Shichimi togarashi (“seven flavored chili peppers”) 七味唐辛子 is a spice blend featuring dried red chili pepper, sansho pepper, hemp seeds, white and/or black sesame seeds, mandarin orange peel, and nori. It’s ground into a fine powder for easy sprinkling over dishes.
What Is Shichimi Togarashi
Shichimi togarashi is a powdered spice mix. It’s sprinkled over ramen, udon and soba noodles, gyudon, tonjiru, yakitori, and hot pot dishes. It’s a pantry staple, an all-purpose condiment, and a finishing seasoning. There are regional differences in the balance and differences of ingredients, such as the addition of yuzu peel, shiso leaves, poppy seeds, and ground ginger. The three historic shichimi producers are Yagenbori in Asakusa, Tokyo, Shichimiya in Kiyomizu, Kyoto, and Yawata Isogoro in Zenkoji, Nagano. Other names include Japanese seven-spice and nanami togarashi.
What Does It Taste Like
It’s subtly citrusy, spicy, and nutty with an umami complexity.
Are Shichimi and Ichimi Togarashi the Same
They do sound similar, but the spice composition is different.
Ichimi (一味) is made of red chili pepper Shichimi (七味) is made of chili pepper and other spices (shichi means ‘seven’ in Japanese).
How To Use
Sprinkle it over noodle soups, rice bowls, soups and stews, or popcorn. It’s also an excellent seasoning for grilled proteins and vegetables, such as steak, poultry, seafood, and tofu. You could also mix it with Japanese mayo for spicy mayonnaise.
Where To Buy
How To Store
Keep away from humidity and moisture and store in a cool place.
Recipes Using Shichimi Togarashi
Nabeyaki Udon 鍋焼きうどん Oyakodon 親子丼 Japanese Roasted Kabocha Squash Teba Shio 手羽先塩焼き
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