Find out what Soy Sauce is, how to make it and
how Gluten Free is different...
Then learn
~~~
What ingredients are in it, how it is Brewed
and
How to make your own Substitute for it!

So, what is it?

Soy Sauce is a popular world-wide condiment that originated in China somewhere between the 3rd and 5th centuries. It is made from the paste of boiled soybeans, mixed with some type of roasted grain (normally wheat, barley, or rice), brine (salt mixed with water), and Aspergillus sojae or oryzae molds.

It is left to ferment for several months after which it is pressed and strained before being bottled.

In general, most tends to have a slightly earthy and salty flavor. Consistency can also vary from thin to very thick and in color  from a light brown to almost black. As with consistency and color, flavors can also vary widely from light and salty all the way to thick and sweet.

All of these different combinations are usually made by altering the method and duration of fermentation along with changes to ratios of water, salt, mold and other ingredients.

Throw in that it is being made in many different countries including Japan, Vietnam, Burma, China, Taiwan, Korea, and Indonesia with all of them varying ingredients and fermentation methods and the combinations are almost limitless. 

History of Soy Sauce

It seems that the earliest origins come from its Chinese ancestors Jiangou (liquid extracted from meat or fish) and Chiou (liquid extracted from soy nuggets). Jiangou was first mentioned in Chou-li ("Rituals of Chou") around 300 BC.

The first mention of soybean Jiang appeared in the Ch'i-min yao-shu around AD 535. Its use later spread East and to Southeast Asia.

The earliest mention of soy sauce in Japan was from AD 775 and had probably traveled east from China with the spread of Buddhism. Its use continued to spread, most likely due to traders and Chinese settlers, with varieties in southern countries evolving into a thicker product sweetened with molasses.

In 1737, records from the Dutch East India Company mention it as a commodity when 75 barrels were shipped from Dejima, Japan to Jakarta on the island of Java and another 35 barrels were sent to the Netherlands. 

Although here in the west we purchase our soy sauce, it is very common for those in China and Southeast Asia to prepare their own  once a year since there is no need for a pressed extraction to make it. 

See the homemade soy sauce recipe at the bottom of this page if you are the daring and experimental type :-)

Soy Sauce Ingredients and Brewing

Most is made with 4 basic ingredients.

• Soybeans
  
• Wheat
  
• Water 
  
• Salt

Aspergillus sojae or Aspergillus oryzae molds and yeasts are also added to activate the fermentation process which actually creates it.

Let's briefly review each ingredient and its role in the brewing process.

Step 1 - Boiling/Steaming Soybeans

Soybeans are soaked in water and boiled or steamed until they will crumble  when pressed.

Step 2 - Making Koji

The boiled soybeans are mixed with roasted wheat, Aspergillus (mold), and yeasts to form a mixture called "Koji". This mixture is usually allowed to sit uncovered for a couple of days. 

Step 3 - Making and Aging Moromi

Water and Salt are added to the "Koji" to form a mash called "Moromi". This "Moromi" is placed in an air-tight container and allowed to ferment for up to 6 months. Over time, the mold breaks down the soybeans and wheat into free amino acids, protein particles, and simple sugars. The reaction caused between the amino acid and simple sugar is what gives soy sauce its dark brown color.

Step 4 - Pressing the Moromi to extract Soy Sauce

When the moromi is fully fermented, it is put in cloth lined containers and pressed to separate the solid from the liquid. The solids can be fed to livestock or used for fertilizer and the remaining liquid is processed further.

Step 5 - Pasteurization

The soy sauce is then heated to remove any remaining active yeast or mold and strained again to remove any remaining minute particles.

Step 6 - Aging and Bottling

At this point, it can be immediately bottled or it can be further aged and bottled later.

Gluten Free

Most varieties of soy sauces contain wheat which contains gluten.

The wheat is usually roasted and crushed and added to the boiled soy beans and Aspergillus mold to create a mixture called "Koji" which is used during the brewing process.

For those who are medically intolerant to gluten, this makes it impossible to consume most types of soy sauce. 

Fortunately there are some available now that use rice instead of wheat, making them gluten free.

Kikkoman has a very good gluten-free variety that you should be able to find in your local supermarket. If not, you can get it here at Amazon.

Homemade Soy Sauce Recipe

If you are so inclined, you can try your hand at making your own just like many of those in China and Southeast Asia still do to this day.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces of boiled soybeans, cooked until they are crumbly
• 12 ounces of all purpose flour
• 8 ounces of salt
• 4 quarts of water

Directions:

1. Blend the boiled soybeans (soybeans only, no pods) in a food processor until it forms a paste (optional) or you can just go ahead and mix the whole boiled beans in the flour as shown in step 2.

2. Mix the soybeans or soybean paste and flour together until well mixed.

3. Knead the mixture thoroughly. Turn it out onto a flat surface and form it into a log type shape.

4. Cut the log in 1/4" slices.

5. Moisten some paper towels and lay them out flat.

6. Layer the slices of dough in between 2 wet paper towels. Stack these layers on top of each other starting and ending with a wet paper towel.

7. Wrap this entire "stack" in plastic wrap very thoroughly so that no air gets into it.

8. Place the entire stack onto a baking sheet or something flat and put it in a dark area until it is completely covered in mold. This could take a week or more depending on environmental conditions (heat, humidity, etc.,)

9. Now take the disks and place them an inch or two apart on a baking sheet or flat surface. Let them dry completely, until they turn brown. Direct sunlight from a window or something like that is best.

10. Mix the salt and water in a container or pot and mix until the salt is dissolved. Now add the dried disks to the pot and cover loosely.

11. Allow the mixture to ferment.

12. Mix it once a day. When the disks are completely dissolved the fermentation is done. This can take several weeks up to several months.

13. Now strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a container.

And there you have it.

Congrats!

                                           Like this Page?