Hanamaruki Gluten Free Liquid Shio Koji Japanese seasoning 16.9 fl oz — enzyme-rich umami marinade

Hanamaruki Gluten Free Liquid Shio Koji is a ready-to-use, enzyme-rich Japanese seasoning that adds natural umami to meats, seafood, vegetables and broths.

Made in Japan from koji-fermented rice and salt, Hanamaruki's Liquid Shio Koji is the pressed, enzyme-packed liquid extracted from a traditional shio koji sake bag. It delivers the savory depth of fermented rice malt without the need to prepare a starter paste, so you can marinate, tenderize, and season quickly. This bottle contains small suspended grains of rice malt and comes in a convenient 16.9 fl oz plastic bottle labeled gluten free and non-GMO.

How will this change the way I marinate meats and seafood?

Liquid shio koji gently breaks down proteins and brings out inherent savory notes, creating more tender, juicier results with less added salt. It’s ideal as a short or overnight marinade and helps flavors penetrate more evenly than salt alone.

• Use as a marinade: coat proteins and rest 30 minutes to overnight.
• Substitute for salt: approximately 2 tsp shio koji per 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste.
• Good for delicate fish and shellfish where gentler tenderizing is preferred.

Can I use Hanamaruki Liquid Shio Koji for everyday seasoning and cooking?

Yes — the liquid form makes it simple to stir into sauces, dressings, soups, and ground mixtures like meatballs or gyoza filling. It adds fermented umami and subtle sweetness without overpowering other ingredients.

• Stir into broths or miso soup to deepen savory flavor.
• Add to dipping sauces, vinaigrettes, or glaze mixes for balanced umami.
• Mix into ground meats for meatballs, burgers, and dumpling fillings to enhance succulence.

Is this product suitable for special diets and how should I store it?

Hanamaruki Liquid Shio Koji is labeled gluten free and non-GMO, making it appropriate for many restricted diets—always check individual ingredient tolerances. Keep refrigerated after opening and use within a reasonable timeframe to preserve enzyme activity and peak flavor.

• Gluten-free and non-GMO; verify if you follow strict allergy protocols.
• Refrigerate after opening and seal the bottle to maintain freshness.
• Shake gently before using to redistribute suspended rice malt grains.

How much should I use when adapting recipes that call for salt or marinades?

Because shio koji provides both saltiness and enzymatic umami, reduce added salt in recipes and start with small amounts while tasting. It’s effective in small doses and can replace salt entirely in many applications when used correctly.

• Start with 2 teaspoons of shio koji for every 1 teaspoon of salt called for.
• For marinades, 1–3 tablespoons per pound of protein is a good starting range.
• Adjust based on cooking time—longer marinades may require less product.

Who is this for: Hanamaruki Liquid Shio Koji suits home cooks, chefs, and anyone curious about fermented Japanese seasonings who wants quick access to authentic shio koji benefits without making a paste from scratch. It’s valuable for people seeking to boost savory depth in everyday dishes, those managing gluten-free diets, and cooks who want an easy liquid seasoning to fold into marinades, broths, sauces, and mixed fillings.

Product details: 16.9 fl oz plastic bottle, product of Japan, contains small rice malt grains suspended in the liquid. Use as a marinade, seasoning substitute for salt, or flavor enhancer in various recipes.