Shichimi Togarashi: Japan's Seven Spice

By Ryan Tanaka · October 5, 2026

The Seven Ingredients

Shichimi togarashi literally means 'seven flavor chili pepper.' The classic blend combines chili flakes with six complementary ingredients that add texture, umami, and aromatic complexity.

Traditional Recipe

Coarse red chili flakes (base heat)
Sansho pepper (citrus-numbing)
Roasted orange peel (fragrance)
Black and white sesame seeds (nutty crunch)
Hemp seeds or poppy seeds (texture)
Nori flakes (ocean umami)
Ginger (warmth)

Homemade Version

Combine 2 tablespoons chili flakes, 1 teaspoon each of sansho, orange peel, sesame seeds, nori, and ginger. Mix and store in a shaker jar. Best used within 3 months.

Uses in Japanese Cuisine

Sprinkle over udon, soba, and ramen. Essential on yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Adds finishing heat to donburi rice bowls and agedashi tofu.

Beyond Japanese Food

Try shichimi on avocado toast, popcorn, or scrambled eggs. The blend adds texture and umami that works across cuisines. It pairs especially well with fatty fish and roasted vegetables.