Super Gut-Friendly Salt Koji & Herb Marinated Cod Salad

Easy Gluten-Free Japanese Fermented Recipe

Contents

• About This Recipe

• Recipe Overview

• Gut Health Benefits

• Ingredients

• Instructions

• Tips & Variations

• Serving Suggestions

• Final Thoughts

---

About This Salt-Koji Recipe

This dish takes affordable cod and elevates it into a gut-health powerhouse with the magic of salt koji and herbs. Paired with a probiotic-rich dressing and a nutrient-dense salad, it’s the perfect combination of flavor, health, and simplicity.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 min (plus 6–12 hrs marinating)

• Cook Time: 10 min

• Total Time: 6–12 hrs 30 min

• Serving Size: 2 servings

• Cuisine: Japanese-inspired

• Equipment Needed: Mixing bowls, frying pan, whisk

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Suitable For: Gluten-free

---

Gut Health Benefits

• Cod → Lean protein, omega-3s, supports digestion & gut lining.

• Salt-Koji & Amazake → Probiotics that promote healthy gut microbiota & nutrient absorption.

• Herbs → Anti-inflammatory, digestive support.

• Salad Greens & Tomatoes → Fiber & antioxidants for gut balance.

• Walnuts & Olives → Healthy fats + prebiotics to fuel gut bacteria.

---

Ingredients

Versatile Salt Koji & Herb Marinade

• 3 Tbsp salt-koji

• 1 tsp grated garlic

• 2 Tbsp chopped rosemary & thyme

• 3 Tbsp olive oil

• Juice of ½ lemon

---

Cod

• 2 cod fillets

• 2 Tbsp Salt Koji & Herb Marinade

---

Dressing

• 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ½ tsp salt-koji

• 1 tsp amazake

• Pinch of black pepper

---

Salad

• 3 cups salad greens

• 2 tomatoes

• 7–8 green olives

• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

• ⅛ lemon

• 1 Tbsp roasted walnuts

Instructions:

YouTube Video: Salt Koji & Herb Marinade Recipe

YouTube Video: Dressing and Salad Recipe

1. Marinate cod in Salt Koji & Herb Marinade mix (6–12 hrs).

2. Grill the marinated cod in a pan: 

   1. In a frying pan lined with parchment paper, sear the marinated cod on one side over high heat for about 2 minutes until lightly browned. 

   2. Flip the cod, then cover with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes until cooked through.

3. Salad: Emulsify dressing, toss salad, top with cod, lemon juice & walnuts.

---

Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead & Store: This marinade can be made in a larger batch and kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It pairs wonderfully with white fish, chicken, vegetables, and even lamb.

• Flexible Herbs: Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs depending on what you have on hand—such as oregano, chives, or sage.

• For Dressings: When making a dressing with this marinade, the key is to emulsify gradually by adding a small amount of olive oil first. If you pour in all the oil at once, it won’t emulsify and the oil and vinegar will separate. Once it separates, it’s nearly impossible to bring it back together!

• Salad Variations: Try adding seasonal vegetables or fruits to your salad for extra freshness and color.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect light dinner with rice or quinoa on the side

• Great for meal prep—prep the marinade ahead and grill when ready

• Can swap cod with chicken, other types of fish, or even tofu

---

Final Thoughts

Healthy doesn’t mean boring—this Salt Koji & Herb Marinated Cod Salad proves that fermented foods can make even simple ingredients shine. It’s gut-friendly, budget-friendly, and delicious enough to enjoy every week.