While soy sauce and teriyaki sauce both share a common Asian ancestry, the two sauces have important distinctions. Soy sauce is a darker, thicker sauce that is made by soaking fermented soybeans in salt water. Teriyaki sauce, on the other hand, is a light-colored, thinner sauce that contains sugar, mirin (a rice wine), and soy sauce. Each has its own unique flavor and can be used in different ways. Here are some tips for using soy sauce and teriyaki sauce in your cooking.
What is Soy Sauce?
- Soy sauce is a fermented condiment made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. It is used in East Asian cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry seasoning. Soy sauce is thought to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago and was brought to Japan in the 7th century by Buddhist monks.
- Soy sauce is made by first soaking soybeans and wheat in water and salt to soften them. Then, the mixture is placed in a vat and allowed to ferment for several months. During fermentation, enzymes break down soybeans and wheat into sugars, amino acids, and other flavorful compounds.
- The final step is to filter and bottle the sauce. Soy sauce has a complex flavor that is salty, umami-rich, and slightly sweet. It can be used as a dip for sushi or dumplings, or as a seasoning for stir-fries and marinades. Soy sauce is an essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines and can be found in most grocery stores.
What is Teriyaki Sauce?
Teriyaki sauce is a type of sauce made with soy sauce and rice wine. It originated in Japan and is used as both a marinade and a glaze. Teriyaki sauce is made by mixing soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients such as ginger or fruit juices. The mixture is then cooked until the sugar dissolves. Teriyaki sauce can be used on meats, seafood, or vegetables. It is also a popular ingredient in sushi rolls. Teriyaki sauce can be bought at most supermarkets or Asian markets. It can also be made at home with soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar.
Differences between Soy Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce
Soy Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce are two of the most popular sauces used in Asian cuisine. Both soy sauce and teriyaki sauce are made from soybeans, but there are some important differences between the two. Soy sauce is made by fermenting soybeans with salt and water. This fermentation process gives soy sauce its unique flavor and dark brown color. Teriyaki sauce, on the other hand, is made by combining soy sauce with sugar, vinegar, and other seasonings. The result is a sweet and tangy sauce that is often used as a marinade or dipping sauce. While soy sauce and teriyaki sauce both have their place in the kitchen, it’s important to know the difference so you can use them to create the perfect dish.
Conclusion
Soy sauce and Teriyaki sauce are two sauces that are often confused with one another. They both have a salty taste, but soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, while teriyaki sauce is a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sake or mirin (rice wine), and ginger. The main difference between the two sauces is that soy sauce is used as a condiment to enhance the flavor of food, while teriyaki sauce is used as a marinade to add flavor and moisture to meat or vegetables before they are grilled or broiled.
