How long does furikake last? Furikake is a salty crunchy Japanese condiment that typically consists of a mixture of toasted sesame seeds, dried fish, chopped seaweed, salt, nori, Monosodium glutamate, and sugar.
When sprinkled on top of cooked rice, fish, or vegetables, or when used as an ingredient in onigiri, it delivers a yummy nutty flavor from the sesame seeds in the mixture.
This dry Japanese condiment “furikake” derived its name from the verb ‘furiakakeru’ which when translated to English means ‘to sprinkle’.
So, how long does furikake last after opening?
After opening, the furikake can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
How Long Does Furikake Last In The Fridge?
Furikake can last up to a month in the fridge.
This condiment doesn’t necessarily need to be refrigerated,
This is because it is made up of assorted dried seasonings and occasionally dehydrated fish.
Just ensure it is properly sealed with the lid so as not to attract crumb scavengers or ants.
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How Long Does Furikake Chex Mix Last?
Unopened packs of furikake Chex mix can sit in your pantry for several years.
Once opened, you can keep them in a tightly sealed container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Before storing, ensure to squeeze out the air from the bag.
Does Furikake Go Bad?
Furikake lasts a while because it contains many dry ingredients, but as we already know, nothing lasts forever,
So it will eventually expire and get spoiled with time.
Check the packaging of your store-bought furikake for the expiration date, however, keep in mind that this is the date before opening the packet.
After opening, store it in the fridge and ensure you consume it within a month or so.
How Long Does Unopened Furikake Last?
Unopened packs or bottles of furikake can safely sit for several months in your pantry if stored away from heat sources and direct exposure to sunlight.
Can You Eat Expired Furikake?
No. Eating furikake after it expires is not recommended.
How Long Does Furikake Last After Expiration Date?
Generally speaking, furikake doesn’t literally expire,
However, like most shelf-stable products, before use, it’s best to check the printed expiration date on the packaging to know when it will be at its best.
In short, if the pack is unopened and properly stored it typically will be safe to eat for a couple of months past its printed date
But be mindful to know when there are changes to the product.
10 Best Substitutes For Furikake
If you can’t find furikake or you are looking for something different, then these substitutes below are perfect for you.
1. Salt and Sesame Seeds
The first substitute on the list is to sprinkle on some sea salt and some toasted sesame seeds in your dish to give you the visuals and nuttiness of furikake.
2. Salt with Sesame Seeds and Nori
If you want a closer match to furikake, consider adding some finely chopped toasted nori sheets (seaweed).
This will add extra savoriness to your dish.
3. Shichimi Togarashi
If you happen to have Shichimi Togarashi, which is another type of Japanese sprinkle,
You can use it to give your dish a hotter flavor than Furikake would.
Although they are hot, shichimi togarashi is so full of flavor and can serve as a decent second choice to furikake
4. Nanami togarashi
Nanami togarashi is a similar spice blend to shichimi togarashi as both contain largely the same ingredients.
The main difference between them is that Nanami togarashi contains citrus peel which isn’t present in its counterpart.
Nanami togarashi still has a similar enough flavor profile to be a good substitute
Even though the citrus peel it contains is not an ingredient in traditional furikake blends.
It contains the chili pepper flake, sesame seed, and nori components that provide furikake seasoning’s it’s distinctive spicy and umami aspects.
This substitute is traditionally used as a topping for vegetables, noodles, and fish,
However, it can as well be used as a dry rub for barbecue meats.
5. Wasabi (Japanese Horseradish)
Wasabi is historically thought to have medicinal properties
When eaten with raw fish and it is well-known for being the intimidatingly hot green paste that accompanies sushi,
But it can also be used to garnish soba noodles.
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6. Katsuobushi (Bonito Flakes)
Katsuobushi or bonito flakes are the thin strips of “paper” wave on top of your takoyaki which are made of dried and fermented skipjack tuna.
These smoky flakes can be found in a large portion of Japanese cuisine.
Katsuobushi is used to make dashi soup stock that flavors everything from boiled nimono dishes to miso soup.
They can also be used to simply garnish stir fry, okonomiyaki, tofu, takoyaki, tofu, and any other dish that could benefit from some savory yumminess.
7. Japanese Mayonnaise
Japanese mayonnaise is perhaps the best substitute and the Japanese condiment with the most hype around it.
The flavor of Japanese mayonnaise is creamier and richer than that of Western mayonnaise,
This is because it uses a special vinegar blend and contains only egg yolks instead of whole eggs.
You can use it to decorate your homemade okonomiyaki, make your tuna mayo onigiri, and garnish your sandwiches, salads, yakisoba, and even sushi.
8. Yuzu Kosho (Citrus Chili Paste)
Kyushu’s local specialty spice (yuzu kosho) is made of salt, Chili pepper, and the peel of the Asian citrus yuzu.
It can commonly be found as a tube or jar of yellow paste in Japanese supermarkets.
Yuzu kosho is traditionally used in Japanese hotpot or nabe.
It also pairs wonderfully with sashimi, yakitori (grilled meat skewers), tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet), and all manner of Japanese noodle dishes.
9. Tonkatsu Sauce
This’s a rich, savory Japanese sauce that mainly contains vegetables and fruits such as apples, tomatoes, onions, carrots, lemon juice, and more.
Tonkatsu sauce is a tangy condiment that goes great on top of fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu)
Can also add zest to other fried foods like takoyaki, fried shrimp, and croquettes (korokke).
10. Ponzu (Citrus Sauce)
Ponzu is a citrus sauce that even those who hate citrus will love.
Made from dashi (Japanese soup stock), soy sauce, the juice of any citrus fruit (yuzu is often used), and mirin (rice wine)
This tangy vinaigrette-like sauce can brighten the flavor of your stir-fry, gyoza, tofu dishes, and marinated meats.
How To Use Furikake
If you wish to use furikake to instantly boost the flavor, texture, and appearance of whatever you are serving,
All you have to do is simply sprinkle a few teaspoons on the top of your dish.
Is Furikake Seasoning Healthy?
Furikake seasoning is healthy, this is because the ingredients used in making it are not unhealthy.
But, be careful not to overuse it because it does have a lot of salt in it from the seasoned seaweed and soy sauce.
People who are monitoring their cholesterol levels should keep in mind that this Japanese seasoning is very salty.
How To Tell If Furikake Is Bad
Generally speaking, furikake is a very self-stable seasoning because it is made primarily of dry ingredients.
However, like most shelf-stable products, it will get to a point where it will begin to degrade in flavor,
so, before use, it is best to check the expiration date printed on the packaging.
How Do You Store Furikake?
Unopened packs or bottles of furikake should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry location such as a pantry shelf or cupboard.
After opening, tightly reseal the container to avoid ants from invading it and store it the same way.
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Conclusion
Furikake is a savory mix of salt, sesame seeds, and seaweed that is used as a finishing touch on meals.
The nutrition content will vary depending on the ingredients and type, however, because it generally contains salt, it may not qualify as a low-sodium food.