Amazake (Sweet Fermented Rice Drink)

The method

Step by step

1. 1

   Gently break apart any clumps in the rice koji with your hands, ensuring the grains are separate and loose.

   About 2 min

   Cook’s note: This step helps the koji enzymes more effectively interact with the rice starch, promoting even fermentation.

2. 2

   In a large pot or insulated container, combine the prepared cooked sushi rice, the loosened rice koji, and water.

   Cook’s note: Ensure the cooked sushi rice has cooled to approximately 55-60°C (130-140°F) before mixing to avoid killing the koji enzymes.

3. 3

   Stir the mixture thoroughly with a clean spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed and no dry spots of koji remain.

   About 1 min

   Cook’s note: Proper mixing ensures consistent enzyme activity throughout the batch, leading to uniform sweetness.

4. 4

   Insert a clean food thermometer into the mixture and verify the temperature is between 55-60°C (130-140°F).

   Cook’s note: This temperature range is crucial for optimal koji enzyme activity; too hot will kill the enzymes, too cold will slow fermentation significantly.

5. 5

   Cover the pot or container tightly and maintain the temperature between 55-60°C (130-140°F) for 8 to 12 hours.

   About 8 hr

   Cook’s note: Utilize a slow cooker on a 'warm' setting, a rice cooker's 'keep warm' function (monitoring temperature frequently), or an insulated cooler with hot water bottles to maintain the ideal temperature. Stir the mixture every 2-3 hours to ensure even fermentation and prevent hot spots.

6. 6

   After 8 hours, taste the mixture; it should be noticeably sweet with a pleasant aroma, and the rice grains will have softened considerably.

   Cook’s note: The longer the fermentation within the optimal temperature range, the sweeter and more complex the amazake will become. Continue fermenting for up to 12 hours if a stronger sweetness is desired.

7. 7

   Once the desired sweetness is achieved, transfer the amazake to a saucepan and gently heat it to 80°C (175°F) over medium-low heat.

   Cook’s note: Use a thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature. Heating to this point deactivates the koji enzymes, stopping further fermentation and preserving the sweetness.

8. 8

   Maintain the temperature at 80°C (175°F) for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

   About 5 min

   Cook’s note: Avoid boiling the amazake, as high heat can degrade the delicate enzymes and alter the flavor profile.

9. 9

   Remove the amazake from the heat and serve it warm, or allow it to cool completely before chilling for later consumption.

   Cook’s note: For an exceptionally smooth consistency, blend the warm amazake with an immersion blender or in a stand blender until creamy before serving or chilling.