Tips for choosing soy sauce

Soy sauce is an incredibly popular seasoning in Asian cuisine. It adds flavor to hot dishes, accompanies various snacks, serves as a marinade, enhances salad dressings, and is even poured over ice cream. Authentic soy sauce is a highly versatile and beneficial product, often used in healthy and diet-conscious cooking. However, individuals who are not familiar with Asian culture may find it challenging to select the right soy sauce. That’s why we’re here to share all the secrets of choosing this popular seasoning correctly.

What should you pay attention to when choosing and buying soy sauce?

Before you can smell and taste it, it’s crucial to understand how to choose soy sauce at the store. Here are a few simple guidelines that will help you determine which soy sauce is better to choose:

1. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the composition. The best soy sauces consist of beans, wheat, filtered and prepared water, salt, and sometimes sugar. Other components that maintain the taste and safety of the product are permissible, such as mirin, spices, or various flavor enhancers. Additionally, quality soy sauce typically contains a significant protein content, with at least 6 g per 100 g of the finished product.
2. An important role is played by the container in which this seasoning is packed. Soy sauce is best stored in a glass bottle, as plastic containers can compromise its beneficial properties and flavor. The lid can be either metal or plastic.

What should the color of soy sauce be?

Check the color of the sauce – it should have a rich, natural brownish-red hue without any impurities or cloudiness. A high-quality product should not be black, overly vibrant, or too pale in color.

How is the sauce made?

Soy sauce is prepared by boiling soybeans, which are then immersed in a salt solution along with a special koji fungus. Hence, one important criterion is the presence of a natural fermentation process. If a product is of high quality, it undergoes fermentation. During this stage, it becomes infused with amino acids, imparting the unique umami taste that soy sauce is renowned for. This flavor profile elevates the potential of sushi, rolls, salads, and countless other Asian recipes.

Now you know how to choose the right soy sauce.
Be sure to use our tips during your next trip to the store so that your dishes become really tasty, healthy and retain their Asian flavor!