Soy sauce, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce are three common condiments that we often come across in cooking. They can enhance the color of dishes, but it's not easy to accurately explain the differences between them. Let's take a look at the differences between soy sauce, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce.
The Relationship Between Soy Sauce, Light Soy Sauce, and Dark Soy Sauce
Soy sauce can be divided into brewed soy sauce and formulated soy sauce based on the production process. Currently, there is no effective method to distinguish between brewed soy sauce and formulated soy sauce in China. Brewed soy sauce can be further divided into light soy sauce and dark soy sauce, with light soy sauce being the one commonly used in daily life.
Brewed soy sauce: A liquid seasoning made from ingredients such as soybeans and wheat through fermentation, which possesses special color, aroma, and taste.
Formulated soy sauce: A liquid seasoning made by formulating brewed soy sauce with other flavorings and food additives.
Different Production Processes
Production of light soy sauce: Light soy sauce is mainly made from soybeans and flour. After adding starter cultures, it undergoes natural fermentation and is then dried by sunlight.
Production of dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce is made by adding caramel to light soy sauce through a special process.
Differences in Color
Light soy sauce: Light soy sauce has a lighter color, appearing reddish-brown, and has a clear and transparent appearance.
Dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce, with the addition of caramel, has a brown color and a glossy appearance.
Differences in Taste
Light soy sauce: Light soy sauce is commonly used for general cooking. It has a salty taste, rich umami flavor, and a unique soybean taste.
Dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce has a delicious slightly sweet taste.
Different Uses
Light soy sauce: Light soy sauce is used for seasoning, with a light color. It is commonly used in stir-fried dishes and cold dishes.
Dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce is usually used for coloring food, such as making braised pork.
