For the home chef wishing to branch out into Asian cuisine, the world of soy sauce may be befuddling, leaving you with more questions than answers. One of them is probably curious about the difference between soy sauce and dark soy sauce.
There are distinctions between the two in terms of when to utilize which, how to produce them, and other factors. In this essay, we will look at the similarities and differences between the two.
Contents
- Differences Between Soy Sauce & Dark Soy Sauce
- When To Use Dark Soy Sauce?
- When To Use Soy Sauce?
- FAQs
- Can I substitute dark soy sauce for soy sauce?
- Is dark soy sauce same as soy sauce?
- What makes dark soy sauce different?
- Why use dark soy sauce?
- Is Kikkoman soy sauce considered dark soy sauce?
- Is Kikkoman light or dark soy sauce?
- What is a replacement for dark soy?
- Which is saltier light or dark soy sauce?
- Is tamari the same as dark soy sauce?
- Which soy sauce for fried rice?
Differences Between Soy Sauce & Dark Soy Sauce
Both soy sauce and dark soy sauce are fermented soybean sauces produced with wheat, salt, and fungal molds. When these components are combined in the proper proportions, they provide the famed umami flavor that has made them popular in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Indonesian cuisine.
Because light soy sauce has less sodium than dark soy sauce, it is sometimes referred to as light soy sauce. It is often used as a dipping sauce and in cooking.
Dark soy sauce is a heavier, more viscous sauce than standard soy sauce. It has a stronger, sweeter flavor. It is more often used for marinades and glazes than as a dipping sauce. Dark Soy Sauce may also be used in direct cooking.
Both are gluten-free, so be cautious if you avoid gluten-containing foods.
Main Differences:
1. Fermentation
Both fermentation methods are comparable, with the exception that black soy sauce is left to develop for a longer period of time, which is one of the key variances.
2. Taste
When it comes to flavor, the biggest variations come from fermentation and added components in black soy sauce.
Light or ordinary soy sauce is saltier, but black soy sauce is sweeter due to added components such as palm sugar molasses and dark brown sugar.
3. Ingredients
Soy Sauce is made up of soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. Soybeans, wheat, salt, water, and molasses are common ingredients in dark soy sauce.
Regular (light) soy sauce has around 7.2% sodium, whereas Dark Soy Sauce has about 9.3%.
4. Thickness
Regular soy sauce is significantly thinner and liquid, with a much lower density. Dark Soy Sauce is thicker due to the addition of molasses and the lengthier fermenting process.
When To Use Dark Soy Sauce?
Dark Soy Sauce complements stir-fries and noodle dishes such as Lo Mein. It gives noodles and grains a gorgeous mahogany hue, and the added sweetness makes for excellent sticky marinades for chicken or pork.
When To Use Soy Sauce?
Regular or Light Soy Sauce complements foods such as Chow Mein, Shoyu Ramen, Cashew Chicken, and others that need a bit more Umami taste or a light broth or sauce. It’s also great as a dipping sauce for Gyoza, Potstickers, or Dumplings, and other similar dishes.
FAQs
Can I substitute dark soy sauce for soy sauce?
The three golden guidelines to remember are: light soy sauce and all purpose soy sauce may be used interchangeably in recipes; if a recipe simply states “soy sauce,” use all purpose soy sauce OR light soy sauce; and. Unless a recipe expressly asks for it, never use black soy sauce.
Is dark soy sauce same as soy sauce?
Dark soy sauce (or black soy sauce) is a thick soy sauce that is darker in color and has a sweeter flavor than regular soy sauce. Because dark soy sauce is significantly more viscous than standard soy sauce, it is used as a marinade or glaze rather than a dipping sauce.
What makes dark soy sauce different?
Use: In the kitchen. Dark soy sauce is deeper in color and less salty than light soy sauce. Chinese black soy sauce, on the other hand, has a somewhat viscous viscosity and is often sweeter owing to the inclusion of sugar or molasses.
Why use dark soy sauce?
Soy sauce with a faint flavor. It’s virtually black and has the appearance of decreased soy sauce. It is used to enhance taste and color to foods.It’s used for both seasoning and dipping. Dark soy sauce is thicker, darker, and somewhat less salty than standard soy sauce.
Is Kikkoman soy sauce considered dark soy sauce?
In Japan, Kikkoman’s Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce is classified as a dark soy sauce.
Is Kikkoman light or dark soy sauce?
Because dark soy sauce is sweeter than light soy sauce, Kikkoman is classified as a dark soy sauce owing to its sweet flavor. It’s also less salty than light soy sauce but has a stronger flavor. If you’ve experienced Kikkoman soy sauce before, you’ll agree that its sweet flavor is what sets it apart from the competition.
What is a replacement for dark soy?
Teriyaki, light soy sauce, hoisin, oyster, molasses, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce are excellent alternatives for dark soy sauce. These options are more readily available in local grocery shops and provide the same delectable taste to recipes as black soy sauce.
Which is saltier light or dark soy sauce?
Dark soy sauce is saltier, thinner, and less “refreshing” than light soy sauce. Light soy sauce is often used in Cantonese-style stir fries and dipping sauces like sushi and fried tofu.
Is tamari the same as dark soy sauce?
Same family, however tamari is a dark soy sauce used in Japanese cuisine, whilst the variety often found in China is a light soy sauce.
Which soy sauce for fried rice?
Soy Sauce (Dark)
When making fried rice, use a darker soy sauce to give richer caramel overtones and a gorgeous bronzed color to your meal. A basic Chinese dark soy sauce will do.