Questions? Feel free to contact me anytime. I’m happy to help. – Mike H. Shichimi Togarashi is a highly popular Japanese spice mix used as a table condiment, much as Americans use salt and pepper. Shichimi refers to the number of spices in the mix. The term Shichimi in Japanese translates to “seven” while Togarashi translates to “peppers” - hence, shichimi togarashi means seven-pepper or “seven-spice” seasoning. It is pronounced as “shee-CHEE-mee toh-gah-RAH-shee”, and also called “Yagenbori” The popular spice mix, also known as “seven-spice powder”, is more than 3 centuries old, dating back to the 1800s. It was first made by herb dealers of 17th century Edo, in what we now know as Tokyo. Some people confuse it with the Chinese Five Spice mix, but think again. The Chinese mix has concentrated cinnamon and star anise flavor while this Japanese mix has a predominant spicy pepper taste. Poppy seeds can also be used. The mix delivers a quick-hitting heat that dwindles quickly but is quite complex, and the seaweed and orange peel add hints of tanginess and earthiness. The mix is perfect for these dishes as it adds zing to the otherwise simple foods, where the orange peel with its citrus flavor balances the fattiness of the meaty ingredients that form the basis of majority Japanese dishes. The seaweed nori adds an umami flavor, while the peppers add a spicy bounce. The flavoring can be used to top steamed vegetables or even avocado toast or popcorn. So, Shichimi Togarashi is a versatile condiment used to season a wide variety of dishes. It is a hot mix so the red chilies can be adjusted according to your preference. The peppercorns and sesame seeds need to be lightly toasted before grinding all the ingredients together. The dry powder can then be stored in an airtight container for a few weeks. For a hot and spicy version, try it with Chile Japones (spicy Japanese chili peppers). Another replacement can be made by mixing 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper + 1/4 teaspoon white or black sesame seeds, though this mixture will not be as flavorful. Nanami togarashi has the same flavor with a heightened citrus tang so this can also be a good candidate. If you are making seafood dishes, then this is the perfect stand-in for Shichimi Togarashi as its citrusy flavor complements seafood. Dukkah is another blend of spices containing sesame seeds like our mix which can be a good alternative. Dukkah has hazelnuts that give it a nutty flavor. Shichimi Togarashi is the perfect “trifecta of seasoning” comprising citrus, chili, and earthy notes, which is gaining popularity as a spice mix throughout the world.
Learn More About These Other Interesting Spice Blends
Berbere Garam Masala Chaat Masala Gochugaru Ras el Hanout Tajin Baharat - Middle Eastern Spice Blend Paprika: All About the Spice Chinese 5 Spice Akabanga - Rwandan Chili Oil Rayu (Japanese Chili Oil) Chili Pastes from Around the World Homemade Spice Blend Recipes
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 10/20/20 to include new information. It was originally published on 5/7/19.
