Is Dark Soy Sauce Different?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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How’s It Different from Regular Soy Sauce? Dark soy sauce (lǎo chōu, 老抽) is

thicker, darker

, and slightly sweeter than regular or light soy sauce. … However, dark soy sauce actually has about 15% more sodium than regular/light soy sauce. Its mild sweetness offsets the saltiness, making it only seem less salty.

What is the difference between dark soy sauce and regular soy sauce?

How’s It Different from Regular Soy Sauce? Dark soy sauce (lǎo chōu, 老抽) is thicker, darker, and slightly sweeter than regular or light soy sauce. … However, dark soy sauce actually has

about 15% more sodium than regular/light soy sauce

. Its mild sweetness offsets the saltiness, making it only seem less salty.

Does dark soy sauce taste different?

The main takeaway here is that

dark soy is saltier than light

and all purpose. Soy Sauce Trivia! Though dark soy sauce has more salt it in that light soy sauce, light soy sauce tastes saltier. This is because dark soy sauce has a much stronger soy flavour which overpowers the salty flavour.

What do you use dark soy sauce for?

Dark soy sauce is mainly used for

adding colour to dishes

and usually paired with light soy sauce to achieve ideal colour and taste. Try cooking with dark soy sauce, it makes a great addition to pork recipes, stews and barbecue favourites.

Do I use light or dark soy sauce for stir fry?


Light soy sauce

is typically used for Cantonese-style stir fries and dipping sauce, such as sauce for sushi and fried tofu. Dark soy sauce is sweeter, thicker, and full-bodied compared to light soy sauce. Dark soy sauce is typically used for adding color to a dish rather than for flavor.

What is the best dark soy sauce?

  • Best Overall: Yamaroku 4 Years Aged Kiku Bisiho Soy Sauce. …
  • Best Dark Soy: Lee Kum Kee Dark Soy Sauce. …
  • Best Low-Sodium: Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce. …
  • Best Tamari: San-J Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce. …
  • Best Mushroom-Flavored: Lee Kum Kee Mushroom-Flavored Soy Sauce.

Is Kikkoman the best soy sauce?

1.

Kikkoman Soy Sauce

(0.4 gallon) – Japanese Soy Sauce. This is an US-brewed soy sauce and we consider it to be at the top of our choices due to its all-purpose use. It’s made from a traditional recipe, out of soybeans, wheat, water and salt and it’s a kosher soy sauce.

What soy sauce is best for fried rice?

It’s the key to the beautiful caramelized color of soy sauce fried rice.

Is dark soy sauce healthy?

‌‌Antioxidants. A study found that dark soy sauce

may be high in antioxidants

. Antioxidants may delay or prevent cell damage from free radicals.

Does soy sauce make your skin darker?

Okay, we found that an amino acid found in soy sauce called

tyrosine really do contribute to darkening the skin

. … This means that ingesting tyrosine will not cause melanoma. It is just the building block of melanin and you still need UV exposure to tan. Basically, if you get no sun, you’ll get no dark skin.

Which soy sauce is best for stir fry?


Light soy sauce

is typically used for Cantonese-style stir fries and dipping sauce, such as sauce for sushi and fried tofu. Dark soy sauce is sweeter, thicker, and full-bodied compared to light soy sauce. Dark soy sauce is typically used for adding color to a dish rather than for flavor.

What is light soy sauce in Chinese?

Light Soy Sauce (Chinese): The word for light soy sauce in Chinese translates to “

fresh” soy sauce

, as it is traditionally made from the first pressing of fermented soybeans. It is the most commonly used sauce in Chinese cooking.

Which soy sauce is best for marinade?


Dark Japanese soy sauces

have a deeper color, but actually taste less light. A good all-purpose choice, they are best used in marinades and basting sauces, but are perfectly acceptable for dipping or stir-fries as well.

What can I substitute for black soy sauce?

If you are unable to find black soy sauce, substitute with a

mixture of equal parts dark soy sauce

and either palm sugar or blackstrap molasses.

What can I use if I dont have soy sauce?

  1. Tamari. If you’re not dealing with a soy allergy or monitoring your sodium intake, tamari is the closest in taste to soy sauce. …
  2. Worcestershire sauce. …
  3. Coconut aminos. …
  4. Liquid aminos. …
  5. Dried mushrooms. …
  6. Fish sauce. …
  7. Miso paste. …
  8. Maggi seasoning.
Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.