Soy Sauces

Elizabeth Huffman
12 min readSep 10, 2024
Soy-Sauce-1

Get ready to taste the umami goodness! In this article, we're rounding up the best soy sauces on the market, perfect for enhancing your cooking and elevating your culinary experience. From traditional Japanese soy sauces to unique blends that pack a flavorful punch, we've got you covered. Join us as we deep-dive into the world of soy sauce and find the perfect addition to your kitchen.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, I receive compensation from qualified purchases!

Reviews

Lee Kum Kee High Quality Traditional Soy Sauce (64 fl oz)

Lee Kum Kee High Quality Traditional Soy Sauce (64 fl oz) | Image

Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of grade soybeans in every drop of Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce. This high-quality sauce, made from select non-GMO soybeans, is naturally brewed and perfect for marinating, cooking, and dipping. With 126 servings in a 64 fl oz bottle, this essential ingredient is ideal for any Asian cuisine lover.

Kikkoman 64 oz. Traditional Brewed Soy Sauce - Versatile Seasoning for Tasty Dishes

Kikkoman 64 oz. Traditional Brewed Soy Sauce — Versatile Seasoning for Tasty Dishes | Image

Kikkoman Soy Sauce is a versatile and high-quality all-purpose seasoning, perfect for adding depth and umami flavor to a variety of dishes. Its rich taste and beautiful amber color make it a stand-out choice for both Asian meals and beyond.

Brewed using a unique process that combines cutting-edge technology with a centuries-old fermentation technique, this soy sauce is made with only North American-grown soybeans, wheat, and natural salt. The result is a complex flavor profile with over 300 different flavor and aroma components.

Also, Kosher certified and boasting the Good Housekeeping seal of approval, Kikkoman Soy Sauce is a reliable and enjoyable staple for any kitchen.

Lee Kum Kee Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce - 64 oz Bottle

Lee Kum Kee Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce — 64 oz Bottle | Image

I've been using Lee Kum Kee Less Sodium Soy Sauce every day for a while now, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. I prefer a less salty soy sauce, and this product delivers exactly what I need, with its 40% lower sodium content compared to the premium version. The flavor is rich and savory, thanks to the natural brewing process, and it's perfect for adding depth to my cooking.

One downside I noticed is that the sauce does contain added caramel color and taste enhancers, which some may find concerning. However, for the quality and reduced sodium level, I'm willing to overlook that minor detail. Overall, Lee Kum Kee Less Sodium Soy Sauce is a fantastic alternative to high-sodium soy sauces and adds a delicious depth to my dishes.

Silver Swan Special Soy Sauce - Flavorful, Versatile Condiment for Any Meal

Silver Swan Special Soy Sauce — Flavorful, Versatile Condiment for Any Meal | Image

For those craving the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, Silver Swan's Special Soy Sauce is a delightful addition to any dish. This versatile ingredient is ideal for both cooking and as a condiment, promising to elevate the flavors of your favorite meals. Made from the finest ingredients and specially crafted to meet the needs of Filipino cuisine, this soy sauce ensures that every cooking experience is enjoyable and unforgettable.

Key product highlights include the soy sauce's delicious, well-balanced taste that makes it the perfect partner for all your culinary needs. The sauce's unique blend of ingredients ensures a smooth consistency that is perfect for both cooking and as a condiment. Its high-quality composition and rich flavors make it a staple in many households.

Despite its great qualities, the Silver Swan Soy Sauce does have a few drawbacks, such as its rather high sodium content and the presence of additives like caramel color and potassium sorbate. These factors might concern some users, but the product's overall quality and taste still make it a favorite option for many.

In conclusion, Silver Swan's Special Soy Sauce is a delicious and well-rounded ingredient that is perfect for a wide range of dishes. Its high-quality composition, rich flavors, and unique blend of ingredients make it a staple in many kitchens. While it might not be the best option for those concerned with its sodium and additive content, its great taste and versatility make it a worthy addition to any pantry.

Kikkoman Premium Soyaki Sauce - 2 qt

Kikkoman Premium Soyaki Sauce — 2 qt | Image

Kikkoman Soy Sauce is a must-have in any kitchen, offering a wide range of culinary possibilities. This versatile seasoning, with its naturally brewed aroma, adds depth and umami to a variety of dishes. With a distinct reddish-brown color and a taste that's both salty and satisfying, Kikkoman Soy Sauce is a reliable friend in the kitchen.

The 2-quart bottle ensures you have enough for everyday use, and the iconic shape of the bottle with its red cap makes it easily recognizable on the shelf. With a 4.7-star rating and over 600 reviews, it's clear that this liquid gold has earned its place in many home cooks' arsenals.

Whether you're adding a splash to your stir-fry or using it to elevate your sushi, Kikkoman Soy Sauce is the perfect addition to any meal.

San-J Premium Tamari Soy Sauce Bottle

San-J Premium Tamari Soy Sauce Bottle | Image

I recently tried San-J Tamari Soy Sauce and it completely changed my dining experience. The 10 fl oz bottle is a great size for regular use, and the product is conveniently packaged with a clear label that displays all the necessary information. The first thing I noticed when I popped the lid off was the strong aroma of soybeans, which was a pleasant surprise. I used it to marinate my veggies and it enhanced the taste in a way that ordinary soy sauce never could. It's not just a condiment, but a flavor enhancer that elevates any dish.

One of the highlights of this product is its low sodium content, which makes it perfect for those who want to reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing flavor. The Tamari Sauce is also gluten-free, which is a significant advantage for those who are sensitive to gluten. However, I did notice that the packaging could use some improvement, as the bottle is tightly wrapped with bubble wrap and secured with tape.

Overall, I highly recommend San-J Tamari Soy Sauce for its unique flavor, low sodium content, and gluten-free properties. It's a must-have for anyone looking to add more depth to their culinary creations.

Sweet Soy Sauce: Experience Rich Flavors and Balanced Savoriness

Sweet Soy Sauce: Experience Rich Flavors and Balanced Savoriness | Image

Experience the delicious flavors of ABC Sweet Soy Sauce with its rich and thick consistency. This 20.2 fluid ounce bottle is perfect for marinating meats, stir-frying vegetables, and is a great dipping sauce for your favorite snacks. Made from high-quality soybeans and a traditional recipe, this sweet soy sauce is a must-have ingredient in your pantry.

With its sweet and savory notes perfectly balanced, ABC Sweet Soy Sauce will elevate any dish and make your taste buds go wild. The convenient size of the bottle ensures you always have a supply on hand, making it a versatile condiment for all types of cooking. Try ABC Sweet Soy Sauce today and discover the unique flavor that has made it a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide.

Authentic Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce: Rich in Flavor, Great for Chinese Dishes

Authentic Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce: Rich in Flavor, Great for Chinese Dishes | Image

Indulge in the rich soy flavor of Lee Kum Kee's authentic soy sauce, bringing a versatile and aromatic flair to your culinary masterpieces. Crafted from premium soybeans, it serves as a perfect partner for a wide range of dishes.

With a dark, mahogany hue and a luxuriously thick consistency, this soy sauce adds an alluring depth of flavor to your cooking. Despite its high sodium content, users find it to be a delightful and necessary addition to their dishes.

Pearl River Bridge Brand Light Soy Sauce (60 Oz) - Natural Brew and Food Service Pack

Pearl River Bridge Brand Light Soy Sauce (60 Oz) — Natural Brew and Food Service Pack | Image

Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce brings a rich flavor to your dishes. This soy sauce is naturally brewed in the beautiful region of China, using an open-air, sunlit fermentation method. The light color is due to the "light" designation in the soy sauce, not its salt content. It's perfect for use in stir-fries and for pouring over finished dishes.

Key features include its exceptional flavor, minimal coloration, and its suitability for food service packs. Chefs, both amateur and professional, will appreciate its consistency, leaving them with a beautifully flavored dish every time. The high-quality packaging also ensures a long shelf life, making it a great choice for restaurants or any heavy usage.

On the downside, it may not be suitable for those who prefer a higher salt content or a darker color in their soy sauce. However, for those who appreciate the light flavor, it's an excellent option. The product is highly rated by users, confirming its quality and satisfaction with the taste and quantities provided.

Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce: GMO-free, High-quality Condiment

Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce: GMO-free, High-quality Condiment | Image

Pearl River Bridge Light Soy Sauce offers an authentically flavored soy sauce that stands out from the typical grocery store options. Its superb flavor and minimal coloration are achieved through open-air, sunlit fermentation, providing a rich taste without being overpowering. Great for use in stir-fry dishes or as a condiment, this versatile soy sauce adds delicious depth to any dish. Recommended by many satisfied customers, it's the perfect choice for those seeking a better soy sauce experience.

Lee Kum Kee Double Fermented Soy Sauce (16.9 fl oz)

Lee Kum Kee Double Fermented Soy Sauce (16.9 fl oz) | Image

Take your cooking to the next level with Lee Kum Kee Double Deluxe Soy Sauce, a naturally brewed and double fermented soy sauce that's a cut above the rest. This ancient secret recipe uses Koji starter, selected soybeans, and wheat flour to create an umami-packed flavor that enhances every dish. Whether you're cooking veggies, meats, or seafood, this versatile sauce will be your go-to addition. Don't worry about leftovers, as it's suitable for vegetarians and keeps fresh in the fridge for a limited time.

Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce: Less Sodium, Healthier Option

Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce: Less Sodium, Healthier Option | Image

With a whopping 40% reduction in sodium compared to premium soy sauce, Lee Kum Kee's Salt Reduced Soy Sauce is a healthier option for your preferred savory dishes. Made from premium soybeans and wheat flour, this delightful sauce is perfect for dips, cold dishes, stir-fries, stews, and more.

Keep the 16.9 fl oz bottle refrigerated after use and enjoy its light flavor that's easy on the palate.

Kikkoman Traditional Amber Soy Sauce - 4 Gallon Cube Pack

Kikkoman Traditional Amber Soy Sauce — 4 Gallon Cube Pack | Image

I recently gave the Kikkoman Soy Sauce a whirl in my daily cooking and it has become a staple in my kitchen. Its naturally brewed and aged process ensures a full-flavored, well-balanced seasoning that adds depth to my dishes. The bottle itself is a familiar sight on the spice shelf and the easy-to-use dispenser makes incorporating it into my meals a breeze.

While the sodium content might be a concern for some, it's a small price to pay for the rich, umami flavor it delivers. Overall, I'd highly recommend this Kikkoman Soy Sauce to anyone looking to elevate their cooking game.

Gluten-Free Multi-Grain Soy Sauce - Wholesome and Pure

Gluten-Free Multi-Grain Soy Sauce — Wholesome and Pure | Image

Indulge in the rich, umami flavor of Kimlan's Gluten Free Multi Grain Soy Sauce. Crafted from a carefully selected blend of non-GM Indian soybeans, this soy sauce delivers a pure and classic taste. Perfect for enhancing your Chinese cuisine, this gluten-free sauce boasts a clean, wholesome recipe that preserves all the nutrients of the soybean. With a 5.0 rating and 6 reviews from satisfied customers, this is a noble addition to your pantry.

Buyer's Guide

Soy sauce is an essential condiment in many cuisines around the world. It adds flavor and depth to dishes, making them more palatable and enjoyable. When purchasing soy sauce, there are various factors to consider. This buyer's guide will help you make informed decisions when selecting the best soy sauce for your needs.

Types of Soy Sauce

There are two main types of soy sauce: regular and light. Regular soy sauce is used for seasoning and dipping. It has a stronger, saltier flavor and is often used as a base for marinades. Light soy sauce, on the other hand, is more versatile and has a lighter, sweeter taste. It is used for cooking and as a dipping sauce. Other types of soy sauce include dark soy sauce, which has an even richer flavor, and shoyu, a type of light soy sauce popular in Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients and Allergens

To ensure you're choosing the right soy sauce for your dietary needs, check the ingredient list and any warnings about allergens. Soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, and sometimes a small amount of alcohol. People with soy allergies should be cautious when using soy sauce, as it may contain cross-contaminated ingredients. There are also gluten-free and low-sodium options available for those with specific dietary restrictions.

Quality and Freshness

The quality and freshness of soy sauce can significantly impact its taste and shelf life. Look for soy sauce that has been properly stored, with a tamper-evident seal and a shelf life of at least two years. Some high-quality soy sauces are aged for an extended period, which can result in a complex, robust flavor. Be sure to store your soy sauce in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and quality.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

When choosing soy sauce, consider the reputation and reviews of the brand. Some well-known soy sauce brands have been producing high-quality products for many years, which can give you confidence in their taste and quality. Read consumer reviews and ratings to get a better understanding of other users' experiences with the product.

FAQ

Discover the World of Soy Sauce!

Soy sauce is a timeless condiment derived from fermented soybeans, roasted grains, salt, and water. Its savory, umami-rich flavor elevates countless culinary creations worldwide, from Asian cuisine to American barbecue. But how does this versatile sauce make its way from the kitchen to your plate? Let's delve into the process!

Soy sauce production is a multistep ordeal, beginning with brewing, fermentation, and aging. These processes contribute to the sauce's distinct taste and aroma. With countless variations available, from light and dark to organic and wheat-free, soy sauce can be customized to any dish and dietary preferences.

Soy Sauce: A Nutritious Condiment?

Did you know that soy sauce is low in calories and fat? It also contains small amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B6. What's more, soy sauce is a rich antioxidant source and can help combat inflammation due to fermentation.

However, be mindful of high-sodium varieties, which can negatively impact blood pressure and contribute to excessive sodium intake. To enjoy soy sauce's benefits while staying healthy, opt for reduced-sodium options or moderation in usage. Soy allergy precautions should be mentioned here.

Storing Soy Sauce for Freshness and Safety

Unopened soy sauce bottles should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Upon opening, transfer the sauce to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. Proper storage extends the lifespan of soy sauce and protects its taste and aroma.

To prevent cross-contamination, use separate utensils and storage containers for soy sauce and raw meats. Check the expiration date on the bottle and discard past its suggested expiration date.

Soy Sauce: Culinary Versatility at Its Finest!

Soy sauce's versatility extends beyond the kitchen: it functions as an excellent cleaning agent for kitchen surfaces. A small amount of soy sauce mixed with water can be used to clean counters and cutting boards. Always rinse thoroughly to remove residue.

Homemade Soy Sauce: A Unique Experience

Making homemade soy sauce is a time-consuming endeavor that requires a patient and detailed approach. This DIY project necessitates soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, taking your taste buds on a journey of flavor.

The fermentation process can span months, and the final result might slightly differ from store-bought soy sauce. Nevertheless, for culinary aficionados seeking a unique experience, patience and attention to detail are key. Homemade soy sauce can be stored in an airtight container and utilized within a few months of preparation.

Alternatives to Soy Sauce: Catering to Allergy and Dietary Needs

Soy allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with alternative soy sauce options. Tamari sauce, made from fermented wheat, barley, and soybeans, and coconut aminos, a soy sauce substitute derived from coconut tree sap, are two viable options.

Additionally, soy-free alternatives are available, containing rice, wheat, or corn, to mimic soy sauce's taste. Always read labels and ingredient lists to ensure these alternatives meet your needs and dietary requirements.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, I receive compensation from qualified purchases!

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