Want to heighten the flavor of your Japanese fare? Try your hand at making this shichimi togarashi recipe the next time you’re up for an exotic twist. This delicious Japanese spice mixture is also known as seven-spice seasoning, as it near always contains seven ingredients. There’s a citrusy bite to the spice mix that’s quite unique.
Ground red chili powder is both a primary flavor and the main heat source here. You can opt for something authentically Japanese, like using ichimi togarashi – ground red chili pepper. You can find it online or (sometimes) in the international section of a well-stocked market. (See it on Amazon, affiliate link.) Or cayenne pepper can work (but it provides quite a kick of heat.) A less spicy alternative is crushing red pepper flakes into a powder. Store-bought crushed red pepper is typically a mix of chili peppers that includes cayenne, but often milder peppers as well.
Try shichimi togarashi with Asian soups, tempura, noodle dishes, or as a spice marinade for grilled meats and seafood. There can be quite a bit of kick here (depending on the chili pepper you use), so be ready. Look for nori (seaweed, like you use for sushi), as well, in the international section of your local supermarket.Â
–> Learn More: What Is Shichimi Togarashi? The Story Behind The Spice
Like this recipe? You’ll love these too:
- Homemade Adobo Seasoning: Another popular fiery spice blend – learn how to make it yourself.
- Rogan Josh Seasoning: This bold curry powder is a great way to experiment with aromatic spices like cardamom and cloves.
- Baharat Spice Blend: A must-know blend if you love Middle Eastern cuisine.
Shichimi Togarashi Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons ground red chili pepper
- 3 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns
- 3 teaspoons dried tangerine peel
- 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon toasted poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried nori
Instructions
- Using a mortar and pestle, grind all ingredients one by one into a coarse powder. Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Use immediately or pour the shichimi togarashi into a sealable container for future use.