Out of Furikake, one case
What can I substitute for furikake?
3 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Everything bagel seasoning
Same amount as the furikake
The best furikake substitutes are everything bagel seasoning, nori flakes with sesame seeds, gomasio, or homemade furikake. Choose based on your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
- Best for —
- General use, rice dishes, fusion cooking
One casethe full furikake card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of furikake |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everything bagel seasoningGeneral use, rice dishes, fusion cooking | Same amount |
| 2 | Nori flakes + sesame seedsAuthentic Japanese dishes, rice seasoning, sushi | ½ tbsp nori flakes + ½ tbsp sesame seeds + pinch of salt per 1 tbsp furikake |
| 3 | Gomasio (sesame salt)Simple rice seasoning, traditional Japanese dishes | Same amount |
Everything bagel seasoning
The most accessible furikake substitute available in most grocery stores
- Best for
- General use, rice dishes, fusion cooking
- Where to find
- Most grocery stores, Trader Joe's, online retailers
- Why it works
- Widely available; Similar texture
- Watch out
- Different flavor profile; No seaweed component
Nori flakes + sesame seeds
Most authentic substitute using traditional Japanese ingredients
- Best for
- Authentic Japanese dishes, rice seasoning, sushi
- Where to find
- Asian markets, online retailers, health food stores
- Why it works
- Uses traditional ingredients; Customizable
- Watch out
- Requires more preparation; May not be as readily available
Gomasio (sesame salt)
Simple but effective traditional Japanese seasoning
- Best for
- Simple rice seasoning, traditional Japanese dishes
- Where to find
- Asian markets, health food stores, online retailers
- Why it works
- Simple ingredients
- Watch out
- Less complex flavor than furikake; No seaweed component
The longer answer
About this case
When you can't find furikake or want to try something different, there are several excellent substitutes that can provide similar flavor, texture, and versatility.
Tips for substituting furikake
4 tips- Application timingWhen to add 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
- Add to cold dishes just before serving
- Storage and shelf lifeHow to store furikake substitutes
- Store homemade versions in airtight containers in the refrigerator
- Most store-bought alternatives can be stored at room temperature
- Check expiration dates on commercial products
- Homemade versions last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator
- Flavor enhancementHow to enhance the flavor of furikake substitutes
- Toast sesame seeds before using for better flavor
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance saltiness
- Mix with a little oil for better adherence
- Experiment with different ratios of ingredients
- Texture considerationsHow to achieve the best texture
- Use fresh ingredients for best crunch
- Avoid over-mixing to maintain texture
- Store properly to prevent sogginess
- Add to hot dishes for best texture
Notes on furikake
Basic homemade furikake
Custom blend that can be tailored to your preferences
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
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds until golden
- Mix nori flakes, sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and nutritional yeast
- Store in airtight container
Tips
- Nutritional yeast adds cheesy, umami flavor
- Adjust ingredients to taste
- Store in refrigerator for freshness
Spicy furikake
Add heat with chili peppers or spices
Ingredients
- Nori flakes
- Sesame seeds
- Salt
- Sugar
- Red pepper flakes
- Chili powder
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds until golden
- Mix all ingredients, adjusting spice level to taste
- Store in airtight container
Tips
- Start with small amounts of spice
- Adjust heat level to your preference
- Store in refrigerator for freshness
- Rice dishesEverything bagel seasoning, Nori flakes + sesame seeds, Gomasio1-2 tablespoons per cup of riceFor 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 nori-based substitutes for authentic flavor
- Sushi and sashimiNori flakes + sesame seeds, Homemade furikake, Gomasio1-2 tablespoons per servingFor 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 seasoning1-2 teaspoons per servingFor 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 furikake1-2 tablespoons per servingFor 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 + salt1-2 teaspoons per servingFor 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
Vegan
Avoid traditional furikake with bonito flakes or dried fish. Make sure all ingredients are plant-based.
Substitutes
- Nori flakes + sesame seeds + salt + sugar
- Homemade furikake without fish ingredients
- Everything bagel seasoning (check ingredients)
- Gomasio
Vegetarian
Similar to vegan, but may include dairy products if desired.
Substitutes
- Nori flakes + sesame seeds + salt + sugar
- Homemade furikake without fish ingredients
- Everything bagel seasoning (check ingredients)
- Gomasio
Gluten-free
Check all ingredients for gluten. Avoid soy sauce or other gluten-containing seasonings.
Substitutes
- Nori flakes + sesame seeds
- Homemade furikake
- Gomasio
Low-sodium
Control salt levels by making your own or choosing low-sodium options.
Substitutes
- Nori flakes + sesame seeds (no added salt)
- Low-sodium gomasio
- Homemade furikake with reduced salt
Grocery stores
Substitutes
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Salt
- Sugar
Tips
- Check the spice aisle for everything bagel seasoning
- Look for sesame seeds in the bulk section
- Most stores carry basic ingredients
Asian markets
Substitutes
- Nori flakes
- Gomasio
- Sesame seeds
- Bonito flakes
Tips
- Look for nori flakes in the seaweed section
- Check the seasoning aisle for gomasio
- Ask staff for help finding specific ingredients
Health food stores
Substitutes
- Nori flakes
- Sesame seeds
- Nutritional yeast
- Gomasio
Tips
- Check the seaweed section for nori flakes
- Look for nutritional yeast in the supplement aisle
- Ask about gluten-free options
Online retailers
Substitutes
- All substitutes
- Specialty ingredients
- Bulk quantities
Tips
- Amazon has most ingredients available
- Check specialty food websites
- Compare prices and shipping costs
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
Questions
6 questionsWhat can I substitute for furikake?
The best furikake substitutes are everything bagel seasoning, nori flakes with sesame seeds, gomasio, or homemade furikake. Choose based on your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Can I use everything bagel seasoning instead of furikake?
Yes, everything bagel seasoning is an excellent substitute for furikake. It has similar texture and versatility, though the flavor profile is different (garlic/onion vs seaweed).
What's the best homemade furikake substitute?
The best homemade furikake substitute is a mix of nori flakes, toasted sesame seeds, salt, and sugar. You can customize it with additional ingredients like bonito flakes or nutritional yeast.
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 or dried fish.
What's the difference between furikake and everything bagel seasoning?
Furikake has seaweed and umami flavors, while everything bagel seasoning has garlic and onion flavors. Both provide similar texture and versatility, but different flavor profiles.
Where can I find furikake substitutes?
You can find furikake substitutes at most grocery stores (everything bagel seasoning), Asian markets (nori flakes, gomasio), health food stores, and online retailers.