Ito Togarashi Chili Threads | Japanese Shredded Chili

What Is Ito Togarashi?

Ito togarashi, also called chili threads or ito-kiri togarashi, is a Japanese garnish made from dried red chili peppers cut into long, hair-thin strands. In Japanese, ito means thread and togarashi means chili pepper.

The threads are bright red and very fine, so they add striking color and texture to a dish with only a mild to medium chili warmth and a clean, slightly fruity pepper aroma. Ito togarashi is used for its looks as much as for its flavor: a small nest of red threads on top of a dish instantly makes it look finished.

In Japan, chili threads are placed on top of ramen, udon and soba, simmered dishes, grilled fish and meat, tofu, sushi rolls and salads. Chefs around the world now use them to garnish everything from noodle bowls and poke to deviled eggs, soups, avocado toast, cocktails and desserts.

Add the threads at the end, just before serving, so they keep their shape and color. For softer threads, place them on a hot dish for a few seconds, or soak them briefly in warm water.

Our ito togarashi chili threads contain only dried red chili. They are sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.