Out of Furikake, one case
Furikake substitute, in depth
3 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Everything bagel seasoning
Same amount as the furikake
Everything bagel seasoning is the best overall substitute for furikake. It's widely available, has similar texture and versatility, and works well in most applications. For authentic Japanese flavor, use nori flakes with sesame seeds.
- Best for —
- rice dishes
One casethe full furikake card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of furikake |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everything bagel seasoningrice dishes | Same amount |
| 2 | Nori flakes + sesame seedsrice dishes | ½ tbsp nori flakes + ½ tbsp sesame seeds + pinch of salt per 1 tbsp furikake |
| 3 | Gomasio (sesame salt)rice dishes | Same amount |
Everything bagel seasoning
Savory, nutty, slightly garlicky
The most accessible furikake substitute available in most grocery stores
- Best for
- rice dishes, avocado toast, salads, sushi, noodles
- Texture
- Crunchy, seed-based
- Why it works
- Contains similar seeds and seasonings with comparable texture and versatility
- Availability
- Widely available in grocery stores
Nori flakes + sesame seeds
Seaweed, nutty, savory
The most authentic furikake substitute using traditional Japanese ingredients
- Best for
- rice dishes, sushi, soups, noodles, onigiri
- Texture
- Flaky, crunchy
- Prep
- Mix equal parts nori flakes and toasted sesame seeds, add salt to taste
- Why it works
- Uses the same base ingredients as traditional furikake
- Availability
- Nori flakes available at Asian markets or online
Gomasio (sesame salt)
Nutty, salty
Traditional Japanese seasoning that's simple but effective
- Best for
- rice dishes, sushi, soups, vegetables, salads
- Texture
- Crunchy, seed-based
- Why it works
- Authentic Japanese seasoning with similar texture and flavor profile
- Availability
- Available at Asian markets or can be made at home
The longer answer
About this case
Furikake is a beloved Japanese rice seasoning that adds umami, texture, and flavor to countless dishes.
Tips for substituting furikake
4 tips- Storage and shelf lifeHow to store furikake substitutes for maximum freshness
- Store homemade furikake in airtight containers in the refrigerator
- Most store-bought alternatives can be stored at room temperature
- Check expiration dates on commercial products
- Homemade furikake lasts 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator
- Toasting for better flavorHow to toast ingredients for enhanced taste
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden
- Toast nori sheets briefly before crumbling for better flavor
- Let toasted ingredients cool before mixing
- Store toasted ingredients separately if not using immediately
- Application techniquesHow to apply furikake substitutes for best results
- Add to hot dishes just before serving to maintain crunch
- Mix into rice while it's still warm for better distribution
- Use as a finishing touch for visual appeal
- Start with small amounts and adjust to taste
- Flavor balancingHow to balance flavors when using substitutes
- Taste and adjust salt and sugar levels
- Consider the other ingredients in your dish
- Use stronger substitutes sparingly with delicate flavors
- Experiment with different ratios to find your preference
Notes on furikake
Create your own furikake blend with customizable ingredients and flavors
How to make it
Ingredients
- 2 parts nori flakes or shredded nori
- 1 part toasted sesame seeds (white or black)
- ½ part salt
- ½ part sugar
- Optional: bonito flakes, dried fish, or other seasonings
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant
- If using whole nori sheets, toast them briefly and crumble into small pieces
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Tips
- Adjust salt and sugar to taste
- Add bonito flakes for extra umami flavor
- Use black sesame seeds for visual appeal
- Toast ingredients separately for best flavor
Vegan furikake
Plant-based version without fish ingredients
Ingredients: Nori flakes, Sesame seeds, Salt, Sugar, Nutritional yeast
Spicy furikake
Add heat with chili peppers or spices
Ingredients: Nori flakes, Sesame seeds, Salt, Sugar, Red pepper flakes, Chili powder
Sweet furikake
Increase sweetness for dessert applications
Ingredients: Nori flakes, Sesame seeds, Salt, Extra sugar, Dried fruit
- Rice dishesEverything bagel seasoning, Nori flakes + sesame seeds, GomasioFor plain rice, fried rice, or rice bowlsSprinkle over hot rice immediately before serving; Mix into rice while it's still warm for better distribution; Use 1-2 tablespoons per cup of rice
- Sushi and sashimiNori flakes + sesame seeds, Homemade furikake, GomasioFor traditional Japanese sushi applicationsUse nori-based substitutes for most authentic taste; Apply lightly to avoid overwhelming the fish; Consider the fish type when choosing seasoning intensity
- Soups and brothsGomasio, Nori flakes, Everything bagel seasoningFor miso soup, ramen, or other Japanese soupsAdd as a finishing touch to hot soup; Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the broth; Gomasio works particularly well in miso soup
- Noodles and pastaEverything bagel seasoning, Nori flakes + sesame seeds, Homemade furikakeFor ramen, udon, or fusion pasta dishesMix into noodles while they're hot; Use as a topping for visual appeal; Everything bagel seasoning works well with fusion dishes
- Salads and vegetablesEverything bagel seasoning, Gomasio, Sesame seeds + saltFor green salads, vegetable dishes, or grain bowlsAdd just before serving to maintain crunch; Use as a finishing touch for texture and flavor; Consider the salad ingredients when choosing intensity
- Onigiri (rice balls)Nori flakes + sesame seeds, Homemade furikake, GomasioFor traditional Japanese rice ballsMix into rice before forming balls; Use nori-based substitutes for authentic flavor; Apply additional seasoning to the outside if desired
Everything bagel seasoning
Most widely available furikake substitute
Brands: Trader Joe's, McCormick, Badia, Generic brands
Why it works
- Widely available
- Similar texture
- Long shelf life
Watch out
- Different flavor profile
- Contains garlic/onion
- Not traditional Japanese
- Best for
- General use, fusion dishes, when authenticity isn't critical
Gomasio
Traditional Japanese sesame salt seasoning
Brands: Eden Foods, Maine Sea Salt, Japanese brands
Why it works
- Simple ingredients
- Long shelf life
Watch out
- Less complex flavor
- No seaweed component
- Limited availability
- Best for
- Traditional Japanese dishes, simple rice seasoning
Seaweed salad seasoning
Pre-made seasoning blends for seaweed salads
Brands: Various Asian brands
Why it works
- Contains seaweed
- Ready to use
- Asian market availability
Watch out
- Limited availability
- May have different flavor profile
- Less versatile
- Best for
- Seaweed-based dishes, when you want seaweed flavor
Vegan
Substitutes
- Vegan furikake · Nori flakes, Sesame seeds, Salt, Sugar, Nutritional yeast · Plant-based version without fish or animal products · Mix nori flakes, sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and nutritional yeast
- Everything bagel seasoning · Most store-bought versions are vegan · Check ingredients to ensure no animal products
- Gomasio · Traditional sesame salt is naturally vegan · Pure sesame seeds and salt, no animal ingredients
Gluten-free
Substitutes
- Homemade furikake · Make your own to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients · Avoid soy sauce or other gluten-containing seasonings
- Nori flakes + sesame seeds · Pure seaweed and seeds are naturally gluten-free · Check nori packaging for gluten-free certification
- Gomasio · Pure sesame salt is naturally gluten-free · Check packaging for gluten-free certification
Low-sodium
Substitutes
- Low-sodium gomasio · Make gomasio with reduced salt · Use ¼ the normal salt amount
- Nori flakes + sesame seeds · Skip added salt, use just nori and sesame · Nori provides natural saltiness
- Everything bagel seasoning (low-sodium) · Look for low-sodium versions or make your own · Check nutrition labels for sodium content
Using too much substitute
- Solution
- Start with small amounts and add gradually. Furikake substitutes can be strong and overpowering if used excessively.
- Prevention
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per cup of rice as a starting point
Adding to cold dishes
- Solution
- Add furikake substitutes to hot dishes for best flavor and texture. Cold dishes won't allow the seasoning to bloom properly.
- Prevention
- Always add to hot rice, soup, or noodles
Not considering dietary restrictions
- Solution
- Check ingredients carefully, especially for vegan or gluten-free diets. Some substitutes may contain unexpected ingredients.
- Prevention
- Read labels carefully and make homemade versions when in doubt
Storing improperly
- Solution
- Store homemade furikake in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Improper storage can lead to loss of flavor and texture.
- Prevention
- Use clean, dry containers and store in cool, dry places
Not toasting ingredients
- Solution
- Toast sesame seeds and nori before using for better flavor. Raw ingredients lack the depth of toasted ones.
- Prevention
- Always toast sesame seeds and nori before mixing into furikake
Furikake rice bowl
Simple rice bowl topped with furikake substitute and vegetables
Ingredients: Cooked rice, Furikake substitute, Sliced cucumber, Avocado, Soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions
- Top hot rice with furikake substitute
- Add sliced cucumber and avocado
- Drizzle with soy sauce and serve immediately
- Substitute
- Everything bagel seasoning or nori flakes + sesame seeds
- Cooking time
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
Furikake popcorn
Popcorn seasoned with furikake substitute for a unique snack
Ingredients: Popcorn kernels, Furikake substitute, Butter or oil, Salt
Instructions
- Pop popcorn using your preferred method
- Melt butter and drizzle over popcorn
- Sprinkle with furikake substitute and salt
- Toss to combine and serve immediately
- Substitute
- Everything bagel seasoning or homemade furikake
- Cooking time
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
Furikake avocado toast
Avocado toast topped with furikake substitute for extra flavor
Ingredients: Bread, Avocado, Furikake substitute, Lemon juice, Salt
Instructions
- Toast bread to desired doneness
- Mash avocado with lemon juice and salt
- Spread avocado on toast
- Top with furikake substitute and serve
- Substitute
- Everything bagel seasoning or gomasio
- Cooking time
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
Furikake noodles
Simple noodles tossed with furikake substitute
Ingredients: Noodles, Furikake substitute, Soy sauce, Sesame oil, Green onions
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions
- Drain and toss with soy sauce and sesame oil
- Add furikake substitute and toss to combine
- Garnish with green onions and serve
- Substitute
- Nori flakes + sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning
- Cooking time
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the best substitute for furikake seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning is the best overall substitute for furikake. It's widely available, has similar texture and versatility, and works well in most applications. For authentic Japanese flavor, use nori flakes with sesame seeds.
Can I make furikake at home?
Yes, you can easily make furikake at home using nori flakes, toasted sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and optional ingredients like bonito flakes. This allows you to customize the flavor and ensure it meets your dietary needs.
What's the difference between furikake and everything bagel seasoning?
Furikake is Japanese and typically contains seaweed, while everything bagel seasoning is American and contains garlic and onion. Both have similar texture and versatility, but different flavor profiles.
Can I use gomasio instead of furikake?
Yes, gomasio (sesame salt) is a traditional Japanese seasoning that works well as a furikake substitute. It's simpler in flavor but very versatile and authentic.
What can I substitute for furikake in sushi?
For sushi, use nori flakes with sesame seeds or homemade furikake for the most authentic taste. Everything bagel seasoning also works well for fusion sushi dishes.
How long does homemade furikake last?
Homemade furikake lasts 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store-bought alternatives typically last much longer and can be stored at room temperature.
Can I use furikake substitutes in baking?
Yes, furikake substitutes can be used in baking, especially for savory breads, crackers, or as a topping. Everything bagel seasoning works particularly well in bread recipes.
Are there vegan furikake substitutes?
Yes, there are several vegan furikake substitutes including everything bagel seasoning (check ingredients), gomasio, and homemade furikake made without fish ingredients.