These sesame nori roasted cashews are sweet, savory, and packed with umami flavor. An easy, gluten-free, vegan snack perfect for entertaining or everyday munching!

Sesame Roasted Cashews: A Sweet and Savory Snack
Looking for a snack that’s just a little unexpected—but incredibly delicious? These Sesame Nori Roasted Cashews are exactly that. Sweet from a touch of maple syrup, savory thanks to coconut aminos, and rich in umami flavor from toasted seaweed and sesame, this is the kind of snack you’ll keep reaching for.
There’s something about the combination of roasted cashews and crispy nori that hits all the right notes—crunchy, salty, slightly sweet, and totally satisfying. Even better? They’re naturally gluten-free, vegan, and made with just a handful of pantry staples.
These are perfect for entertaining (they disappear fast on a snack board), packing into lunch boxes, or keeping on hand for when hunger hits between meals. They're simple to make and endlessly adaptable—just toast, toss, roast, and cool. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a regular in your snack rotation.

Why You'll Love These Sesame Roasted Cashews
These roasted cashews are:
- Gluten-Free & Grain-Free: Made without wheat or grains, suitable for various dietary needs.
- Vegan & Paleo-Friendly: Free from animal products and refined sugars.
- Rich in Flavor: Thanks to the addition of toasted nori and coconut aminos.
- Simple to Prepare: Requires minimal ingredients and effort.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
Whether you're hosting a gathering or seeking a healthy snack, these cashews are a flavorful choice.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these roasted cashews, gather the following ingredients:
- Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Nori: Provides a subtle seaweed flavor and crisp texture.
- Raw cashews: The base of the snack, offering a crunchy texture.
- Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness. Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor and quality.
- Coconut oil: Helps in glazing.
- Coconut aminos: A gluten-free and soy-free alternative to soy sauce, with a milder taste.
- Sesame seeds: For added crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast Nori: Place nori sheets directly on the oven rack and toast for 3-5 minutes until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Roast Cashews: Spread cashews on a baking sheet and roast for 5-7 minutes until barely golden.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, coconut oil, and coconut aminos. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes frothy and slightly sticky (about 2 minutes).
- Coat Cashews: Add the roasted cashews to the saucepan and stir until evenly coated.
- Add Nori & Seeds: Tear the toasted nori into small pieces and stir into the cashews along with the sesame seeds.
- Bake Again: Spread the mixture back onto the baking sheet in a single layer and sprinkle with sea salt. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
- Cool Down: Remove from oven and let cool completely on the sheet pan before storing in an airtight container.
Flavor Variations
Customize your sesame nori roasted cashews with these variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze for heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.
- Nut Mix: Combine cashews with almonds or pecans for a diverse nut blend.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Cashews
- Even Coating: Ensure all cashews are evenly coated with the glaze for consistent flavor.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the cashews during the second roasting to prevent burning.
- Cool Completely: Allow cashews to cool fully before storing to maintain crispness.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Final Thoughts
These sesame roasted cashews are a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack or appetizer. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they're perfect for any occasion. Customize them to suit your taste preferences and enjoy a nutritious treat that's both satisfying and delicious.
More Snack Recipes:

Roasted Sesame Cashews
These sweet and savory roasted sesame cashews are perfect for parties or just afternoon snacking.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of nori
- 2 cups/224g cashews, raw
- 2 Tablespoons/30g maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon/15ml coconut oil
- 2 Tablespoons/30ml coconut aminos (or gluten-free tamari)
- 2 Tablespoons/14g white sesame seeds
- 2 Tablespoons/14g black sesame seeds
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Place nori sheets directly on oven rack and toast for 3-5 minutes until crisp. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Place cashews on a baking sheet and roast for 5-7 minutes until barely golden.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, coconut oil and coconut aminos. Cook stirring constantly until the mixture becomes frothy and slightly sticky (about 2 minutes.)
- Add the roasted cashews and stir until coated. Tear the toasted nori sheet with your hands and stir into the cashews along with the sesame seeds.
- Pour the mixture back onto the sheet pan, spreading it out in a single layer, then sprinkle with sea salt. Return to oven and roast for an additional 7 minutes until browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the sheet pan.
- Allow to cool complete before storing in an airtight container or serving.
Notes
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Simply Organic Whole Black Sesame Seed, Certified Organic | 3.28 oz | Sesamum indicum
-
Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos (2 Pack) - 8 fl oz - Low Sodium Soy Sauce Alternative, Low-Glycemic - Organic, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Kosher - Keto, Paleo - 96 Total Servings
-
Emerald Cove, Organic Untoasted Nori Sheets Package, 10 Count Sheets, Pacific Nori, 0.9 Oz (Pack of 6)
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
¼ cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 75Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 151mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Hannah says
Looks awesome, will try it this weekend. What could be substituted for the coconut aminos other than tamari? I don't have either and would prefer not to buy a whole bottl of it if possible.
Thanks 🙂
Sylvie says
Soy sauce works as well if you don't need to avoid gluten. Use a little less salt in that case as it's saltier.
May says
this looks fantastic! yum what a great idea!!
Rakhee@boxofspice says
What an interesting combination! I love cashews and it such a big snack in India. We usually roast them too! Love. 🙂
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
I've never had nori before but love cashews so this is a must try! LOVE how easy it is!
Kankana says
Cashews are the only kind of nuts that I can much all day long and when roasted, it's hard to stop!
eat good 4 life says
What a great healthy snack. Never thought of serving nori that way!
Tonia from TheGunnySack says
What a delicious snack and perfect for the holidays!
alyssa (everyday maven) says
My older son loves all things seaweed. I am going to make him a batch next week for his school lunches. He will freak!! 🙂