Japanese Soy Sauce

Buy Japanese Soy Sauce Online

Soy sauce is a fermented liquid condiment, made from soybeans, grains, brine water, and koji mold. It originated over 2,000 years ago in China and spread throughout Asia. Soy sauce is notable for its distinct umami flavor and versatility as both a cooking seasoning and a dip. From dark soy sauce to sweet soy sauce, you can find a variety of styles to suit any kind of dish.

There are several regional varieties of Japanese soy sauce with different flavor profiles, classified into five main types: koikuchi shoyu (the most common type), usukuchi shoyu (a light-colored variety), tamari from the Chubu region, saishikomi shoyu (refermented), and shiro shoyu which is very light in color.

About 80% of the soy sauce that’s produced in Japan is koikuchi shoyu, which has a balance of saltiness, sweetness, and acidity. The lighter-colored usukuchi shoyu is from the Kansai region, and uses more salt than the aforementioned koikuchi shoyu. Tamari shoyu, from the Chubu region, is a good wheat-free option for those with a gluten sensitivity. The unique saishikomi shoyu is “refermented” or “double-brewed.” Rather than the water-and-salt brine, it is made with koikuchi (regular soy sauce) as one of the ingredients. Lastly, shiro shoyu is an extra light Japanese soy sauce that originated in Aichi Prefecture. It is quite sweet, and its light color makes it perfect for using in light-colored dishes like chawanmushi.

Wondering if soy sauce suits your particular diet? Vegans can rest assured that most soy sauce is vegan, consisting of only soybeans, wheat, water, and koji; though it is always a good idea to check with the manufacturers as they may include non-vegan flavor enhancers. What about gluten… Is soy sauce is gluten-free, you ask? As most soy sauces contain wheat, generally soy sauce is not gluten-free. However, there are some brands that specifically make gluten-free soy sauce. Check the soy sauce ingredients list and make sure “wheat” is not listed among them–tamari is a good option, as it is wheat-free. As for the keto diet, soy sauce can be considered keto-friendly as it is generally low-carb. If you are sensitive to wheat, like the gluten-free crowd, consider opting for tamari.

Another common question about this Japanese condiment is “Does soy sauce need to be refrigerated?” While it is not absolutely necessary to refrigerate soy sauce after opening the bottle, there are benefits to storing soy sauce in the refrigerator. It is a good idea to keep soy sauce out of heat and sunlight to preserve its flavor and quality for longer.

Wondering where to buy soy sauce? Browse the list above and discover your new favorite type, from richly-flavored cask-aged soy sauce to light-colored tamari.