Soy Sauce: What, How and Why does everyone love it
Soy sauce is one of the most popular condiments in the world and for good reason. It's salty, savoury, and pairs well with just about anything. But what makes soy sauce so special? And why do so many people love it? Let's read about it.
What is Soy Sauce?
Soy sauce is a fermented sauce made from soybeans, wheat, and salt. Soy sauce has a salty, umami flavour that enhances the taste of food.
Soy sauce is an essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines, used as both a condiment and a marinade. It's also a popular choice for dipping sushi and other seafood dishes.
Ingredients for Soy sauce:
-Soybeans
-Wheat
-Salt
-Water
How is Soy Sauce Made?
There are two ways in which Soy sauce is made.
Traditional method:
Soy sauce is a fermented sauce made from soybeans, wheat, and salt. The traditional process of making soy sauce is quite simple, but it does take some time.
The first step is to soak the soybeans in water overnight. The next day, the soybeans are boiled until they are soft. Then they are mashed into a paste and mixed with wheat flour, salt, and water. The mixture is then left to ferment for several months to years.
The fermentation process breaks down the carbohydrates in the soybeans and wheat, which results in the formation of lactic acid and alcohol. This gives soy sauce its characteristic taste and aroma.
During the fermentation process, the mixture is constantly stirred to make sure that all of the ingredients are evenly mixed. The soy sauce is then strained and bottled for sale.
Chemical method:
The chemical method of making soy sauce is much quicker than the traditional method.
Soybeans, wheat, and salt are mixed together and then heated with hydrochloric acid. This causes the carbohydrates in soybeans and wheat to break down into lactic acid and alcohol. The mixture is then neutralized with a base. The soy sauce is then strained and bottled for sale.
Types of Soy Sauce
There are many different types of soy sauce, depending on the ingredients and the manufacturing process.
Light soy sauce:
Light soy sauce is made with a shorter fermentation time and is lighter in colour and thinner in consistency than dark soy sauce. It has a saltier taste and is used as a condiment or for dipping.
Dark soy sauce:
Dark soy sauce is made with a longer fermentation time and is darker in colour and thicker in consistency than light soy sauce. It has a sweeter taste and is used as a marinade or for cooking.
Sweet soy sauce:
Sweet soy sauce is made by adding sugar to dark soy sauce. It has a sweet and savoury flavour and is used as a dipping sauce or for cooking.
Tamari:
Tamari is a type of soy sauce made without wheat. It has a richer flavour and is used as a condiment or for dipping.
Shoyu:
Shoyu is a type of soy sauce made with both soybeans and wheat. It has a milder flavour and is used as a condiment or for dipping.
History of Soy sauce
Soy sauce is thought to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It was first mentioned in a Chinese text from the 3rd century AD.
Soy sauce was originally made as a way to preserve soybeans. The salty sauce prevented the soybeans from spoiling and allowed them to be stored for long periods of time.
Soy sauce eventually spread to other parts of Asia, such as Japan and Korea. Each country developed its own style of soy sauce, depending on the local ingredients and methods of production.
Today, soy sauce is used all over the world as a condiment and ingredient in cooking. It is an essential part of many Asian cuisines and has become one of the most popular condiments in the world.
Uses of Soy Sauce:
Soy sauce can be used in many different ways. It is commonly used as a dipping sauce, condiment, or marinade.
Dipping sauce:
Soy sauce is a delicious and flavorful dipping sauce that is perfect for sushi and other seafood dishes. It has a salty and savoury taste that enhances the flavour of seafood. Soy sauce is also a great way to add some extra flavour to your meal.
Condiment:
Soy sauce can be used as a condiment to add flavour to your food. It is commonly used in Asian cuisines, such as Chinese and Japanese dishes. Soy sauce can be used to season meat, vegetables, or rice.
Marinade:
Soy sauce can also be used as a marinade for meat and vegetables. The saltiness of the soy sauce helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. Soy sauce is a popular ingredient in many Asian marinades.
Cooking ingredient:
Soy sauce can also be used as a cooking ingredient. It is commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and sauces. Soy sauce adds a delicious savoury flavour to dishes.
Soy sauce myths debunked
Soy sauce is a popular condiment with a long history. However, there are many myths and misconceptions about soy sauce. Here are some common soy sauce myths debunked:
Myth 1: Soy sauce is unhealthy.
Soy sauce is not unhealthy. In fact, it can actually be good for you. Soy sauce is a good source of protein and contains many essential vitamins and minerals.
Myth 2: Soy sauce is only used in Asian cuisine.
Soy sauce is not just used in Asian cuisine. It is actually used all over the world in many different cuisines.
Myth 3: Soy sauce tastes the same as salt.
Soy sauce does not taste the same as salt. Soy sauce has a unique flavour that is savoury and salty.
Myth 4: Soy sauce is high in sodium.
Soy sauce is not necessarily high in sodium. The sodium content of soy sauce depends on the brand and type of soy sauce. Some brands of soy sauce are low in sodium, while others are high in sodium.
Why Do People Love Soy Sauce?
Soy sauce has been around for centuries, and its popularity is still going strong. Here are some reasons why people love soy sauce:
1. It Adds Complex Flavor:
Soy sauce doesn't just add saltiness to food – it provides a complex, umami-rich flavour that enhances the taste of any dish. Whether you're using it as a dipping sauce, vinaigrette, marinade or condiment, soy sauce will take your cuisine to the next level.
2. It's Versatile:
Soy sauce isn't just for Asian foods – you can use it in any type of cuisine. With its salty, savoury taste, soy sauce can be added to French dishes like ratatouille or chicken à la king. It also pairs well with Italian pasta sauces and American-style BBQ sauce.
3. It's Good for You:
Soy sauce is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. It's also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
4. It Has a Long History:
Soy sauce has been around for centuries, and its rich history is part of its appeal. The fermented soybean paste was first created in China over 2,000 years ago, and it has been used in Asian cuisine ever since.
5. It Tastes Great:
Last but not least, people love soy sauce because it simply tastes great! The salty, savoy flavour enhances the taste of any dish, making it a popular condiment all over the world.
How to Choose the Best Soy Sauce
With so many brands and types of soy sauce on the market, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. Here are some tips to help you select the best soy sauce for your needs:
1. Consider Your Cuisine: The type of soy sauce you choose will depend on the cuisine you're cooking. For example, if you're making Japanese sushi, you'll want to use a light soy sauce. But if you're stir-frying Chinese vegetables, you'll need a dark soy sauce.
2. Know Your Brands: Not all soy sauces are created equal. Some brands are better than others, so it's worth doing your research before you buy. Read online reviews and look for soy sauces that have been rated highly by experts.
3. Consider the Sodium Content: If you're watching your sodium intake, it's important to choose a low-sodium soy sauce. Most brands offer low-sodium options, so take some time to compare the labels before you make your purchase.
4. Taste Before You Buy: The best way to know if you'll like soy sauce is to taste it before you buy it. If possible, sample the soy sauce before you make your purchase. This way, you can be sure that you're getting a product that you'll actually enjoy using.
Bottom Line:
Soy sauce is a delicious, salty condiment that can enhance the taste of any dish. It's also good for you, and its versatility makes it a great addition to any cuisine.
When it comes to cooking with soy sauce, there are endless possibilities. Whether you use it as a dipping sauce, condiment, or marinade, soy sauce will add a delicious and savoury flavour to your dish.
So next time you're in the kitchen, don't be afraid to experiment with soy sauce. Who knows, you might just create a new favourite recipe!