Soy sauce serves as a versatile kitchen essential, delivering a rich, salty flavor to countless dishes. From drizzling it on sushi to enhancing stir-fries or marinating meats, this staple offers endless culinary applications. Originating in China and introduced to England from Japan in the 17th century—first noted by philosopher John Locke in 1679—it has become a household favorite in the UK for its adaptability and affordability.
Choosing the Best Soy Sauce
Light soy sauce enhances flavors in recipes, while dark varieties add appealing color. Shoppers often face overwhelming choices when selecting a new bottle. A simple method helps identify high-quality soy sauce without tasting or opening it.
The Easy Bubble Test
Cooking enthusiast Paul demonstrates a straightforward technique: shake the bottle for three seconds. Persistent bubbles signal superior quality, indicating higher soybean content and proper fermentation. Quick-dissipating foam suggests diluted products made with shortcuts.
“Quick hack to tell if soy sauce is actually good before you even buy it,” Paul explains. “I discovered this trick while researching how soy sauce is actually produced—it’s surprisingly simple.”
He adds in the demonstration, “If bubbles form and linger, that’s a good sign. It indicates more soybeans and excellent fermentation. No foam usually means shortcuts.” Paul selects a Kikkoman bottle, noting, “Cheaper sauces usually get watered down and rushed—seen by bubbles that disappear quickly. Good cooking starts with good ingredients.”
Expert Tips and Viewer Feedback
Viewers praise the tip, with one commenting, “Love this. I’ve wondered about this for so long.” Another shares, “If it’s not Kikkoman, I keep browsing. Great tip though!”
Additional advice includes checking ingredients: ideally soybeans, wheat, water, and salt, sometimes with potassium sorbate. Avoid caramel coloring and taste enhancers. One viewer suggests, “If you can’t pronounce the name of the brand, or if the text on the package is written in more Chinese than English, it’s going to be good.” Some request comparisons of multiple brands to show differences.
