Seven Spice Substitute: Best Alternatives & Homemade Recipe
Discover the best seven spice substitutes including shichimi togarashi, homemade blends, and regional alternatives. Perfect ratios and cooking tips included.
Quick Answer
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 perfectly for Japanese cooking and seasoning.
Best Substitutes
Shichimi Togarashi
1:1Shichimi 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:
Most authentic substitute - same spice blend with different name
Homemade Seven Spice Blend
1:1Create 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:
Make your own with red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, nori, ginger, orange peel, and sansho pepper
Togarashi (Simple Version)
1:1A 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:
Simpler version with fewer ingredients but similar flavor profile
Red Pepper Flakes + Sesame + Nori
1:1A 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 substitute using common pantry ingredients
Gochugaru + Sesame + Ginger
1:1Korean 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-inspired substitute with similar heat and complexity
Cooking 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What'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 perfect 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.
Summary
Find the best seven spice substitutes including shichimi togarashi, homemade recipes, and emergency alternatives. Perfect ratios and authentic Japanese cooking tips included.