The $3 Trader Joe’s Find I Use Almost Every Day

Trader Joe's

As a busy mom, I always try to make easy recipes to feed my family. Simple dishes like steamed fish with rice and peas or udon with chicken and vegetables are often on my weeknight dinner lineup. Because these foods are so simple, I'm often looking for an easy way to add an extra oomph to my go-to recipes.

On one of my trips to Trader Joe's I came across Trader Joe’s Nori Komi Furikake, and the spice blend immediately made its way into my cart. I’m no stranger to furikake, but it’s been a while since I’ve had it. My first encounter was in high school when my dad suggested that I sprinkle some on my rice.

I remember him telling me this Japanese multi-purpose seasoning varies from region to region, and it can include anything from bonito flakes, salmon and cod roe, chili flakes, miso powder to poppy seeds. Whatever blend you choose, one thing is for sure—just a sprinkle will make pretty much any dish 10 times better.

Related: The Are the 20 Best Trader Joe's Seasoning Blends Ranked

Why I Love Trader Joe’s Nori Komi Furikake

Trader Joe’s Nori Komi Furikake contains only five ingredients: black and white sesame seeds, confetti-like strips of dried nori seaweed, salt and kelp powder. It's a simple combo, but it adds a depth of flavor and a boost of umami to so many foods. In addition to being a flavor booster, the furikake also adds a crispy, crunchy texture to dishes.

Like many of Trader Joe's seasoning blends, the furikake is also very reasonably priced at $2.99 a jar. Most furikake sold at specialty stores cost twice as much as the Trader Joe’s version.

Related: The 17 Most Popular Trader Joe's Condiments, Ranked Wost to Best

How to Use Trader Joe’s Nori Komi Furikake

Trader Joe’s furikake is so versatile that I use it almost every day. For breakfast, I like to sprinkle it on my fried eggs and fluffy omelets for an added crunch and saltiness. The nutty flavor from the sesame seeds is also great with the eggs.

I also like to dust some flaky furikake on steamed rice to give it a boost of flavor. Rice plays a central role in many of my meals and when I make a non-saucy dish, furikake helps dress up the grain. Furikake is also a great topper for fish, roasted or steamed veggies, and noodle soups and instant ramens. If you're feeling snacky, it's a fun thing to sprinkle on top of French fries or popcorn.

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