Furikake is a dry seasoning that you shake over rice. Most blends mix toasted sesame seeds, dried seaweed, salt, sugar and flakes of dried fish. It adds salt, savoury flavour and crunch in one go.
Where to find it
Some larger UK supermarkets stock a basic furikake in the world food aisle, sometimes labelled as rice seasoning. A Japanese grocer carries a much wider range of flavours than most supermarkets.
Online shops are the easiest way to find a specific flavour. Sachets suit a single household well, while a larger jar is cheaper per gram if you use it often.
Which flavour to start with
A plain sesame and seaweed blend is the easiest starting point, and most people like it on everything. Flavoured blends add ingredients such as egg, salmon, wasabi or shiso leaf. Vegetarian blends leave out the fish flakes, so check the label if you do not eat fish.
How to use it
Sprinkle it over a bowl of plain steamed rice. It also works as a coating for onigiri, the rice balls, which gives seasoning all the way through rather than just on the outside. Try it on popcorn, avocado toast, or roasted vegetables for a savoury crunch.
Storage
Keep the packet sealed and away from moisture. Once opened, use it within a few months, since the seaweed and sesame lose their crunch over time.
For the seaweed in most blends, see our guide to nori. For the bonito flakes used in some blends, read our bonito flakes guide. For more Japanese staples, see where to buy Japanese ingredients in the UK.