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soy sauce

CondimentsYear-round

Rich in umami compounds (glutamates and nucleotides), soy sauce provides significant sodium and contains small amounts of B vitamins and minerals such as iron and magnesium from its soy and grain content.

About

Soy sauce (醤油, shoyu in Japanese; 酱油, jiàng yóu in Chinese) is a fermented liquid condiment produced primarily from soybeans, salt, and often wheat or barley. Originating in China during the Zhou Dynasty (around 1200 BCE) and later refined in Japan, soy sauce is created through a controlled fermentation process where soybeans are cooked, mixed with roasted grains and salt, then inoculated with Aspergillus oryzae (koji mold) and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii yeast to develop complex umami flavors over months to years.

The resulting liquid ranges in color from light amber to deep brown, with flavor profiles varying significantly by region and production method. Traditional brewed soy sauce (shōyu or chiang) develops slowly through enzymatic breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates, yielding savory, salty, and subtly sweet notes. Modern industrial production often uses hydrolyzed vegetable protein to accelerate fermentation, producing a more uniform but less complex product.

Culinary Uses

Soy sauce serves as a fundamental seasoning across East and Southeast Asian cuisines, functioning as both a direct flavoring agent and a base for marinades, dipping sauces, and braising liquids. In Japanese cooking, lighter, premium varieties (usukuchi) are preferred for soups and sashimi, while darker tamari (wheat-free) suits grilled and fried dishes. Chinese cuisines employ soy sauce in stir-fries, red-braised dishes, and as a table condiment; Vietnamese and Thai cuisines use it in combination with other aromatics and acids to build complex sauce profiles. Western applications have expanded to include vinaigrettes, braises, and as a savory ingredient in marinades for non-Asian cuisines, where its umami properties complement meat and vegetable preparations.

Recipes Using soy sauce (640)

RCI-SP.001.0144.001

Indonesian Pork

I'm not sure where I found this recipe, but it sounded so weird to me at the time, I just had to try it. I do alot of outdoor cooking on the grill. I'm lucky enough to have a Big Green egg out on my deck to cook on.

RCI-RC.004.0004.001

Indonesian-style Fried Rice

Indonesian-style Fried Rice is a popular food in Indonesia.

RCI-MT.002.0142.001

Inihaw na Pusit – (Grilled squid)

Inihaw na Pusit – (Grilled squid) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0026.001

Instant Kimchi

300px| Instant Kimchi Yield: 4 servings

RCI-MT.006.0459.001

Island Chicken and Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.006.0460.001

Islander Chicken and Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-DS.005.0023.001

Jamaican Roast Beef

Japanese Gyoza
RCI-ND.007.0028.001

Japanese Gyoza

I have made the the filling the day before and assembled the gyoza right before cooking. The whole family helps with this process. These freeze well, freeze in single layer. Makes about 100.

RCI-MT.006.0263.001

Japanese Pork and Kabocha

This is a dish our friend Ken taught us in Japan many years ago. Kagoshima is known for pork, and this recipe combines pork with kabocha, a Japanese hard squash that is now increasingly available in the US.

RCI-SC.003.0058.001

Japanese Soy Vinegar Dressing

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group]

RCI-RC.003.0011.001

Japanese Tuna Rolls

Hand rolls are in the winner's circle for sushi lovers because they are so crisp, tasty, and easy to make and eat. Here, the tastes are kept simple by using fresh tuna and just enough spicy mayonnaise sauce to lift the tuna's flavor.

RCI-EG.003.0117.001

Jasmine and Sweet Basil Spicy Eggplant

Jasmine and Sweet Basil Spicy Eggplant from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0399.001

Jellyfish Salad with Sesame

That's a Chinese jellyfish recipe How to Make Cold Jellyfish Salad on eHow.com

RCI-SN.004.1213.001

Jerk Marinade

Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group]

RCI-EG.003.0690.001

Jiaozi I

Jiaozi - Wanton of the North The wanton of the North. Different filling, different taste, but the idea is the same ... a combination of meat or vegetables wrapped with a thin sheet of dough.

Jjinmandu
RCI-ND.007.0095.001

Jjinmandu

Steamed dumplings Jjinmandu

RCI-ND.007.0096.001

Juicy Steamed Dumplings

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] This Y-group is

RCI-MT.006.0617.001

Kadon Pika

Kadon Pika from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0368.001

Kalbi Tang

300px| Kalbi Tang Rib soup. Preparation time: 40 minutes. This recipe is for 8 servings.

RCI-SP.001.0266.001

Kale Soup with Soy and Lime

An Asian-spiced soup that is fast and really delicious. Use fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla, available at Asian markets) instead of soy sauce if you have some.

RCI-ND.005.0023.001

Katsudon

Katsudon

RCI-SN.004.0061.001

Ketoprak

Cuisine of Indonesia

RCI-RC.004.0008.001

Khao Pad Gai

This is Thai-style fried rice with chicken, as street vendors in the central region of Thailand fix it. Note that this is a very imprecise recipe, and so "cups" means "handfuls".

RCI-VG.005.0136.001

Kimchi jjigae (Stewed kimchi)

Kimchi jjigae is The most popular stew in Korea. There are many varieties. You can add Beef, tofu, can Tuna, vegetables like Squash, Onion, carrot, etc... So be creative!

RCI-EG.003.0326.001

Ko Chu Jung

Yield: 4 servings

RCI-SN.001.0189.001

Kombu Dipping Sauce

Kombu Dipping Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0494.001

Kongnamool Moochim

Soy bean sprouts salad Kongnamool moochim

RCI-SN.003.0052.001

Korean Beef Kabobs

Using a good cut of meat is key, so it will be very tender. Use Beef tenderloin or sirloin (choice at the minimum). The longer you marinate the Beef the better the flavor (over night at a minimum). Cooking time does not include time to marinate.

RCI-SP.001.0228.001

Korean Chicken Soup

Yield: 6 servings Korean Chicken Soup

RCI-SN.001.0209.001

Korean Dipping Sauce

this is my own version of dipping sauce. right?

RCI-MT.005.0132.001

Korean Hamburgers

This recipe is for 4 servings. Preparation: 17 minutes.

RCI-MT.006.0619.001

Korean Roast Chicken Thighs

Korean Roast Chicken Thighs Vegetable oil can be used in place of the sesame oil and it still tastes great. This recipe is for 8 servings. Preparation: 1 hour and 10 minutes.

RCI-SW.003.0004.001

Korean Shortribs

or is a kind of Korean barbecue, using shortribs that have been marinated in soy sauce, scallion, ginger, chiles, garlic, and sesame oil. The marinated meat is then slow-grilled or baked.

RCI-MT.005.0143.001

Korean Spinach Soup

Korean Spinach Soup Beef broth may be substituted for the water for a richer soup, but you may have to decrease the amount of salt. This recipe is for 4 servings. Preparation: 25 minutes.

RCI-MT.002.0185.001

Korean-style Grilled Chicken

Korean-style Grilled Chicken

RCI-VG.001.0391.001

Korean-style Salad Dressing

Korean-style Salad Dressing Soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar make the most wonderful salad dressing with a distinctly Asian flair. ), or any salad period. Particularly tasty on cooked asparagus and spinach too.

RCI-VG.004.0428.001

Kumara and Red Lentil Soup

1 batch Kumara and Red Lentil Soup

RCI-SN.004.0349.001

Kung Pao Tofu

Kung Pao Tofu from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0464.001

Kyazan Hin Cho

Kyazan Hin Cho (Burmese Soup with cellophane noodles) is a flavorful soup to accompany any Burmese meal.

RCI-SN.004.0351.001

Kyujachae

Mustard salad. "Kyujachae" is cold vegetable salad and the hot mustard imparts its main flavour.

RCI-VG.001.0744.001

Layered Tofu Salad

Layered Tofu Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.001.0099.001

Lazy Punk Tofu Sandwiches

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RCI-MT.001.0034.001

Lechon Paksiw

If you have ever hosted a true Filipino party whether it be a birthday, wedding or a community fiesta (feast) then you would know that a party is never complete without Roast Pig or Roast Suckling Pig.

RCI-MT.006.0692.001

Lemon Teriyaki-glazed Chicken

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group]

RCI-SC.003.0079.001

Lime Vinaigrette

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Makes 2½ cups

RCI-MT.006.1216.001

Lo Mai Gai

Lotus leaf wraps Serves 8

RCI-SP.005.0097.001

Luksha Shamdeh

Luksha Shamdeh

RCI-MT.005.0146.001

Lumpia Shanghai

A recipe all Filipinos are proud of! Lumpia (Shanghai type) is a type of egg roll, except it's mainly filled with meat. You could use pork or beef or both! It's a yummy recipe and great to serve as side dish or appetizer.

RCI-SN.004.0003.001

Macaroni & Nutritional Yeast

Macaroni & Nutritional Yeast is a vegan alternative to Macaroni and Cheese.

RCI-SN.002.0034.001

Malaysian Spring Rolls

Malaysian Spring Rolls from the Recidemia collection