Stir continuously with a pair of chopsticks until all liquid evaporates.
- Once all liquid has evaporated, turn the heat off.
- Place the bonito flakes into a food processor and add nori sheets by tearing into small pieces.
- Blitz the food processor for about one minute and add white sesame seeds and pulse to combine them all together.
- Remove the furikake into a airtight container or serving bowl.
- Serve Furikake over warm rice.
Hi!
I made your overnight dashi with Kombu and bonito flakes, what can I do with the Kombu? Can it be used in this recipe?
Hi Clarie, using leftover kombu recipe is in the post.
Fyi. The warning label on JFC Sato fumi furikake rice seasoning says consuming can expose to chemicals including lead and lead compounds.
Hi May thank you for your information. That’s why you make your own with this recipe 😀
Never throw your spent kombu or fish flakes away~!
Kombu/kelps and fish flakes make great fertilizers for all your plants (indoor + outdoor).
Soak them in the water and use that to water your plants.
When done, bury the kelp and the fish flakes in the soil near your plant.
It will not burn your plants like some fertilizers can and your plants will love it~!
Hi Janice, I don’t throw any food. I eat them all 😀 LOL.
I love using furikake on numerous occasions like with popcorn, over buttered pasta, with plain Greek yoghurt (prefer salty to sweet) or simply to replace salt and pepper on many thing like a mirror egg, etc… 😋
Great Ideas! Thank you Pitchat 😀
The flavors this recipe adds were great! Thanks for the great idea
You are welcome Noelle 😀
What a great, unique recipe to share with my family! I love that it can make leftovers and be customized too!
Thank you Kalee 😀
I’m always looking for ways to dress up a boring rice recipe, and this looks like the perfect way to do it!
Hi Talyer 😀 Yes, no more boring rice!
This is fabulous! I love the concept of reducing waste with this recipe – delish!
wow great seasoning combination!
thank you! 😀
This is fantastic! I love furikake, but I’ve never made my own. And homemade is always better so I can’t wait to make this! Beautiful pictures too!
Thank you Kathleen <3