You bought it for ramen. You used it once. Now it’s hanging out in your spice drawer — mysterious, fiery, and mostly ignored.
Shichimi is a staple in Japanese restaurants and an essential part of Japanese cuisine. A traditional Japanese spice mix made from seven spices, it is crafted with fresh, high-quality spices that blend vibrant flavors and versatility to enhance the flavor of many Japanese dishes.
The bold blend of chili flakes, citrus peel, sesame seeds, and umami-rich extras like nori or ginger will elevate the spicy, savory flavors of anything you put your imagination to.
To get your mental juices flowing and excite your palate, in this article, we explore 21 surprisingly delicious ways to use shichimi togarashi — and turn it into your kitchen’s MVP.
What Is Shichimi Spice?
Shichimi togarashi (literally “seven-flavor chili pepper”) is a traditional Japanese spice mix made from seven spices. Dating back to the 17th century, it was originally sold as an herbal medicine by shops in Edo (now Tokyo). The blend was prized for its warming properties and digestive benefits — but it quickly became beloved for its bold flavor.
Shichimi contains:
- Red chili pepper: This is the main ingredient, providing the characteristic heat of shichimi.
- Sanshō (Japanese pepper): Offers a citrusy flavor and scent that distinguishes the blend.
- Roasted orange peel (chenpi): Adds a tangy, aromatic note to the mix.
- Black sesame seed: Contributes a nutty flavor and aroma.
- White sesame seed: Adds further texture and a slightly different nutty note.
- Hemp seed: Brings its unique nutty flavor, rounding out the blend.
- Ground ginger: Lends a pungent, aromatic touch, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Each maker tweaks the formula slightly, balancing spice, citrus, umami, and crunch.
Why Cooks Love It (And Why You’ll Want to Try It)
Shichimi is like the Japanese version of a secret weapon spice mix — not overpowering, but instantly elevating.
Here’s why it deserves your attention:
- Versatility: This blend of spices makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes — from fried rice to ice cream.
- Layered Flavor: Citrus peel brightens, sesame adds richness, nori brings umami, and chili hits you just enough.
- Aromatic Finish: Used as a finishing seasoning, it lifts dishes without overwhelming them.
- Shelf-Stable & Long-Lasting: No need for refrigeration, and a little goes a long way.
Need a flavor fix in under five seconds? Shichimi’s your answer.
How to Choose the Right Shichimi Blend
Not all shichimi is created equal. As a traditional Japanese spice mix, shichimi togarashi can be fiery and bold, or mellow and citrus-forward. Here’s how to pick:
- Check the ingredients — look for a spice mix made with fresh, high-quality spices and avoid fillers or artificial flavors.
- Look for freshness — the best shichimi blends use fresh, vibrant spices; whole seeds and bright color are a good sign.
- Know your heat tolerance — some blends are very chili-heavy; others let the citrus or sesame shine.
- Try regional styles — Kyoto blends often use yuzu peel, while Tokyo styles tend to be spicier.
21 Genius Uses for Shichimi Togarashi
Each of these ideas is rooted in real cooking — and perfect for home chefs who want to spice up their go-to dishes. These suggestions can also inspire new recipes using shichimi togarashi.
1 - Avocado Toast with Attitude
Move over red pepper flakes. Shichimi’s citrusy heat makes every bite pop. Add a soft-boiled egg, and you’ve got brunch-level brilliance.
2 - Popcorn Seasoning
Toss hot popcorn with melted butter, a pinch of salt, and shichimi for a savory, spicy movie night snack.
3 - Spicy Mayo or Aioli
Stir into mayo or regular aioli — try it on karaage, tempura shrimp, or even sweet potato fries.
4 - Grilled Corn on the Cob
Brush with butter, squeeze on lime, dust with shichimi. Add a little miso for extra umami.
5 - Ramen Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago)
Marinated soy eggs sprinkled with shichimi become a next-level ramen topping — or a standalone snack.
6 - Tempura Dipping Salt
Mix flaky sea salt with shichimi for a crispy dipper that pairs perfectly with seafood and vegetable tempura, as well as shrimp or tofu tempura.
7 - Rim Your Cocktails
Add a savory edge to your Bloody Mary or michelada by mixing shichimi with flaky salt for a rim that bites back.
8 - Dry Rub for Meat
Massage into chicken wings, tofu, pork belly, salmon, or other grilled meats before searing or grilling. Use with sesame oil or soy sauce.
9 - Savory Oatmeal
Top steel-cut oats with a soft egg, chopped scallions, a dash of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of shichimi. Unexpectedly good.
10 - Rice Bowl Finisher
Transform plain rice into a flavorful rice bowl with a few drops of sesame oil, a splash of tamari, and a pinch of shichimi. Shichimi togarashi is a great way to enhance rice, adding spice and depth. Add a fried egg, and it’s a meal.
11 - Stir-Fry Seasoning
Skip the bottled sauce. Finish stir-fried vegetables with soy, rice vinegar, and a hit of shichimi for bright, layered flavor.
12 - Instant Soup Upgrade
Toss a dash into soups like miso soup, instant noodles, or vegetable broth. A Tsubi Soup cup becomes a spicy umami bomb.
13 - Compound Butter
Mash into softened butter and refrigerate. Try it on grilled mushrooms, steak, or crusty bread.
14 - Poke Bowl Enhancer
Top off your poke bowl with a light dusting for a Japanese-Hawaiian fusion moment—shichimi togarashi pairs exceptionally well with fish, enhancing the flavor of classic poke bowl dishes.
15 - Deviled Egg Topper
Classic deviled eggs, but make them fancy. While paprika is traditionally used to season deviled eggs for color and flavor, try sprinkling with shichimi togarashi instead for a unique twist, and add a drizzle of ponzu.
16 - Roasted Nuts
Toss cashews, almonds, or peanuts with sesame oil and shichimi, roast until golden, and serve with drinks.
17 - Chocolate Bark (Yes, Really)
Dark chocolate + flaky salt + shichimi = unexpected sophistication. Try it with matcha too.
18 - Spicy Edamame
Steam, toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, and shichimi. Serve warm with a cold beer.
19 - Grilled Fruit Twist
Grilled pineapple, peaches, or mango benefit from a bit of heat. Shichimi makes them sing.
20 - Hot Honey Drizzle
Mix shichimi with honey and drizzle on fried chicken, roasted carrots, or cornbread. Sweet. Spicy. Addictive.
21 - Unexpected Ice Cream Topping
Yes, really. A tiny sprinkle on matcha or vanilla ice cream adds surprising complexity.
Bringing Japanese Pantry Culture to Your Kitchen
In Japan, spice blends like shichimi togarashi seasoning aren’t exotic — they’re everyday staples.
At Tsubi Soup, our mission has always been to share that richness with the world. Japanese restaurants commonly use shichimi togarashi seasoning to enhance dishes such as noodles, soups, and grilled meats, highlighting its importance in authentic Japanese cuisine.
Whether it’s freeze-dried miso soup made with premium Japanese ingredients or a carefully curated spice blend, we believe in food that’s both comforting and elevated.
Adding shichimi to your pantry is more than just a flavor move — it’s a bridge to a deeper appreciation of Japanese home cooking.
Ready to Experiment?
Explore our curated shichimi blends here.
Or start simple: Add a pinch to your next bowl of Tsubi Soup and taste the difference.