Gourmet Hacks: 4 Best Substitutes for Shichimi Togarashi

In our kitchen adventures, sometimes we hit a snag—like running out of shichimi togarashi.

Yup, that Japanese spice mix that kicks dishes up a notch. But wait, it’s not a dead-end road.

Finding a substitute might seem like a tall order, yet it’s totally doable.

Think of this as a mini quest in your cooking saga. You don’t have to dial down the flavor if you’re out of this spicy treasure.

From chili powder blends to DIY mixes, we’ve got the scoop on how to keep those flavors bold and authentic.

Stick with us, and you’ll nail that perfect balance, making your dishes sing without skipping a beat.

What is Shichimi Togarashi?

Shichimi Togarashi is a Japanese spice blend that typically includes chili peppers, orange peel, Sichuan pepper, seaweed, and ginger.

The name Shichimi Togarashi means “seven flavor chili pepper.

” This refers to the spice blend containing seven different flavors: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, umami, and spicy.

While the exact ingredients can vary depending on the region or cook, these seven flavors are considered essential to the blend.

The spice is often used as a finishing spice, sprinkled on dishes like ramen or soba noodles for a burst of flavor.

It can also be used in marinades and rubs for meats or vegetables.

While it may be unfamiliar to some, Shichimi Togarashi is a versatile spice that can add depth and heat to any dish.

Start with a small amount and add more to the taste.

The exact blend of spices in shichimi togarashi can vary, so feel free to experiment until you find a blend.

With its complex flavor and versatility, shichimi togarashi is a great way to add a little extra something to your cooking.

The 4 Best Substitutes for Shichimi Togarashi

Shichimi Togarashi, a traditional Japanese spice blend, is known for its complex flavors and spicy kick.

However, if you’re looking for alternatives or need a substitute due to availability or personal preference, there are several options to consider.

In this guide, we will compare the top 4 substitutes for Shichimi Togarashi, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you find suitable alternatives.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Combination of Salt and Chili Powder	Simple and versatile; adds heat and flavor	Mix 1 part salt with 1 part chili powder as a substitute for Shichimi Togarashi
Furikake	Umami-rich; flavored seaweed, sesame seeds, and spices	Use an equal amount of Furikake as a substitute for Shichimi Togarashi
A Mix of Salt, Sesame Seeds, and Chili Flakes	Nutty and spicy; provides a balance of heat and texture	Combine 1 part salt, 1 part sesame seeds, and 1 part chili flakes as a substitute for Shichimi Togarashi
Ichimi Togarashi	Pure chili pepper powder; intense spiciness	Use an equal amount of Ichimi Togarashi as a substitute for Shichimi Togarashi

Now, let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1. Combination of Salt and Chili Powder

Who would have thought that salt and chili powder could be a winning combination? Certainly not me, but I’m glad I gave it a try.

The first time I tried this combination was on a whim, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results.

The salt helps to bring out the flavor of the chili powder, while the chili powder adds a bit of heat to the dish.

This is a great way to add flavor to any dish, and it’s also very easy to do.

Sprinkle some salt and chili powder on your food, and you’re good to go.

When substituting salt and chili powder for Shichimi Togarashi, it’s important to keep the ratio of salt to chili powder in mind.

I would recommend using about equal parts salt and chili powder.

This will ensure that the dish has enough flavor without being too salty or spicy.

If you’re looking for a bit of extra heat, you can always add more chili powder to the dish.

• Key Characteristics: This simple substitute consists of a mix of salt and chili powder. It provides a basic level of heat and flavor, making it versatile for various dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Mix equal parts of salt and chili powder as a substitute for Shichimi Togarashi. Adjust the ratio based on your preferred level of spiciness.

2. Furikake

Anyone who has ever been to a Japanese restaurant has probably seen furikake on the table.

This seasoning mix is traditionally made from a blend of dried fish, sesame seeds, and seaweed, and it is used as a topping for rice.

Furikake can also be used in various other dishes, such as soup, salad, and stir-fry.

While it may seem like a simple seasoning, furikake has a long history dating back to the Edo period.

During this time, the Shogunate imposed a salt monopoly, making salt an expensive commodity.

To stretch their salt supplies, Japanese households began using furikake to add flavor to the rice.

Today, furikake is still a popular seasoning in Japan, and it is available in a wide variety of flavors.

While furikake may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when thinking of Shichimi Togarashi, it makes a great substitute.

Furikake has a similar flavor profile to Shichimi Togarashi, with a salty, umami taste.

It is also similar in texture, with a slightly crunchy texture from the sesame seeds.

The main difference between furikake and Shichimi Togarashi is that furikake does not contain chili peppers.

This means that it will not add any heat to your dish.

If you are looking for a little bit of heat, you can always add a sprinkle of chili pepper flakes to your furikake.

• Key Characteristics: Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend that typically includes flavored seaweed, sesame seeds, and spices. It adds umami-rich flavors and texture to dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Furikake as a substitute for Shichimi Togarashi. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference and desired flavor intensity.

3. A Mix of Salt, Sesame Seeds, and Chili Flakes

A popular condiment in many parts of the world, this mix of salt, sesame seeds, and chili flakes is a simple yet versatile way to add flavor to any dish.

The salt provides a perfect backdrop for the nutty flavor of the sesame seeds, while the chili flakes add a touch of heat.

Whether you sprinkle it on grilled vegetables or use it as a seasoning for chicken or fish, this flavorful blend will enhance any meal.

And best of all, it’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

Compared to Shichimi Togarashi, this mix is much milder in flavor.

The sesame seeds provide a similar nutty flavor, but the lack of other spices makes them much less complex.

This will be a good choice if you look for something with a simpler flavor profile.

• Key Characteristics: This substitute combines salt, sesame seeds, and chili flakes to provide a nutty and spicy flavor profile. It offers a balance of heat and texture.
• Proper Ratio: Combine equal parts of salt, sesame seeds, and chili flakes to create a substitute for Shichimi Togarashi. Adjust the ratios according to taste preferences.

4. Ichimi Togarashi

Pronounced “ee-chee-mee toe-gah-rah-shee,” this Japanese chili pepper powder is made from chili peppers, orange peel, rice bran, seaweed, and sesame seeds.

It’s often used as a finishing touch for ramen or soba noodles, but it can also add a bit of spice to grilled meats or veggies.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use it in desserts.

Ichimi togarashi has a complex flavor that is both spicy and slightly sweet, with a hint of citrus from the orange peel.

It’s the perfect way to add extra zing to your meal.

Compared to shichimi togarashi, ichimi togarashi is spicier and has a more intense flavor.

If you’re looking for a substitute that will give your dish a similar flavor profile, ichimi togarashi is good.

Just be careful not to use too much, as it can easily overpower other flavors.

• Key Characteristics: Ichimi Togarashi is a pure chili pepper powder made solely from ground red chili peppers. It delivers intense spiciness and heat.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Ichimi Togarashi as a substitute for Shichimi Togarashi. Be mindful of the increased spiciness, and adjust the quantity according to personal taste.

Conclusion

Just like with any ingredient, there may be times when you find yourself without shichimi togarashi.

Luckily, there are a few common pantry staples that make great substitutes.

Depending on what you’re making, any substitutes can work well in a pinch.

With a little experimentation, you should be able to find a shichimi togarashi.