Koji is a type of fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) used in eastern Asia for fermenting foods. It’s the primary ingredient behind many popular Japanese items like soy sauce, miso, and sake.

Is Koji vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, Koji is plant-based and suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.

What does Koji taste like?

It brings a sweet, rich, and umami flavor that enhances the original taste of foods.

Yes, Koji itself is gluten-free, but always confirm as it can be used in products that do contain gluten.

Can Koji be used in bread baking?

Yes, Koji can be used to naturally leaven bread, contributing to its texture, flavor, and shelf life.

How is it traditionally made?

Koji is traditionally made by inoculating steamed grains, usually rice, with the Aspergillus oryzae spores.

Is it safe to eat Koji?

Yes, Koji is safe to eat. It has been used for centuries in Asian cuisines.

How can you store Koji?

It can be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry or the refrigerator, making sure it’s well sealed to avoid moisture.

Can I make Koji at home?

Yes, with the right environment and materials, you can make Koji at home.

What are some common dishes that use Koji?

It is used in making miso, Sake, rice vinegar, soy sauce and to ferment meats, fish and vegetables.

Are there health benefits associated with Koji?

Koji aids in digestion, provides a good source of protein, and is rich in vitamins and minerals

Is Koji the same as mold?

Koji is a type of beneficial fungus or mold, but not all molds are Koji.

What does Koji do to food?

Koji breaks down the proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food, enhancing the taste and making them easier to digest.

What is the relationship between Koji and Umami?

Koji helps produce a rich umami flavor in foods through the process of fermentation.

Is there a western equivalent to Koji?

Although there isn't a direct western equivalent, the concept of using yeast and bacteria in bread-making and cheese-making is similar.

Where can I buy Koji?

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Asian American store with free delivery available*

Where to buy koji near me?

*Orders above $35, varies by region

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Top 5 products for Koji

#1

Iseso Miyako Koji 500 g

Premium Koji delivers rich umami and natural sweetness, ideal for homemade miso, soy sauce, sake, and marinades. Boosts probiotic content, supports digestion, and adds depth to ramen, pickles, and grilled fish. Perfect for Japanese chefs seeking authentic flavor. Boosts soups, sauces, desserts too.!

$10.34 - $12.79

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weee.14486898
I use this to make soy sauce koji every time. It's cheaper than other options!
IzumiD
It's incredibly helpful that they deliver koji water, dashi koji, and other Japanese koji products right to my home.
bebemorikawa
making amazake. also used for tenderizing the meat, and making tukemono. I am happy to try new recipes, too!
lotusinharlem
I usually make own Koji, but when I need to make Koji products and some have any Koji, i usually buy this brand.
JK777
I'd like to make the dressing my friend taught me how to make.
mtm0710
This is a repeat purchase. I like that you can also make amazake (sweet rice drink) with it.
SAKIE
Thanks to rice koji, the ginger and garlic I bought in bulk now last longer and transform into flavorful condiments! I'm truly grateful! This time, I used it to make soy sauce koji, onion koji, and soy milk yogurt for my daughter who has a dairy allergy!
tstroh01
This is koji that I always keep on hand. I'm grateful that I can buy it at weee.
M
Bought it to make homemade miso for the first time.

#2

Cold Mountain Rice Koji 20 oz

Rich rice koji offers natural enzymes and probiotics that boost umami, sweetness and digestibility. Ideal for miso, sake, amazake, pickles, salad dressings or marinades, delivering a deep, nutty flavor while supporting gut health.

$10.34 - $11.99

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Rnwhitener
I was very happy to find this Koji. It’s great to make shio Koji or Homemade miso.
kuriko
I use it when making salted rice malt.
midori
For making salted rice malt and fermented soybeans. The koji grains are broken, but it always turns out delicious.
akikojapanosaka
This was my first time buying dried rice koji, and when I made amazake (sweet rice drink) with it, it turned out delicious! It's so versatile, I really appreciate it.
kyoko.o.redd
I thought this was the one already made (liquify). But I can make it; therefore, it’s fine. It does not have any alcohol like the other kind that is ready to use. I like no additive products.
goshibata
I've been using koji imported from Japan until now, but I bought American-made koji for the first time because of the good reviews.
iser200229
There were so many! I'm looking forward to using them.

#3

Hikari Shio Koji (Japanese All Purpose Seasoning) 20.4 oz

A versatile addition to your pantry, Hikari Shio Koji is an all-purpose seasoning, making it the perfect match for a query on Koji. It's a critical ingredient in numerous Asian dishes, imparting a sweet, savory umami flavor to marinades and sauces. This Koji seasoning enhances the taste of sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, and pickles. As a natural tenderizer, Hikari Shio Koji also healthily replaces salt, maintaining the nutrients and improving digestion. This is your key to authentic Japanese cuisine.

$8.99 - $11.49

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Alex
I like this shio koji! It does need to be kept refrigerated. I have used it for some umami and saltiness for cooking beef and cucumbers and for marinating cucumbers and daikon.
俊章
It's convenient because it can be used in various dishes, and it seems that powdered versions are available now. It's indispensable for meat dishes.
Kel
Haven't used this yet but some recipes seem good~
Kai
Let's try marinating the chicken.
weee.14213993
I bought it because the reviews were good. I plan to cook some chicken in it.
Venice
I'm so happy that reasonably priced salt koji can be used in any dish and is always available on Weee.
kellywhitten17
Sweet, salty, umami, with little chunks of rice. I can see this being used on EVERYTHING!
ViVi
High repurchase rate, not bad.
Peach
Delicious!!!!

#4

Marukome Hana Koji Miso 650 g

This koji is a crucial ingredient in Asian dishes like miso soup, marinades, and pickled vegetables. Marukome Hana Koji Miso boasts a robust, savory flavor, enhancing the depth of your meals. Koji holds health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting immunity. Its 650g size offers great value, ensuring you have enough for various delectable recipes.

$6.29 - $8.29

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Sho
Even plain miso soup tastes delicious with this miso. It feels quite expensive, but the taste is undeniable. For this quantity and price, it's totally worth it!
Lan
Miso tastes good.
Onakasuita
This is my favorite miso. I'll buy it again.
mikamikatttbg
It's helpful that it arrives frozen.
shandi460
This is my second purchase; the taste is mild and delicious.
sakiyajin
This miso is the most delicious.
denakronfeld
Just used this in a marinade. Delicious.
hirose01
This miso has no strong or unusual flavor and is very easy to use.
砚六
This miso is quite salty, so you don't need to add salt.
Chiiyan
I'd been curious about it for a while, so I finally bought it. It was delicious!

#5

IseSo Miyako Handmade Rice Koji 1kg 1 count

Premium rice koji provides natural enzymes for fermentation, delivering deep umami and sweet‑sour notes. Ideal for miso, shio koji, sake, pickles, and marinades in Japanese and Korean dishes. Boosts digestion and nutrition, making it a versatile pantry staple. Great for home cooks seeking deep umami.

$19.49

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kaorumase
I made soy sauce koji I made it once and it was delicious, so I made it a second time~
Kumiko
I am excited to make Amazake (Rice Koji Drink) with it. There are many recipes that I can try with Koji...making miso, pickles..etc.
iw
I am very happy to be able to buy the rice koji that I have missed for a long time on weee.
kaorumase
I made miso this month too I'm grateful that the recipe for miso is displayed I bought two bags, so I'm thinking of making shio koji or soy sauce koji too.
gmidori214
I always use this koji to make homemade miso and other koji seasonings. Even though it is dried koji, it is very soft and easy to use!
aonigirii
I always bought it from a certain major website, but I'm happy to be able to buy it cheaply here! At home, we make our own salt koji, soy sauce koji, miso, etc., and Miyako Koji is an essential item, so it's very helpful
May
I prepared Shio Koji!

Popular recipes

Instant Pot Koji Chicken

Deliciously tender, this recipe uses to bring out the subtle flavors of chicken in the Instant Pot. Packed with protein, it's a healthy and satisfying main dish. You will need chicken thighs, , soy sauce, garlic and scallions.

Koji Stir-Fry Vegetables

A quick, easy and delicious recipe to level up your stir-fry. Using in this recipe creates a unique deep flavor in your favorite vegetables. The essentials for this recipe are mixed vegetables, , sesame oil, garlic and soy sauce.

Koji Miso Soup

A twist on a classic, this Koji Miso Soup is simple, hearty and full of good-for-you ingredients. Adding to the traditional recipe brings the dish to a whole new level. This recipe requires water, , miso paste, tofu and green onions.

Rice Cooker Koji Rice

Let the rice cooker do all the work in this simple, satisfying dish that showcases the unique flavor of . Trust us, it takes plain rice to a whole new level. All you need is rice, , water, salt and sesame oil.

Koji Marinated Tofu

A simple, but flavor packed dish where tofu gets a big upgrade from . Super easy to prepare and results in a delicious and complex-flavored tofu. You'll need tofu, , soy sauce, garlic and green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Koji?
Koji is a type of fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) used in eastern Asia for fermenting foods. It’s the primary ingredient behind many popular Japanese items like soy sauce, miso, and sake.
What does Koji taste like?
It brings a sweet, rich, and umami flavor that enhances the original taste of foods.
Can Koji be used in bread baking?
Yes, Koji can be used to naturally leaven bread, contributing to its texture, flavor, and shelf life.
Is it safe to eat Koji?
Yes, Koji is safe to eat. It has been used for centuries in Asian cuisines.
Can I make Koji at home?
Yes, with the right environment and materials, you can make Koji at home.
Are there health benefits associated with Koji?
Koji aids in digestion, provides a good source of protein, and is rich in vitamins and minerals
What does Koji do to food?
Koji breaks down the proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food, enhancing the taste and making them easier to digest.
Is there a western equivalent to Koji?
Although there isn't a direct western equivalent, the concept of using yeast and bacteria in bread-making and cheese-making is similar.

Is Koji vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, Koji is plant-based and suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
Is Koji gluten-free?
Yes, Koji itself is gluten-free, but always confirm as it can be used in products that do contain gluten.
How is it traditionally made?
Koji is traditionally made by inoculating steamed grains, usually rice, with the Aspergillus oryzae spores.
How can you store Koji?
It can be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry or the refrigerator, making sure it’s well sealed to avoid moisture.
What are some common dishes that use Koji?
It is used in making miso, Sake, rice vinegar, soy sauce and to ferment meats, fish and vegetables.
Is Koji the same as mold?
Koji is a type of beneficial fungus or mold, but not all molds are Koji.
What is the relationship between Koji and Umami?
Koji helps produce a rich umami flavor in foods through the process of fermentation.
Where can I buy Koji?
You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

weee.14486898
I use this to make soy sauce koji every time. It's cheaper than other options!
IzumiD
It's incredibly helpful that they deliver koji water, dashi koji, and other Japanese koji products right to my home.
bebemorikawa
making amazake. also used for tenderizing the meat, and making tukemono. I am happy to try new recipes, too!
lotusinharlem
I usually make own Koji, but when I need to make Koji products and some have any Koji, i usually buy this brand.
JK777
I'd like to make the dressing my friend taught me how to make.
mtm0710
This is a repeat purchase. I like that you can also make amazake (sweet rice drink) with it.
SAKIE
Thanks to rice koji, the ginger and garlic I bought in bulk now last longer and transform into flavorful condiments! I'm truly grateful! This time, I used it to make soy sauce koji, onion koji, and soy milk yogurt for my daughter who has a dairy allergy!
tstroh01
This is koji that I always keep on hand. I'm grateful that I can buy it at weee.
M
Bought it to make homemade miso for the first time.
Rnwhitener
I was very happy to find this Koji. It’s great to make shio Koji or Homemade miso.
Alex
I like this shio koji! It does need to be kept refrigerated. I have used it for some umami and saltiness for cooking beef and cucumbers and for marinating cucumbers and daikon.
俊章
It's convenient because it can be used in various dishes, and it seems that powdered versions are available now. It's indispensable for meat dishes.
Kel
Haven't used this yet but some recipes seem good~
Kai
Let's try marinating the chicken.
weee.14213993
I bought it because the reviews were good. I plan to cook some chicken in it.
Venice
I'm so happy that reasonably priced salt koji can be used in any dish and is always available on Weee.
kellywhitten17
Sweet, salty, umami, with little chunks of rice. I can see this being used on EVERYTHING!
ViVi
High repurchase rate, not bad.
Peach
Delicious!!!!
Sho
Even plain miso soup tastes delicious with this miso. It feels quite expensive, but the taste is undeniable. For this quantity and price, it's totally worth it!
kaorumase
I made soy sauce koji I made it once and it was delicious, so I made it a second time~
Kumiko
I am excited to make Amazake (Rice Koji Drink) with it. There are many recipes that I can try with Koji...making miso, pickles..etc.
iw
I am very happy to be able to buy the rice koji that I have missed for a long time on weee.
kaorumase
I made miso this month too I'm grateful that the recipe for miso is displayed I bought two bags, so I'm thinking of making shio koji or soy sauce koji too.
gmidori214
I always use this koji to make homemade miso and other koji seasonings. Even though it is dried koji, it is very soft and easy to use!
aonigirii
I always bought it from a certain major website, but I'm happy to be able to buy it cheaply here! At home, we make our own salt koji, soy sauce koji, miso, etc., and Miyako Koji is an essential item, so it's very helpful
May
I prepared Shio Koji!
*Peace & Love*
No additives, not too much free time, no burden.
weee.8597164
Since the ingredients were good, it was cooked thoroughly and tasted delicious. I would like to order it again next time.
maamin
I feel safe using it because the ingredients are sourced from Japan. It seems like the price has gone up, though.
tayld.xxx1010
Looking forward to drink it
KC
It's supposed to protect the skin's moisture! I don't like alcohol, but it tastes good.
weee.12049525
I bought it for the first time. It arrived frozen!
yoko3masu
I'm mixing it with tomato juice and drinking it! It's delicious.
yukikonosnow
This was my first purchase. I took a sip while it was still cold, and it tasted really good. I'm so happy because I've been looking for a delicious amazake (sweet rice drink). I'll definitely buy it again.
kyoko.o.redd
Haven’t tasted it yet but should be good: real simple ingredients without any artificial additives. Love the quality!
luxurynailstwo
It tastes a bit like milk. Not bad to drink instead of alcohol.
Co0823bae
very delicious. Smooth and easy to drink.
avery.lethuanh
Fried chicken and chili peppers served with crispy batter.
dungjolie
Great fry mix of choice. Always buy multiple packs each time