Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsExperience ZuzuNigori Hakutsuru Recipe

Nigori Hakutsuru Recipe

Inspired by Experience Zuzu
Time2h
Serves4

'Little Lily', Hyogo, Japan

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

Method

Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Rice

    Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This should take about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Soak the Rice

    Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 4 hours. Drain and set aside.

  3. 3

    Steam the Rice

    Steam the soaked rice for about 30 minutes until it is fully cooked and tender. Let it cool to room temperature.

  4. 4

    Prepare Koji

    Mix the cooled rice with koji (rice mold) in a large bowl. Ensure the koji is evenly distributed throughout the rice.

  5. 5

    Prepare Yeast Starter

    Dissolve the yeast in a small amount of warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.

  6. 6

    Combine Ingredients

    In a fermentation vessel, combine the koji rice, yeast mixture, remaining water (approx. 1 litre), and sugar. Stir well.

  7. 7

    Fermentation

    Cover the fermentation vessel with a cloth and let it sit in a warm place for 1 to 2 weeks. Stir the mixture daily.

  8. 8

    Strain the Mixture

    After fermentation, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar.

  9. 9

    Bottle the Sake

    Seal the bottle with a cap or cork and store it in the refrigerator. Serve chilled.

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