Furikake - Homemade Japanese Condiment

Furikake is a versatile Japanese condiment commonly used to add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. Originally created to sprinkle over rice, it is now used to enhance noodles, grilled vegetables, salads, and much more. This flavorful blend of seeds, seaweed, and other aromatic ingredients is easy to make at home and can be customized to suit your tastes.

Basic Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
• 3 sheets of toasted nori (sushi nori sheets, available in stores)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Optional Ingredients (choose one or more based on your preferences):

• 2 tablespoons shiitake mushroom powder
• 1 large handful of katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes, to be mixed)
• 1 tablespoon wasabi powder
• 1 tablespoon miso powder
• 2 tablespoons dried shiso
• 1 tablespoon ginger powder
• 2 tablespoons dried seaweed (such as hijiki, kombu, or aonori)
• 2 tablespoons egg powder
• 1 tablespoon dashi powder
• 1 tablespoon cherry blossom sakura powder
• 1 tablespoon umeboshi powder (salted plum)

Preparation:

1. Toast the sesame seeds:

   • Heat a pan over medium heat and add the white and black sesame seeds.
   • Toast them for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until they turn golden and release a nutty aroma.
   • Remove from heat and let them cool.

2. Prepare the nori sheets:

   • Tear the toasted nori sheets into small pieces by hand or use kitchen scissors. This step helps release the aroma and makes it easier to mix.

3. Mix the ingredients:

   • In a bowl, combine the toasted sesame seeds, nori pieces, salt, sugar, and any optional ingredients you’ve chosen.
   • Use a mortar and pestle or a blender to lightly crush the mixture, achieving a granular texture while maintaining some crunch. You can adjust the consistency to your liking.

Storage:

Store your furikake in an airtight jar, keeping it away from light and moisture. When stored properly, it can last for several weeks and remain fresh, ready to season your dishes at any time.

Uses:

Homemade furikake is perfect for adding flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to use it:

• Sprinkle it over rice for a simple yet delicious dish.
• Add it to noodles (such as soba or udon) to enhance their flavor.
• Perfect for sprinkling on grilled vegetables or in salads for added crunch and savory flavor.
• Use it as a topping for omelettes or in soups to provide depth of flavor.

Tip:

Experiment with the optional ingredients to customize your furikake to suit your tastes. For example, add wasabi powder for a spicy kick or miso powder for added umami richness. You can also adjust the amounts of salt and sugar to balance the sweet and savory flavors.

With these variations, your homemade furikake can be as unique as you want, adding an authentic and delicious touch to your meals!