Condiment | Vegan Vegetarian Low Calorie

Soy Sauce

Glycine max Allergens: Soy, Wheat (Gluten)
soy sauce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae (for soybeans), Poaceae (for wheat)
  • Primary Cuisine East Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Soybeans, Wheat

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking the umami power of this global staple."

Definition

A fermented condiment made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, essential for its savory, umami flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteUmami, Salty, Savory, Sweet, Fermented
TextureThin, Liquid, Smooth
AromaFermented, Earthy, Salty
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Fermentation Time

6 months to several years

Global Consumption

Billions of liters annually

Shelf Life (Unopened)

2-3 years

Nutrition Facts

Per 15 mL (1 tbsp)
Calories53 kcal
Total Fat0.1 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein10.5 g
Total Carbohydrate5.7 g
Dietary Fiber0.8 g
Total Sugars2.7 g
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.9 mg
Potassium236 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a quick boost of umami in almost any savory dish, a splash of soy sauce (even in non-Asian recipes) can deepen flavors without tasting distinctly 'soy'.

Substitutions

Best Match

Tamari

1:1

Closest flavor match, often gluten-free, slightly richer.

Coconut Aminos

1:1

Gluten-free, soy-free, less salty, slightly sweeter, good for marinades.

Fish Sauce (diluted)

1:1 (diluted)

Provides umami and saltiness, but with a distinct fish flavor. Use carefully.

Worcestershire Sauce

1:1 (for savory depth)

Adds savory, tangy notes but has a unique flavor profile, not ideal for Asian dishes.

Buying Guide

Choose naturally brewed for best flavor. Check sodium content for dietary needs.

Flavor Pairings

Rice Noodles Ginger Garlic Sesame Oil Mirin Sushi Meat.

Recipes Using Soy Sauce

Meat Beef Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

1 2 3 4 5 Chinese Spareribs

Craving delicious Chinese spareribs but short on time? This incredibly simple 5-ingredient, 5-step recipe delivers amazing flavor in just 35 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick and satisfying meal. No special skills needed – even beginner cooks can master this recipe.

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Course 60 Minutes Or Less Low Cholesterol Vegan

21 Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Craving classic comfort food without the meat? These 21 Vegetarian Sloppy Joes deliver big on flavor and nostalgia! Impress even the most dedicated carnivores with this hearty, satisfying recipe. Optional avocado adds creamy richness, taking these sloppy joes to the next level. Easy to make and ready in under an hour, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Seasonal Independence Day

4Th Of July Grilled Salmon Or Chicken

Celebrate Independence Day with this vibrant and flavorful grilled salmon or chicken recipe! Perfect for a crowd, this easy marinade transforms simple protein into a delicious summer feast. Marinate your choice of salmon fillets or chicken breasts for ultimate juicy tenderness. Grilled to perfection and bursting with Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Occasion Dietary Course Low In Something

Adobo Filipino Style

Experience the rich, savory flavors of authentic Filipino Adobo! This hearty recipe, passed down from a Filipino coworker, features tender meat simmered in a complex sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. Serve over steaming sticky rice for a truly unforgettable meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Meat Course Apples Main Ingredient

Apple Juice Marinade

Unlock unbelievably juicy and flavorful chicken or pork with this easy apple juice marinade! Sweet and subtly tart, this marinade infuses your meat with delicious apple flavor, perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Get ready for tender, mouthwatering results!

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Easy Chicken Chinese Time To Make

Asian Chicken And Scallions

This flavorful Asian Chicken and Scallions recipe is ready in just 17 minutes! Quickly stir-fried chicken and scallions are tossed in a vibrant, savory sauce that's guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite. Serve over fluffy jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Salads Course For 1 Or 2 15 Minutes Or Less

Asian Chicken Salad With Glazed Pecans

Craving a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal? This Asian Chicken Salad with Maple-Glazed Pecans is your answer! Packed with fresh veggies, juicy chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option!), and crunchy, sweet maple-glazed pecans, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or satisfying dinner. The irresistible maple pecans take only 5 minutes to make, and the entire salad comes together in a flash. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Low Cholesterol Healthy Low Calorie Dietary

Asian Cucumbers And Pasta

Spice up your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Asian Peanut Noodle recipe! Warm cucumbers, tossed in a creamy peanut butter sauce with zesty ginger and savory soy, create a surprisingly delicious and refreshing twist on traditional pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

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Fish Free Of Something Diabetic North American

Asian Grilled Salmon Low Carb Fabulous

This vibrant Asian-inspired grilled salmon recipe is perfect for a low-carb, diabetic-friendly diet. Marinated to perfection and grilled to flaky tenderness, this dish is bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! Impress your family and friends with this healthy and satisfying meal.

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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Lamb Sheep Main Ingredient

Asian Meatballs With Sesame Lime Dipping Sauce

Spice up your weeknight routine with these delectable Asian Meatballs! Inspired by Gourmet Magazine's May 2007 issue, this recipe delivers a quick and flavorful meal. Tender pork and veal meatballs (or substitute ground beef!) are baked to perfection and served with a zesty sesame lime dipping sauce. Served over fluffy white rice, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for an explosion of Asian-inspired flavors in under an hour!

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Saltwater Fish Preparation Salmon 60 Minutes Or Less

Asian Salmon

This incredibly quick and flavorful Asian Salmon recipe is ready in under 40 minutes! Marinate perfectly portioned salmon fillets (easily found at your local grocery store) for as little as 30 minutes in a vibrant blend of Asian-inspired flavors. Grilled to perfection on an indoor contact grill for a restaurant-quality finish, or baked in the oven for equally delicious results. Experiment with brown sugar, Splenda brown sugar blend, or Splenda for your preferred sweetness and color! Get ready for a burst of umami and a tender, flaky salmon that's perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Dietary Main Dish Time To Make Healthy

Asian Sesame Cod

Quick & easy Asian Sesame Cod recipe, ready in under 20 minutes! This flavorful dish features flaky cod fillets baked to perfection with a sweet and savory sesame sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient For 1 Or 2

Asian Skirt Steak

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly flavorful Asian Grilled Skirt Steak! This recipe is surprisingly easy – simply marinate, grill, and reduce the marinade into a vibrant dipping sauce. The result? A juicy, perfectly charred steak bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. Get ready for a flavor explosion! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressive dinner party.

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Pasta Time To Make American Pasta Rice And Grains

Asian Style Chicken Ramen Dinner Cole Slaw

Craving a quick, flavorful, and unique salad? This Asian Style Chicken Ramen Salad is your answer! This creamy, non-sweet recipe combines crispy chicken, crunchy ramen noodles, and a refreshing coleslaw for a dish that's perfect as a light dinner, a satisfying side, or a crowd-pleasing potluck star. Easy to make in under 30 minutes, this recipe is packed with Asian-inspired flavors and customizable to your liking. Add your favorite toppings like sliced black olives, almonds, or fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor!

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Vegetables Broccoli Preparation Dietary

Asian Style Chicken Broccoli

This quick and easy Asian-style chicken and broccoli recipe is a weeknight dinner winner! Inspired by a popular blog, this recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in under 20 minutes. Tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli are tossed in a savory sauce that's bursting with umami. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Asian Asparagus

Asparagus Black Bean Sauce Stir Fry

Craving that authentic Chinese restaurant taste? This Asparagus Black Bean Sauce Stir-Fry delivers! Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe recreates your favorite takeout dish in just 20 minutes. Tender asparagus spears meet a rich, savory black bean sauce, all perfectly balanced for a delightful culinary experience. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen!

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Chicken Breasts Tropical Fruit Stir Fry Poultry

Audrey's Oriental Chicken

A family favorite! This easy-to-make Oriental Chicken recipe delivers a burst of sweet and savory flavors in just 35 minutes. Tender chicken is stir-fried with vibrant pineapple, crisp peppers, and onions in a luscious sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Vegetarian 15 Minutes Or Less Rice Australian

Aussie Rice Salad

This vibrant Aussie Rice Salad is a crowd-pleaser! A refined recipe from an Australian website, featuring a delightful blend of crunchy vegetables, savory bacon bits (or water chestnuts!), and a creamy, subtly spiced mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or side dish. We've tweaked the original recipe based on your feedback for a perfectly balanced flavor profile – less soy sauce and allspice, more mayo for a creamier texture, and the perfect touch of sweetness from the veggies. Get ready to enjoy this taste of Australia!

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