Furikake: A Unique Sprinkle of Japanese Flavor

My first time trying furikake was in the staff lunchroom of the middle school where I worked as a participant of the JET Program. As I was about to dig into my meal, the teacher beside me asked if I wanted any to sprinkle on my rice. I confessed that I had never had furikake before, and he was kind enough not to look shocked as he walked me through all of the flavors they had. He recommended his favorite, katsuobushi and seaweed. I tried it and, not to sound dramatic, my life changed. From then on, I never went to lunch without sprinkling some furikake on my rice.

What is Furikake?

Furikake is a beloved and unique condiment in Japanese cuisine. It is typically sprinkled over steamed rice, mixed into noodles, or used to enhance the flavor of dishes like ochazuke (tea with rice).

The word furikake itself means “to sprinkle over,” which makes sense as that’s exactly what you do with it. There’s a wide variety of flavors and furikake mixes, which make it so versatile. That being said, furikake is typically made with a combination of dried ingredients like nori (seaweed), sesame seeds, bonito flakes (katsuobushi), salt, sugar, dried eggs, salmon, and even vegetables. All of these ingredients pack a punch of flavor in a small package, truly helping add complexity to any dish.

A Brief History of Furikake

Developed in the early 20th century, furikake was initially created as a way to combat calcium deficiency. In fact, many are still marketed that way today, particularly furikake flavors marketed towards kids! 

Since its invention, furikake has maintained widespread popularity for its intense flavors and ease of use. Today, you can find it in countless varieties, from regional flavors and commercial varieties to artisanally crafted blends made with classic fish-based ingredients and even spicy, cheesy, and wasabi-infused ones.

How is Furikake Used?

In Japanese cuisine, it’s most common to see furikake sprinkled over plain rice to add flavor and nutrition without any additional cooking or side dishes. You can regularly find furikake used in bento boxes to help make them more visually appealing and delicious. Beyond rice, furikake can be mixed into scrambled eggs, sprinkled over plain tofu or steamed veggies, added to warm popcorn, stirred into pasta or sprinkled over noodles, and even added to the breading of fried foods like chicken or fish.

Another classic combination is onigiri with furikake. These iconic handheld snacks of Japanese cuisine often have bold flavors in their fillings, like tuna mayo and umeboshi (pickled plum). However, the addition of furikake gives them an extra flavor boost and introduces another textural element and lends a satisfying crunch. Similar to its use in bento boxes, furikake can also make onigiri more visually appealing. For those looking for simpler meal prep, some furikake allow you to easily season and fill onigiri in one easy step.

The often bold, salty-sweet, and umami-rich flavors of furikake add an extra element to traditional and modern Japanese food alike. It is a small yet powerful part of Japanese cuisine that showcases many of Japan’s flavors. Whether you’re looking to boost the flavor and nutrition of a bowl of rice or experimenting with new flavors in the kitchen, furikake is essential in any Japanese pantry!

Want to try furikake at home? Shop our selection of furikake here!

About the author: 

Kevin Kilcoyne

The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.