
This Japanese seven-spice blend is one of those pantry staples that quietly transforms everything it touches — ramen, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, a simple bowl of rice. The combination of Korean red pepper flakes, citrusy dried orange peel, toasted sesame seeds, and crumbled nori creates a layered heat that's bright, nutty, and just a little floral from the sansho pepper. Toasting the sesame seeds and sansho before blending is the move that takes this from good to genuinely great, coaxing out depth that pre-made versions rarely deliver. Store-bought spice blends can be a gamble when you're avoiding eggs, since shared production lines and undisclosed additives are more common than you'd think — making your own from scratch means you know exactly what's in the jar. The whole process comes together in one small skillet and a spice grinder, with no special equipment or technique required. Once you have a jar of this on your counter, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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Toast the white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds together in a dry small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the white seeds are lightly golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as sesame seeds can brown quickly. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
Add the sansho pepper to the same skillet and toast over medium-low heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds. Transfer to the plate with the sesame seeds and let cool completely.
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