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harb koji butter
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Homemade Shiokoji Butter (Classic & Garlic Herb)

Transform standard butter into luxurious, umami-rich Japanese "Hakkō" cultured butter using shio koji (salt koji). Perfect for baguettes, steak, seafood, and pasta!
Prep Time10 minutes
Resting Time4 days
Total Time4 days 10 minutes
Course: Condiments, Spreads
Cuisine: Japanese fusion
Keyword: compound butter, escargot butter, shio koji, shio koji butter, shio koji recipe
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Calories: 102kcal

Ingredients

Classic Shiokoji Butter

  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened to room temperature (1 stick)
  • 1.5 to 2 tsp Shio Koji Salt Koji (~8–10% of butter weight)

Garlic Herb Shiokoji Butter

  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened )(1 stick)
  • 1 1/3 tsp Shio Koji (Salt Koji)
  • 1 clove of garlic (finely grated)
  • 3-4 Tbsp Fresh Basil (finely chopped)
  • 3-4 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Soften Butter: Place unsalted butter in a mixing bowl and beat with a spatula or whisk until creamed and smooth.
  • Emulsify: Add the shio koji (and garlic paste/chopped herbs if making the herb variation) a little bit at a time, mixing well so the liquid emulsifies completely into the fat.
    mixing with butter for koji umami butter
  • Shape & Store: Transfer to an airtight container or roll into a log using parchment paper.
    shaping in the wrap for shio koji butter
  • Rest for Flavor: Chill in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days before serving. This resting period allows the fermentation enzymes to harmonize, resulting in a deeper, smoother umami taste.
    Umami Compound garlic herb Butter

Notes

Chef's Notes & Storage
Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or freeze wrapped in parchment and plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Slice directly from frozen into warm pans or onto sizzling hot steak!
Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or freeze wrapped in parchment and plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Slice directly from frozen into warm pans or onto sizzling hot steak!

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbsp | Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Fat: 11.5g | Saturated Fat: 7.3g | Sodium: 85mg | Sugar: 0.1g