Umami-Rich Steamed Pork Belly with Soy Sauce Koji & Ginger

CONTENTS

• About This Recipe

• Recipe Overview

• Nutrition and Gut Health Benefits

• Ingredients

• Instructions

• Shopping Tips

• Why Use Soy Sauce Koji?

• Final Thoughts

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ABOUT THIS RECIPE |

This flavor-packed pork belly is marinated in soy sauce koji and ginger, then gently steamed in a seiro (bamboo steamer) for a juicy and tender finish. Wrapped in steamed cabbage, it’s a gut-friendly dish that feels indulgent but aligns perfectly with your wellness goals. ✨

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RECIPE OVERVIEW |

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 12 hours marinating)

• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

• Servings: 2–3

• Cooking Method: Seiro steaming (or any steamer)

• Dietary Notes: Gut-friendly, enzyme-rich, lower-sodium than traditional soy sauce–based dishes

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NUTRITION & GUT HEALTH BENEFITS |

• Pork is rich in vitamin B1 — supports metabolism, stress recovery, and energy production.Ginger & onion are natural prebiotics → help feed healthy gut bacteria.

• Steaming keeps nutrients intact and is gentle on digestion.

• Soy sauce koji contains enzymes that help break down proteins and improve nutrient absorption.

A delicious way to nourish your gut without sacrificing bold flavor. 🧡

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INGREDIENTS (2 Servings) |

• 500g (about 1.1 lb) pork belly slices

• ½ onion, thinly sliced

• Steamer-safe cabbage leaves for wrapping

Marinade

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce koji

• 2 Tbsp grated ginger

• 2 Tbsp sake

• 2 Tbsp mirin

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INSTRUCTIONS |

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce koji, ginger, sake, and mirin.

2. Place pork belly and sliced onion into a zip-top bag, then pour in the marinade.

3. Massage gently and refrigerate for about 12 hours to allow flavors and enzymes to work their magic.

4. Line a bamboo steamer (蒸籠) with cabbage leaves. Layer the marinated pork and onions on top.

5. Set the steamer over a pot of boiling water.

6. Steam for 10–15 minutes, until pork reaches an internal temp of 145°F+ (63°C).

7. Serve and enjoy! You can wrap the pork and onions with softened cabbage leaves for a refreshing, satisfying bite.

Cutting onions

Mixing soy sauce koji and other ingredients

layering cabbage and marinated pork gigner

Putting a lid

Steamed pork ginger dish

eating pork ginger dish

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SHOPPING TIPS |

SOY SAUCE KOJI:

Make Your Own Soy Sauce Koji at Home:

Homemade soy sauce koji using high-quality soy sauce and rice koji allows you to avoid preservatives. The flavor is noticeably more balanced when made fresh.

👉 How to Make Soy Sauce Koji

Pre-made soy sauce koji is also available at Japanese grocery stores if homemade one isn't for you.

Look for:

• Refrigerated product

• Simple ingredients (soy sauce + rice koji only)

• No added sugar or unnecessary additives

Because this is a live fermented product, it is rarely available online in good condition due to refrigeration requirements. Local Japanese markets are your best option.

Choose clean, simple ingredients for best flavor.

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Sake (Drinking-Grade)

Use real sake — not “cooking wine.” Cooking wine often contains added salt and flavor enhancers that alter your dish. Choose simple-ingredient sake (rice, water, koji). Think of it like cooking with good wine — quality matters.

Hon Mirin (本みりん)

Always look for “Hon Mirin.” Avoid “mirin-like,” “aji-mirin,” or “sweet cooking wine,” which often contain added salt, sugar, and additives. True "hon mirin" provides natural sweetness and depth without altering the balance of your dish.

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New to Seiro Steaming? Start Here:

If you're curious about which bamboo steamer (seiro) to choose, sizes, materials, and the tools I personally use, I’ve put everything together in my Seiro 101 guide. It will help you select the right setup for your kitchen.

👉 Read the Seiro 101 Guide

Also, learn more about 👉 the gut health benefits of steaming foods.

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WHY USE SOY SAUCE KOJI? |

Soy sauce koji provides umami depth while also offering:

• Digestive enzymes

• Natural probiotics

• Less sodium, but richer flavor than regular soy sauce

• A smoother, rounder taste thanks to the fermentation process

If you’re exploring gut-healthy cooking or transitioning to more fermented foods, soy sauce koji is a fantastic pantry upgrade! You can also make your own Soy Sauce Koji! Check out my blog for the recipe!

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FINAL THOUGHTS |

This Steamed Pork Belly with Soy Sauce Koji & Ginger is simple enough for a weeknight meal yet feels like a cozy Japanese home-style dish. Steaming + fermented seasoning = a perfect combo for gut wellness and incredible flavor. ✨

If you try this recipe, tag us @KojiandMore on Instagram so I can see your delicious creations! 💛

 Stay nourished, stay balanced — and keep enjoying every bite 🥢💫