Japanese Cooking Class in OC: Miso & Sake Lees Marinaded Black Cod, Miso Soup & Refreshing Salad

Looking for a unique and delicious way to spend your Saturday in the Lake Forest area?

I’m hosting a hands-on Japanese cooking class on Saturday, May 9 at 1:00 PM at Taste Eatery, where we’ll explore the rich flavors of traditional Japanese fermentation using sake lees and miso.

In this small-group class, you’ll learn how to prepare a comforting, home-style Japanese meal featuring premium black cod (with a vegan option available), along with seasonal dishes that highlight natural umami and balanced flavors.

We’ll cover how sake lees (a nutrient-rich byproduct of sake brewing) can enhance both flavor and nutrition, and how to incorporate it into everyday cooking. You’ll also make a versatile sake lees & miso seasoning to take home and use in your own kitchen.

This class is designed to be relaxed, interactive, and beginner-friendly—perfect for anyone who enjoys Japanese food, is curious about fermentation, or is simply looking for a fun local experience.

MENU:

1. Miso Soup from Scratch: Made with bonito flakes & dried sardines, seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, and a secret ingredient for deeper aroma and flavor.

2. Seasonal Vegetable Salad with Japanese Aromatics: A refreshing salad featuring seasonal vegetables plus Shiso leaf & Myoga (Japanese ginger), finished with ponzu-based dressing.

3. Black Cod Takikomi Gohan (Seasoned Rice Dish)*: Rice cooked with miso & sake lees marinated black cod, burdock root, carrots, dashi, and soy sauce koji.

*Vegan option: Sake lees & miso marinated mushrooms will be used instead of fish while still creating a deeply savory takikomi rice.

4. Hand-Whisked Matcha Amazake Latte (Iced): Whisk your own premium matcha using a chasen and pour it over a base of Koji Amazake and plant-based milk.

BONUS TAKE-HOME

Each participant will also have the option to make approximately 8 oz of a sake lees & miso seasoning mixture to take home.

📍 Location: Taste Eatery, Lake Forest
💲 Cost: $85 (lesson and full meal included)

Registration and details:
kojiandmore.com/service-page/black-cod-sake-lees-miso-cooking

What’s Included:

• Hands-on cooking - This is a fully hands-on class. You’ll cook in small groups and actively participate in each step, not just watch.
• Full, complete Japanese meal
• Digital recipes
• Small-group, interactive experience (max 8 guests)