Out of Seven spice, one case
Seven spice substitute: best alternatives & homemade recipe
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Shichimi togarashi
Same amount as the seven spice
The best seven spice substitutes are shichimi togarashi (1:1), homemade seven spice blend (1:1), or a mix of red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and nori (1:1). Each works well for Japanese cooking and seasoning.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Japanese cooking
One casethe full seven spice card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of seven spice | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shichimi togarashiJapanese cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Homemade seven spice blendauthentic Japanese flavor | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Togarashi (simple version)quick seasoning | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Red pepper flakes + sesame + noriemergency situations | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Gochugaru + sesame + gingerKorean-Japanese fusion | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Shichimi togarashi
similar taste and texture
Shichimi togarashi is essentially the same as seven spice - it's the Japanese name for the seven-ingredient spice blend. Contains red pepper, sansho pepper, orange peel, black sesame, white sesame, nori, and ginger.
- Best for
- Japanese cooking, rice seasoning, noodle dishes, grilled foods, soups
Most authentic substitute - same spice blend with different name.
Homemade seven spice blend
similar taste and texture
Create your own seven spice blend by combining 2 parts red pepper flakes, 1 part each of black and white sesame seeds, 1 part nori flakes, 1 part ground ginger, 1 part orange peel, and 1 part sansho pepper.
- Best for
- authentic Japanese flavor, customizable heat level, fresh spice blend, bulk preparation
Make your own with red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, nori, ginger, orange peel, and sansho pepper.
Togarashi (simple version)
similar taste and texture
A simpler version of the seven spice blend, typically containing red pepper, sesame seeds, and nori. Less complex but still provides the essential Japanese seasoning flavor.
- Best for
- quick seasoning, basic Japanese dishes, when seven spice unavailable
Simpler version with fewer ingredients but similar flavor profile.
Red pepper flakes + sesame + nori
different taste, similar texture
A quick emergency substitute combining red pepper flakes, toasted sesame seeds, and crumbled nori. While not as complex as true seven spice, it provides the essential heat, nuttiness, and umami.
- Best for
- emergency situations, basic Japanese seasoning, when specialty spices unavailable
Emergency substitute using common pantry ingredients.
Gochugaru + sesame + ginger
different taste, similar texture
Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) combined with sesame seeds and ground ginger creates a similar spicy, nutty, and aromatic profile to seven spice.
- Best for
- Korean-Japanese fusion, when seven spice unavailable, spicy seasoning needs
Korean-inspired substitute with similar heat and complexity.
How it behaves in this recipe
Seven spice is essential for authentic Japanese cooking and provides a complex blend of heat, nuttiness, citrus, and umami. The key is finding substitutes that maintain this multi-dimensional flavor profile rather than just adding heat.
Tips for substituting seven spice
6 tips- Seven spice is traditionally used as a finishing spice - sprinkle on top of dishes rather than cooking with it
- Store seven spice in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and prevent clumping
- Toast sesame seeds before adding to homemade blends for enhanced nutty flavor
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes in homemade versions
- Seven spice pairs beautifully with soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar in Japanese cooking
- Use sparingly - a little goes a long way due to the concentrated flavors
Notes on seven spice
- Use individual spices (red pepper, sesame, nori, ginger) and add them separately to dishes
- Try other Japanese spice blends like yuzu kosho or wasabi powder for different flavor profiles
- Combine miso paste with red pepper flakes for a similar umami-rich seasoning
- Use furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) as a milder alternative to seven spice
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the difference between seven spice and shichimi togarashi?
Seven spice and shichimi togarashi are actually the same thing - shichimi means 'seven flavors' in Japanese. The name 'seven spice' is the English translation of this traditional Japanese spice blend.
Can I make seven spice at home?
Yes! Mix 2 parts red pepper flakes, 1 part each of black and white sesame seeds, 1 part nori flakes, 1 part ground ginger, 1 part orange peel, and 1 part sansho pepper. Toast the sesame seeds first for better flavor.
What dishes work best with seven spice?
Seven spice is good for rice bowls, noodle soups, grilled fish, tempura, yakitori, and as a finishing touch on many Japanese dishes. It's also great on popcorn and roasted vegetables.
How long does homemade seven spice last?
Homemade seven spice will last 3-6 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The flavor will gradually diminish over time, so it's best used within 3 months for optimal taste.
Can I substitute seven spice with regular red pepper flakes?
While red pepper flakes alone won't replicate the complex flavor of seven spice, they can work in a pinch. For better results, combine them with sesame seeds and nori to get closer to the authentic taste.