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What can I make with Togarashi?

In this post you’ll find all of my favorite recipes featuring Togarashi seasoning. From grilled vegetables to smoked salmon, we’ve got a bit of everything here! Buy the big bottle of this versatile spice mix, because you’ll be needing it!

Togarashi Recipes

What is Togarashi?

Togarashi, also widely known as “Shichimi Togarashi” or “Nanami Togarashi”, is a popular Japanese spice mix. The name “Shichimi Togarashi” translates to “seven-flavor chili pepper”, hinting at the mixture’s complexity and its ability to bring a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes.

In this zesty concoction, you will usually find the following seven components:

  1. Coarse ground red chili pepper (the primary ingredient)
  2. Sichuan pepper or Japanese sansho pepper
  3. Roasted orange peel
  4. Black sesame seeds
  5. White sesame seeds
  6. Hemp seeds
  7. Ground ginger
  8. Nori or aonori (types of seaweed)

This spice blend is essential in Japanese cuisine, sprinkled over noodle dishes like ramen and udon, incorporated into rice meals, and used to season various meats and vegetables. Togarashi is prized for its vibrant, layered flavor that ranges from mildly spicy to considerably hot, depending on the specific blend. The roasted orange peel imparts citrusy undertones, while the sesame seeds add a touch of nutty savoriness, creating a well-rounded and rich flavor experience.

Where can you buy togarashi?

Togarashi is gaining popularity in the United States, so you might be able to find it in the Asian foods section of your local grocery store. 

If not, or if you want a great source online, I highly recommend Spiceology! You can buy their Togarashi Blend here

Is Togarashi spicy?

It can be, depending on the brand. I recommend trying a few different brands until you find one that suits you and your family’s tastes. The Spiceology blend I linked to above is more on the mild side, so if you are sensitive to spice you should still be able to give it a shot!

Recipes Using Togarashi

These recipes all feature the Japanese 7 Spice blend, Togarashi!

Nicole Johnson
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Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.