Furikake is a flavorful and versatile seasoning that can enhance many dishes, adding both texture and taste. Whether you’re using nori furikake seasoning, nori komi furikake, or the distinctively sweet and savory Hawaiian furikake, there are plenty of creative ways to use it in your cooking. Here’s how you can add this delicious seasoning to your everyday meals:
1. Sprinkle over the rice
One of the simplest and most popular ways to use furikake is by sprinkling it over a bowl of steamed rice. This classic combination enhances the flavor of plain rice, making it more exciting to eat. Whether you're using nori komi furikake or Hawaiian furikake, both varieties bring a unique umami taste that pairs wonderfully with hot rice.
Recipe for a furikake rice bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon nori furikake seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 boiled egg (optional)
- Pickled vegetables (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook your rice and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle nori furikake seasoning over the rice.
- Add sesame seeds for an extra crunch, if desired.
- Top with a boiled egg or pickled vegetables for added flavor.
- Enjoy your simple yet flavorful rice bowl!
2. Add to sushi rolls
Furikake can also be used to add flavor to sushi, whether it’s sprinkled on top of the sushi rolls or mixed into the rice before rolling. For a unique twist, use nori komi furikake to elevate your sushi creations.
Recipe for furikake sushi rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 1 sheet nori
- 1 tablespoon nori komi furikake
- Cucumber, avocado, or your choice of sushi fillings
Instructions:
- Spread a thin layer of nori komi furikake on the sushi rice.
- Place the rice on a sheet of nori, and add your fillings.
- Roll tightly and slice into pieces.
- Garnish with extra nori komi furikake for an added flavor boost.
3. Mix into scrambled eggs
Furikake adds a savory kick to scrambled eggs or omelets. Whether you're using Hawaiian furikake for a sweet and salty combo or nori furikake seasoning for more of a seaweed flavor, this seasoning can transform your breakfast or brunch.
Recipe for furikake scrambled eggs
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- 1 teaspoon Hawaiian furikake
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Beat the eggs with milk or water, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a heated pan.
- Stir gently until the eggs are scrambled.
- Sprinkle Hawaiian furikake on top just before serving for a savory twist.
- This recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy furikake with breakfast.
4. Top vegetables or salads
Furikake can be sprinkled on roasted vegetables or salads for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a great way to add a crunchy texture and umami taste to your greens. You can use nori komi furikake for a more traditional flavor, or try Hawaiian furikake if you prefer a touch of sweetness alongside the savory.
Recipe for furikake roasted vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon nori komi furikake
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss your vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Once roasted, sprinkle nori komi furikake over the vegetables before serving for added flavor and crunch.
These roasted veggies are taken to the next level with the addition of furikake.
5. Use as a seasoning for popcorn
Instead of the usual butter or cheese, sprinkle some Hawaiian furikake on your popcorn for a unique and savory snack. The sweetness of the furikake pairs nicely with the salty popcorn, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Recipe for furikake popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or pre-popped popcorn)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Hawaiian furikake
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Pop the popcorn using your preferred method.
- Drizzle the melted butter or olive oil over the popcorn.
- Sprinkle Hawaiian furikake and salt to taste.
- Toss to evenly coat and serve!
- Enjoy this savory and slightly sweet popcorn as a fun and easy snack.
6. Use as a topping for noodles
Furikake is a great topping for noodle dishes, from ramen to soba or udon. Adding a little nori komi furikake can bring a savory depth to the noodles, making each bite more flavorful.
Recipe for furikake ramen
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of ramen noodles
- 1 tablespoon nori komi furikake
- 1 boiled egg (optional)
- Chopped scallions (optional)
- Soy sauce or sesame oil to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and place them in a bowl.
- Sprinkle nori komi furikake on top of the noodles.
- Add a boiled egg, chopped scallions, and a drizzle of soy sauce or sesame oil for extra flavor.
This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
7. Furikake tuna salad
Furikake is a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to a simple tuna salad. The combination of the seaweed and sesame seeds in the nori komi furikake brings an unexpected twist to the dish, making it much more exciting. This recipe is quick, healthy, and perfect for a light lunch.
Recipe for furikake tuna salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon nori komi furikake
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens or sandwich bread (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), and nori komi furikake.
Stir in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve on a bed of mixed greens for a healthy salad or spread it on bread for a delicious tuna sandwich.
This simple salad is packed with flavor and will surely make your tuna salad experience more exciting!
8. Furikake French fries
Looking for a unique twist on your classic french fries? Adding Hawaiian furikake to your fries gives them a sweet and savory flavor boost. The combination of the saltiness and slight sweetness of the furikake works perfectly with the crispy, golden fries.
Recipe for furikake French fries
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes (cut into fries)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Hawaiian furikake
- Salt to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, like parsley or cilantro)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut the potatoes into fries and toss them in olive oil until they are evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Once the fries are done, sprinkle with Hawaiian furikake and a pinch of salt.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.
These furikake-coated fries are the perfect savory snack or side dish, and they’ll be a hit at your next gathering.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nori furikake seasoning, nori komi furikake, and Hawaiian furikake in your meals. From rice bowls and sushi rolls to scrambled eggs and roasted veggies, these seasonings can be used in a variety of creative dishes to boost flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing a snack or a full meal, furikake seasoning is an easy and delicious way to add a unique twist to your cooking. Try out the recipes above and see how versatile this Japanese seasoning can be!