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Homemade Amazake

A naturally sweet Japanese fermented rice drink with creamy texture, made with just rice, koji, and water.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups short-grain white rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup rice koji spores
  • 3 cups water
  • Pinch of sea salt

Equipment

  • Large pot with lid
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Wooden spoon or rice paddle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Glass jars for storage
  • Cooler or insulated container

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water three times until the water runs mostly clear.
  2. In a large pot, combine rinsed rice with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender.
  4. Remove the pot from heat and let the rice cool uncovered for 10 minutes to reach 140°F.
  5. Stir in 3 cups of water to the cooled rice to create a thin porridge mixture.
  6. When the mixture reaches 140°F, crumble in 1 cup of rice koji spores and stir thoroughly for one minute.
  7. Transfer the pot to an insulated container and maintain the temperature between 130°F and 145°F for 8 to 12 hours, checking every 2 hours.
  8. Heat the fermented mixture to 170°F and hold for 5 minutes to stop fermentation.
  9. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or blend until smooth, depending on desired consistency.
  10. Cool to room temperature, transfer to glass jars, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to three months. Shake or stir before serving.