What is the difference between light and dark soy sauce?
The difference between light and dark soy sauce is mainly in their color, flavor, thickness, and usage. Light soy sauce is a thin, light brown, and salty sauce that is used for seasoning, dipping, and marinating various foods. Dark soy sauce is a thick, dark brown, and sweet sauce that is used for braising, stewing, and glazing various foods.
Light soy sauce is also known as regular soy sauce, and it is the most common and basic type of soy sauce. It is made by fermenting a paste of soybeans, wheat, salt, and a specific strain of mold, called Aspergillus oryzae, for several months. The resulting liquid is then filtered, pasteurized, and bottled as light soy sauce. Light soy sauce has a strong and salty flavor, with hints of acidity and umami. It is used for adding saltiness and some depth to dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, noodles, and dumplings. It is also used as a dipping sauce for sushi, sashimi, spring rolls, and fried tofu.
Dark soy sauce is also known as black soy sauce, and it is a more complex and refined type of soy sauce. It is made by adding caramel, molasses, or sugar to light soy sauce, and aging it for a longer period of time, sometimes up to several years. The longer fermentation and the addition of sweeteners give dark soy sauce a thicker, darker, and sweeter flavor, with hints of caramel and malt. It is used for adding color and richness to dishes, such as braised meats, stews, and sauces. It is also used as a glaze for roasted meats, such as duck, chicken, and pork.
– Some tips for using light and dark soy sauce are:
• Use light soy sauce for seasoning and dipping, and dark soy sauce for coloring and glazing.
• Use light soy sauce sparingly, as it can be very salty. You can dilute it with water, vinegar, or broth, or add sugar, honey, or mirin to balance the saltiness.
• Use dark soy sauce moderately, as it can be very sweet and overpowering. You can mix it with light soy sauce, or add ginger, garlic, or chili to enhance the flavor.
• Store soy sauce in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Refrigerate after opening to extend the shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Some recommended recipes that use soy products or soy sauce;
– Soy products are versatile and nutritious foods that can be used in various dishes, such as soups, salads, stir-fries, burgers, and desserts. Soy sauce is a flavorful and savory condiment that can enhance the taste and color of many foods, such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles.
– Here are some examples of recipes that use soy products or soy sauce:
i). Roasted Squash and Tofu with Soy, Honey, Chili and Ginger: This is a simple and delicious recipe that combines roasted butternut squash and tofu with a sweet and spicy sauce made from soy sauce, honey, chili, and ginger. It is a vegan and gluten-free dish that is rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
ii). Summer Soup Recipe - Cool Vegan Cucumber Soup: This is a refreshing and light soup that is perfect for a hot summer day. It is made from blended cucumbers, silken tofu, soy milk, lemon juice, garlic, and dill. It is a vegan and dairy-free soup that is high in calcium, vitamin C, and probiotics.
iii). Blueberry Tofu Smoothie: This is a quick and easy smoothie that is great for breakfast or a snack. It is made from frozen blueberries, silken tofu, soy milk, honey, and vanilla extract. It is a vegan and dairy-free smoothie that is high in protein, antioxidants, and calcium.
iv). Quick Vegan Chocolate Pie: This is a decadent and creamy pie that is made from silken tofu, vegan chocolate chips, soy milk, and vanilla extract. It is a vegan and dairy-free pie that is low in fat and cholesterol, and high in protein and iron.
v). Chicken Yakitori: This is a popular Japanese dish that consists of grilled chicken skewers with a soy sauce-based glaze. It is a simple and flavorful dish that is high in protein and low in calories.
vi). Chicken Pot Stickers: These are traditional Chinese dumplings that are filled with minced chicken, cabbage, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. They are pan-fried and steamed, and served with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce. They are a delicious and satisfying appetizer or snack that is high in protein and fiber.
vii). Asian Barbecued Short Ribs: These are tender and juicy short ribs that are marinated and grilled with a soy sauce-based barbecue sauce. They are a succulent and savory dish that is high in iron and zinc.
viii). Grilled Huli Huli Turkey Drumsticks: These are Hawaiian-inspired turkey drumsticks that are marinated and grilled with a soy sauce-based sauce that has pineapple, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. They are a sweet and tangy dish that is high in protein and low in fat.
ix). Easy Pad Thai: This is a classic Thai dish that consists of rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a soy sauce-based sauce that has tamarind, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. It is a spicy and tangy dish that is high in protein and carbohydrates.
x). Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan Chicken: This is an easy and convenient dish that is made by baking chicken thighs and vegetables with a soy sauce-based sauce that has hoisin, sriracha, honey, and vinegar. It is a sweet and spicy dish that is high in protein and vitamin C.
– How can we forget the vegans? No... we can never do that. Since soy products are a great source of plant-based protein and can be used in various vegetarian recipes, here are recommendations for vegetarian recipes that use soy products.
i). Thai soya bean in cabbage cups: This is a light and refreshing appetizer that features soybean sprouts, tofu, peanuts, and fresh herbs wrapped in cabbage leaves. It is served with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce.
ii). Soya kebabs: These are delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian kebabs that use soya granules, potatoes, bread crumbs, and spices. They are pan-fried until golden and crisp and can be enjoyed with mint chutney or ketchup.
iii). Soya seekh: This is a vegetarian version of the popular Indian dish seekh kebab, which is traditionally made with minced meat. This recipe uses soya chunks, gram flour, onion, ginger, garlic, and spices to make flavorful and moist seekh kebabs that are cooked on skewers.
iv). Soya haleem: This is a vegetarian version of the classic Hyderabadi dish haleem, which is a thick and creamy stew made with meat, wheat, lentils, and spices. This recipe uses soya granules, broken wheat, moong dal, and a rich blend of spices to create a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for cold days.
v). Oat and soya pancakes: These are healthy and fluffy pancakes that use oat flour, soya milk, banana, and baking powder. They are vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with banana. You can top them with your favorite fruits, nuts, or syrup.
Hopefully you find the above recommendations as tasty, healthy, and easy to make🤭😙
