Soy Sauce Koji Jidori Chicken & Mushroom Seiro Steamed Dish | Easy, Juicy, and Gut-Friendly Japanese Recipe
- Hitomi
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
Looking for a low-fat, high-umami meal that supports your gut health? This Soy Sauce Koji Chicken & Mushroom Seiro Steamed Dish combines deep koji flavor, tender chicken, and the natural prebiotic power of mushrooms — all gently steamed for maximum nutrition and flavor.
CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS RECIPE |
This simple Japanese steamed dish uses shoyu-koji (soy sauce koji) to tenderize the chicken naturally and enhance umami while keeping sodium low. Steamed with a trio of mushrooms and cabbage in a traditional seiro (bamboo steamer), it’s light yet rich, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or healthy lunch.
RECIPE OVERVIEW |
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time: 12–24 hours)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (active)
Serving Size: 2 servings
Equipment Needed: Bamboo steamer (seiro), pot for steaming
Difficulty Level: Easy
Suitable For: Gluten-free (if using GF soy sauce koji like "Tamari" soy sauce), dairy-free, refined sugar-free
NUTRITION & GUT HEALTH BENEFITS |
🧂 Shoyu-Koji (Soy Sauce Koji):
Packed with enzymes that aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption
Adds deep umami and sweetness naturally with less sodium
🍄 Mushrooms (Shimeji, Maitake, Shiitake):
High in prebiotic fiber and beta-glucans, which feed beneficial gut bacteria
Support immune function and reduce inflammation
🥬 Cabbage:
Contains natural prebiotics that nourish the gut microbiome
Helps promote smoother digestion
🐔 Chicken:
Lean protein source that supports muscle recovery and overall wellness
🌿 Steaming Method:
Preserves vitamins and minerals
No added fats, gentle on digestion, and perfect for gut-healing meals
INGREDIENTS (2 Servings) |
2 Tbsp Shoyu-Koji (Soy Sauce Koji)
1 Tsp Grated Garlic
1 Tsp Grated Ginger
2 Tbsp Koji Amazake (optional for mild sweetness)
~1 lb "JIDORI" Chicken Thighs or Breast
5 Cabbage Leaves
3 kinds of mushrooms (e.g., shimeji, maitake, shiitake)
WHY "JIDORI" CHICKEN? |
If you’ve ever tasted Japanese Jidori chicken, you’ll notice right away — it’s not your average chicken. “Jidori” (地鶏) refers to a premium, free-range chicken raised with traditional Japanese care. Known for its richer flavor, firmer texture, and freshness, Jidori chicken brings a whole new level of depth to simple dishes like this Soy Sauce Koji Steamed Chicken.
Unlike typical non-Jidori chicken, which is often mass-produced for volume and tenderness, Jidori chickens are ethically raised, hormone-free, and naturally fed. Their diet of grains and vegetables, combined with plenty of room to roam, creates a flavorful, nutrient-dense meat with a satisfying bite.
From a gut-health perspective, Jidori chicken is a great choice — it’s leaner, contains a better balance of healthy fats, and is gentler on digestion thanks to fewer additives and stress hormones. It’s the kind of mindful ingredient that aligns perfectly with Koji and More’s philosophy: food that’s delicious, nourishing, and naturally good for your body.
✨ In short: Jidori chicken means quality you can taste — and feel.
INSTRUCTIONS |
In a bowl, mix shoyu-koji, grated garlic, grated ginger, and amazake.
Add chicken and marinade into a ziplock bag. Massage well to coat, then refrigerate for 12–24 hours.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Line the bottom of your bamboo steamer with cabbage leaves and arrange the chicken on top.
In the second tier, place your mushrooms.
Stack the steamers — chicken on the bottom, mushrooms on top.
Steam for about 7–8 minutes, remove the mushrooms, and continue steaming the chicken for 10 more minutes.
When the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s done!
RECIPE NOTES |
If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, use a regular steamer basket or even a pan with a steaming rack.
Koji Amazake adds a hint of natural sweetness and helps enhance umami depth.
FINAL THOUGHTS |
This Soy Sauce Koji Chicken & Mushroom Seiro Steamed Dish embodies everything we love about gut-friendly Japanese cooking — gentle, balanced, and full of umami. It’s an easy, nourishing recipe you’ll want to make again and again for your cho-katsu lifestyle.
✨ Save this recipe for your next healthy comfort meal and share it with someone who loves Japanese wellness cooking!
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