Shichimi Togarashi is a Japanese spice blend that has become increasingly popular outside of Japan in recent years. It is a unique blend of seven spices that adds a burst of umami flavor to dishes.
If you’re new to using Shichimi Togarashi in your cooking, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know, including with how to make it.
What is Shichimi Togarashi?
Shichimi Togarashi literally means “seven-flavor chili pepper” in Japanese.
The spice blend typically contains:
- Red chili pepper
- Sichuan pepper
- Sesame seeds
- Orange peel
- Ginger
- Nori seaweed
- Hemp seeds
The combination of these seven ingredients creates a balanced, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile that is unique to Shichimi Togarashi.
How To Make Shichimi Togarashi At Home
Here is a recipe to make Shichimi Togarashi at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon red chili pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried orange peel
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon nori seaweed flakes
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
Instructions:
- Toast the Sichuan peppercorns and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Grind the Sichuan peppercorns in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until coarsely ground.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground Sichuan peppercorns, sesame seeds, chili pepper flakes, dried orange peel, ginger, nori seaweed flakes, and hemp seeds.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of red chili pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- If you can’t find nori seaweed flakes, you can substitute with other seaweed flakes or omit it altogether.
- Store the Shichimi Togarashi in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Making Shichimi Togarashi at home is a great way to customize the spice blend to your personal preferences. It’s also a fun and rewarding experience to create your own spice blends from scratch.
Popular Ways To Use Shichimi Togarashi
Here are some food dishes that use Shichimi Togarashi:
- Ramen: Sprinkle Shichimi Togarashi on top of a bowl of hot ramen for an added kick of flavor.
- Yakitori: Use Shichimi Togarashi to season grilled chicken skewers for a unique, savory flavor.
- Fried Rice: Add a pinch of Shichimi Togarashi to your fried rice to give it a spicy and umami flavor.
- Poke Bowls: Use Shichimi Togarashi to season the raw fish or the rice in poke bowls for an added flavor boost.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: Mix Shichimi Togarashi into the sauce for your tofu stir-fry for a delicious, spicy flavor.
- Tempura: Use Shichimi Togarashi to season the batter for tempura vegetables or shrimp for a unique twist on this classic dish.
- Grilled Fish: Season grilled fish with Shichimi Togarashi for a spicy, savory flavor.
- Avocado Toast: Sprinkle Shichimi Togarashi on top of your avocado toast for a spicy kick.
- Miso Soup: Add a pinch of Shichimi Togarashi to your miso soup for an added depth of flavor.
- Udon Noodles: Use Shichimi Togarashi to season your udon noodles for a spicy and savory flavor.
These are just a few examples of the many dishes that can benefit from the unique flavor of Shichimi Togarashi. You can experiment and try it in different recipes to find your favorite way to use it.
Shichimi Togarashi Is Versatile As A Spice And Condiment
Shichimi Togarashi is a versatile spice blend that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on how to use it:
- As a condiment: Traditionally, Shichimi Togarashi is used as a condiment to sprinkle on top of soups, noodles, rice dishes, and grilled meats. Just sprinkle a small amount over your food before serving to add a burst of flavor.
- In marinades: Mix Shichimi Togarashi with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey to create a delicious marinade for chicken, beef, or tofu.
- In stir-fries: Add a tablespoon of Shichimi Togarashi to your stir-fry sauce to give your dish a unique, savory flavor.
- In seasoning mixes: Shichimi Togarashi can be used as a substitute for other spices in seasoning mixes. Add a pinch to your homemade spice blends for an extra pop of flavor.
- In dips and spreads: Mix Shichimi Togarashi with mayonnaise, yogurt, or cream cheese to create a delicious dip or spread for vegetables or crackers.
Tips for Using Shichimi Togarashi
- Start small: Shichimi Togarashi is a spicy blend, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
- Store in a cool, dry place: To maintain its flavor, store Shichimi Togarashi in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Experiment with different dishes: Don’t be afraid to experiment with Shichimi Togarashi in different dishes to see what you like best.
- Try different brands: You can buy a commercially made product rather than making it yourself. There are many different brands of Shichimi Togarashi available, each with its own unique blend of spices. Try different brands to find your favorite.
Final thoughts
Shichimi Togarashi is a unique spice blend that adds a burst of umami flavor to a variety of dishes. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways. Start small, experiment with different dishes, and enjoy the unique flavor that Shichimi Togarashi brings to your cooking.