What is Soy Sauce?

Soy sauce is a liquid sauce made from soybeans and grains originating from Asia. The sauce is made through a fermentation process and ends in a pasteurization process before it is bottled. Some soy sauces are aged before they are packaged. Soy sauce is a dark brown, almost black color and is a relatively thick liquid. Some soy sauce variations are lighter in color and some are low-sodium.

What Does Soy Sauce Taste Like?

Soy sauce is tangy and salty.  It may taste a little sweet.  Because of its strong flavors, dishes do not require a lot of soy sauce to flavor them.  

How Do You Eat Soy Sauce?

Soy sauce may be eaten alone, but it is frequently combined with other ingredients.  Common ways to enjoy soy sauce include in dipping sauce, vegetable stir-fry dishes, and with rice.  Soy sauce is frequently paired with chicken as a marinade or part of a glaze.  Soy sauce often accompanies fish dishes, such as tuna and salmon, and flavors pasta or noodle dishes.  Honey and ginger are usually paired with soy sauce to enhance its flavor.

Where Can You Buy Soy Sauce?

Look for soy sauce in the condiments or international aisle of the grocery store.  Different varieties of soy sauce are also located in international grocery stores or Asian food stores.

How Do You Store Soy Sauce?

Store soy sauce in a cool, dry place, away from light.  Make sure the lid is tightly secured on the container.  Soy sauce may also be stored in the refrigerator.

Fun Fact About Soy Sauce

Soy sauce may be over 3,000 years old.

Did You Know?

While soy sauce is traditionally used in savory dishes, it is also made into caramel sauce and even ice cream.

Recipes Using Soy Sauce

Soy Dipping Sauce

Use soy sauce as a base for a tangy dipping sauce. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Dip chicken or vegetables in the sauce.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Whether you enjoy sweet and sour sauce as a glaze or as a dipping sauce, this sauce is easy to make. Simmer soy sauce, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, corn starch, and ketchup in a saucepan. Remove from heat when the sauce thickens to desired consistency.

Teriyaki Sauce

Make a classic sauce that pairs well with chicken dishes. Mix soy sauce, water, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and corn starch in a saucepan. Remove from heat when sauce thickens.

Orange Chicken

Create a sticky glaze for your fried chicken. Prepare orange sauce by mixing orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, corn starch, ginger, and garlic in a saucepan. Remove pan from heat when the sauce thickens. Fry chicken until cooked and remove the excess oil with paper towels. Then, toss fried chicken with the orange sauce and serve.

Easy Marinade

Make this marinade to coat fish or chicken dishes. Add soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl and mix. Place dish or chicken pieces in the sauce, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight before cooking.