What is the Difference Between Soy Sauce and Dark Soy Sauce
When I often go to the supermarket to buy seasonings and look at the soy sauce and dark soy sauce on the shelves, I am a bit confused. They seem almost the same. I don't know how to buy them. What are the differences between them after all?
Color and Appearance
Soy sauce: The color of soy sauce is usually reddish-brown or amber. The color is relatively natural and shows the natural pigment in the brewing process.
Dark soy sauce: The color of dark soy sauce is deeper, ranging from dark brown to almost black. This is mainly due to the addition of color-enhancing agents such as caramel during the brewing process, making the color more intense and shiny.
Taste and Mouthfeel
Soy sauce: The taste of soy sauce is slightly salty and has a rich fermented soybean paste aroma and delicious flavor.
Dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce is sweeter and more intense. Due to the addition of color-enhancing agents such as caramel, dark soy sauce may have a richer mouthfeel.
Culinary Uses
Soy sauce: As a basic condiment, soy sauce can be used in the preparation of various dishes. Whether it is stir-frying, cold dressing or dipping sauce, it can add flavor. Due to its slightly salty taste, it should be used in small amounts.
Dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce is mainly used for coloring and enhancing freshness, especially in dishes that need coloring, such as braised pork and marinated flavors.
Production Process
Soy sauce: The production process of soy sauce is relatively simple, mainly including steps such as soaking, steaming, and Aspergillus fermentation.
Dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce is actually a condiment further processed on the basis of soy sauce. It is usually made by sun-drying on the basis of light soy sauce for 2 to 3 months and then filtering through sedimentation. It is more intense than light soy sauce. Long-term aging and processing make dark soy sauce have a richer taste.
Which one has a higher calorie content, soy sauce or dark soy sauce?
The calorie content of dark soy sauce is usually higher than that of ordinary soy sauce (especially light soy sauce).
This is because more sugar or caramel pigment is added during the production process of dark soy sauce, and these ingredients will increase the calorie content. Soy sauce is mainly composed of soybeans, wheat, and salt, with less sugar, so the calorie content is relatively low.
Calorie comparison:
Soy sauce (light soy sauce): About 50-60 calories per 100 milliliters.
Dark soy sauce: Due to the presence of ingredients such as caramel and sugar, the calorie content is usually slightly higher, about 60-70 calories per 100 milliliters.
However, in the cooking process, the amount of soy sauce and dark soy sauce used is usually small, so their contribution to the calorie content of the entire dish is relatively limited. But if you are strictly controlling calorie intake, for example, making low-calorie cold dishes or light stir-fries, choosing soy sauce with a relatively lower calorie content (such as light soy sauce) may be more appropriate.
Which one is saltier, soy sauce or dark soy sauce?
Under normal circumstances, soy sauce (taking light soy sauce as an example) is saltier than dark soy sauce.
Analysis of the saltiness of soy sauce
Soy sauce includes various types such as light soy sauce and ordinary soy sauce. Light soy sauce is a typical representative of soy sauce, and its salt content is relatively stable. Generally speaking, the salt content of light soy sauce is about 17%-20%. This salt proportion enables light soy sauce to provide sufficient saltiness for seasoning.
For example, when using light soy sauce in cold dishes or steamed dishes, an appropriate amount of light soy sauce can add appropriate saltiness to the dish and highlight the natural umami of the ingredients.
Analysis of the saltiness of dark soy sauce
The salt content of dark soy sauce is usually slightly lower than that of light soy sauce. This is because during the production process of dark soy sauce, the focus is on deepening the color and increasing the mellow flavor. The salt content of dark soy sauce is about 14%-16%.
Although dark soy sauce also contains salt and can provide saltiness, due to its rich and complex taste and heavier sweetness, in people's taste perception, the saltiness may be covered up by other flavors.
What is the general shelf life of soy sauce and dark soy sauce?
Shelf life of soy sauce
Generally speaking, the shelf life of unopened soy sauce is about 1 to 3 years.
Shelf life of dark soy sauce
The shelf life of unopened dark soy sauce is similar to that of soy sauce, but there are also some slight differences. Since dark soy sauce is made through special processing on the basis of soy sauce, its composition and properties determine that its shelf life is usually about 1 to 2 years.
For both soy sauce and dark soy sauce, the shelf life will be significantly shortened after opening. Generally, it is recommended to use it up within 6 months after opening, and pay attention to correct storage methods, such as placing it in a cool, dry, and light-proof place to avoid contamination. Only in this way can the quality and flavor of soy sauce and dark soy sauce be guaranteed.
