These Japanese-inspired Furikake Fries feature thin, crispy shoestring fries sprinkled with furikake seaweed seasoning. They're full of delicious, savoury umami flavour and are super easy to make!
What is furikake?
Furikake is a Japanese seasoning mix consisting of nori seaweed, white or black sesame seeds, dried fish (bonito flakes or katsuobushi), sugar and sea salt.
It is commonly sprinkled on top of rice, and used in onigiri (Japanese rice balls).
There are many variations of the seasoning, which can include salmon, egg, miso, and freeze-dried vegetables.
What does furikake taste like?
It has a salty and sweet, umami flavor, sometimes with a seafood aroma and taste.
Why you'll love this recipe
If you love seasoned potatoes that are full of flavor, you'll love these Japanese seasoned fries.
This recipe for Furikake Fries is:
Easy to make: using store-bought frozen shoestring fries is an easy shortcut way to make them with minimal prep work.
Flavorful: they have a double hit of flavour as these fries not only have furikake, but they also have shichimi togarashi dusted on top, for a little hint of heat.
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free: it's a delicious savory snack or appetizer for those looking to avoid gluten or dairy.
Ingredients you'll need
- frozen shoestring fries: you can also make them with fresh potatoes cut into thin matchsticks, matchstick fries, or any type of French fries; as an alternative, you can use tater tots
- furikake seasoning: a salty and slightly sweet Japanese condiment with nori seaweed, sugar, salt, sesame seeds
- shichimi togarashi: a 7-spice Japanese seasoning with chili flakes and a blend of spices, optional
You can find these ingredients at your local Japanese grocery store or Asian supermarket.
How to make Japanese furikake fries
Bake in the oven:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Place the fries on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 350F.
Deep fry:
Deep fry the shoestring fries in a high-smoke point oil (such as peanut oil or canola oil) until golden brown, or according to the package directions.
Place the crispy fries into a serving dish and sprinkle the furikake seasoning on top.
Toss the fries with the furikake seasoning until evenly coated.
Dust with togarashi powder if desired, and serve immediately.
How to serve furikake fries
Serve the Furikake Fries as a side along with kimchi hot dogs, katsu sando, banh mi hotdogs, chicken burgers, kimchi chicken quesadillas, Japanese terimayo hot dogs (Japadog-Inspired), or turkey katsu burgers.
You can also serve them with a dipping sauce ranging from ketchup to spicy mayo.
Dipping sauce ideas
You can serve the fries with a variety of condiments, such as:
- ketchup
- spicy mayo
- wasabi mayo
- gochujang mayo
- sriracha mayo
- a drizzle of honey: for a sweet and salty flavor
Other recipes you may like
Be sure to check out these recipes:
Homemade Furikake (Japanese Rice Seasoning)
Easy Japanese Terimayo Hot Dogs (Japadog-Inspired)
Korean Loaded Fries With Bulgogi Beef & Kimchi
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Furikake Fries
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen shoestring fries
- 1-2 teaspoon Japanese furikake seasoning or to your taste *see note below
- 1 teaspoon Japanese togarashi seasoning optional
Instructions
Bake:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.
- Place the fries on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 350°F/177°C.
OR Deep fry:
- Deep fry the shoestring fries in peanut or canola oil until golden brown, or according to the package directions.
Season:
- Place the crispy fries into a serving dish and sprinkle the furikake seasoning on top.
- Toss the fries with the furikake seasoning until evenly coated.
- Dust with togarashi powder if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
Five minutes prep make these an ideal summer side dish. I also loved your 3 different spicy mayo recipes... YUM!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
I'm not familiar with Furikake seasoning mix, but I love seaweed and sesame, so I already like it 🙂 What a fun fusion recipe when Asian and European cuisines meet each other!
Healthy World Cuisine
Brilliant idea to add furikake on French fries. Hey, why not, Right? Loads of umami flavor in one delicious bite.
Dawn
I love fries as is, but I bet this furikake seasoning adds so much flavour to them! Gotta give this a try next time I have a craving for fries (which will probably be real soon). It sounds like a yummy combination!
David @ Spiced
We have a container of Furikake seasoning in the pantry, but I've never thought to use it on fries. This is a no-brainer! I can't wait to try this here at home now.
Michelle
Yes! You'll have to try it David, it will be your new favourite way to season fries 🙂