Hanamaruki Foods Liquid Shio Koji
A traditional condiment made from fermented malted rice, shio koji is known in Japan for packing a punch of umami into everything from marinated meats to savory soups. All shio kojis aren’t created equal, though, for Hanamaruki Foods distills the powerful flavor properties of this essential Japanese ingredient into an easy-to-use liquid form—the only Liquid Shio Koji available on the market—to create the ultimate pantry secret weapon. We love the condiment’s clean, yet bold flavor: salty rounded out with a pronounced sweetness and burst of umami. It’s made by pressing shio koji in its original paste form and filtering until it yields the clear, golden-hued liquid. The product isn’t heat-treated, so its enzymes remain active and effective in rendering meat remarkably moist and juicy, balancing bitterness in veggies like eggplant and adding amino acids for a full-flavored finish to any dish to truly change the way you cook. Use as a marinade for meats and fish, drizzle into salad dressings and sauces to balance savory flavors, or incorporate into baked goods to add a layer of tantalizing complexity.
Hotaru Foods Yuzu Mayonnaise
While most mayonnaise is made with vinegar, Hotaru Foods uses 100% yuzu juice as its acid of choice, which adds a bright, citrusy kick and subtle sweetness reminiscent of Kewpie mayonnaise, a Japanese favorite. We especially like to pair it with seafood, which doesn't need its usual squeeze of lemon thanks to the tart yuzu flavor.
Yakami Orchard Yuzu Kosho - Green
This spicy, briny Japanese condiment combines chili heat with yuzu, the best-tasting citrus fruit you’ve never heard of that is used broadly in Japanese cooking as an accent note. Yuzu Kosho Green is a Japanese condiment prepared from fermented yuzu, chilies, kombu and salt.
Marukin Koikuchi 50% Reduced Salt Soy Sauce
Most low-sodium soy sauces lack flavor or complexity, but this premium product from Marukin packs a ton of rich umami flavor with half the salt. Established in 1907, Marukin is one of only 1% of Japanese soy sauce producers that maintain traditional production methods from the past century. Their low-sodium sauce is made from the same ingredients as regular soy sauce and is fermented in cedar barrels over a hundred years old; the natural bacteria and yeast that live on the barrels and in the air slowly ferment the soybeans into this naturally sweet, malty and complex sauce. It's the perfect substitute for regular soy sauce for anyone who is looking to reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing flavor. Add this reduced sodium soy sauce to any number of dishes, marinades and sauces.
Morita Mirin-Type Condiment
Pale gold and lightly sweet, this mirin-type condiment is a staple in Japanese pantries for bringing a hint of umami to broths and more. Compared to other mirins you can find in the store, this has much more character and nuance, while supermarket versions can skew heavy, syrupy and astringent. This one has the gentle sweetness and complexity of fermented rice that we want without tipping into syrupy, with a hint of salt that doesn’t overpower the slightly savory and sweet character of the fermented rice base. If you can’t have the real-deal hon mirin, mirin-type condiments are great alternatives, and this is one of the best we’ve tried.
Bachan's Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce
Unlike grocery-store teriyaki sauces that include artificial preservatives or sweeteners, Bachan's uses only fresh, natural ingredients in its Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce. Authentic Japanese shoyu—soy sauce made with wheat—provides an umami flavor base, while cane sugar and mirin add the signature complementary sweetness. Bachan's also layers green onion, ginger and garlic, which add aromatic complexity and ground the sauce in earthy, savory notes. In a nod to Western barbecue sauce, the secret recipe also includes tomato paste, which adds a nuanced, natural fruitiness and thickens the sauce. And the addition of red jalapeños packs a mouth-watering heat.
Okazu Japanese Miso Chili Oil
A unique, complex take on a traditional Japanese taberu rayu, this deep red condiment has a gently spicy kick from chili powder and a unique nutty richness from the addition of miso. And while umami-laced chili oils and chili crisps are quite popular, Okazu’s use of miso sets it apart from the bunch and adds something unique to its classic Japanese flavor. The creamy miso is salty and savory and complemented by a hint of garlic and, while this isn’t a chili crisp, the addition of white sesame seeds add a textural crunch that reminds us of one. And while many similar, more traditional Japanese chili oils are more straightforward with their flavor, packing a fiery punch, Okazu’s was designed to reveal new layers of flavor as it opens up on the palate—with umami giving way to a pleasant heat.
Fukami Organic Umeboshi
These potent cured ume plums are hand harvested and barrel-aged for one year with salt and fragrant shiso leaves to develop the stone fruit’s robust flavor. These whole plums have been enjoyed in Japan cuisine for centuries—adding a robust tangy, fruity and salty hit to savory dishes without being too overwhelming. Their slight initial chew leads to a soft texture, while the unique addition of shiso leaves add a rosy-purple color and a second, refreshing layer of fruitiness.
The Wasabi Company Wasabi Mayonnaise
True wasabi, a plant related to horseradish and mustard, only grows naturally in Japan's mountainous regions next to streams or river beds, and even in its native habitat, the plant is notoriously difficult to cultivate. Based in England, the Wasabi Company is one of the very few producers that have managed to successfully grow wasabi outside of Japan.
- Net Weight: 175 grams
- Ingredients: Rapeseed oil, pasteurized free-range egg yolk, fresh wasabi, white wine vinegar, fresh horseradish, oriental mustard powder, salt, sugar
- Place of Origin: England
The Wasabi Company Wasabi Mustard
True wasabi, a plant related to horseradish and mustard, only grows naturally in Japan's mountainous regions next to streams or river beds, and even in its native habitat, the plant is notoriously difficult to cultivate. Based in England, the Wasabi Company is one of the very few producers that have managed to successfully grow wasabi outside of Japan.
- Net Weight: 175 grams
- Ingredients: White wine vinegar, water, mustard (mustard powder, mustard bran), sugar, fresh wasabi, fresh horseradish, salt, turmeric
- Place of Origin: England
