Furikake Tomatoes

Tomatoes sprinkled with the Japanese Rice Seasoning, Furikake

My parents are growing a bunch of lovely tomatoes - both red and yellow. I try to check in with them once a week (pay their bills, eat something, and then my mom hands me either toilet paper or paper towels - yes, I think my mom worries I can't shop for basic necessities or something :)

In the summer, I make sure I check on them more often...and pick up some great fresh tomatoes!

The other day, I cut some tomatoes and reached for the salt grinder. Next to the pepper, I saw the bottle of Furikake. I thought, "Hum...let's try that instead!"

OMG. So good!

Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning. The basic furikake has small pieces of nori (dried seaweed), sesame seeds, and a bit of sugar and salt. It's great on rice (kids really like it too). And on tomatoes? Awesome! 

You can find furikake in Japanese or Asian grocery stores. It's pretty cheap - usually $3 to $4 per bottle. My favorite is the JFC brand "Nori Komi Furikake" with ingredients sesame seeds, salt, sugar and seaweed (available online on Amazon but it's pricey). Read the ingredients as there are all different types. Some have bonito flakes (fish), salmon, shiso or wasabi flavor.

Furikake Tomatoes
1. Slice tomatoes
2. Optional: Drizzle with olive oil, soy sauce and/or balsamic vinegar to taste (I don't add any oil or additional flavors, but it's up to you!)
3. Sprinkle with Furikake

You can read more about Furikake on this Wikipedia entry. Also, you can make this yummy Furikake Chex Mix!