The 5 Best Dark Soy Sauce Reviews in 2023

Originally posted on May 23, 2023 @ 3:57 am

Dark soy sauce is one of the most widely used ingredients in Asian cuisine, adding flavor and color to dishes. It can be difficult to find a dark soy sauce that has the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami flavors. But with a little research, you can discover some of the best dark soy sauces on the market today.

Whether you’re looking for an all-purpose dark soy sauce or one specifically designed for marinades or stir-fries, there are plenty of options available. We’ve done our research to compile this list of high-quality dark soy sauces that will bring out the best in your meals. From premium brands like Lee Kum Kee and Kikkoman to lesser-known artisanal producers from Japan and China, we’ve got something for everyone here!

What is Dark Soy Sauce?

Dark soy sauce is a popular condiment used in Asian cooking. This thick, rich-tasting sauce adds flavor and color to a wide range of dishes. There are many different types of dark soy sauce available, depending on the ingredients and method of preparation used. Some dark soy sauces have an intense flavor, while others are milder and less salty.

What uses Dark Soy Sauce for?

Dark soy sauce is a popular condiment used in many Chinese and Asian dishes. Its dark color and thick consistency give it a unique flavor profile that can’t be found with other seasonings.

Common uses for this powerful seasoning include marinating meats, adding depth of flavor to soups and stews, as well as using it as a dipping sauce for dumplings or fried foods. It also goes great with stir-fries, noodle dishes, and even added to sauces like teriyaki or sweet-and-sour. Dark soy sauce can also be used as a substitute for regular light soy sauce when deep color and intense flavor are desired.

Ultimately, incorporating dark soy sauce into your cooking repertoire adds complexity to your dishes without overpowering other flavors. With its versatile uses, dark soy sauce is a must-have for any Asian cuisine enthusiast.

Top The 5 Best Dark Soy Sauce in 2023

Here are the seven best Dark Soy Sauce choices you shouldn’t miss for delicious recipes at home.

Top 1. Lee Kum Kee Dark Soy Sauce

Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce is a high-quality soy sauce that is perfect for use in many different types of recipes. This dark soy sauce has a rich, complex flavor and adds a hint of sweetness to any dish it is used in. The dark color also makes it stand out from other varieties of soy sauce, making it the perfect choice for adding flavor to your cooking.

Whether you’re stir-frying vegetables or marinating meats, this dark soy sauce will give your meals a delicious boost of flavor. Plus, it’s completely free from sodium and preservatives, making it a great choice for those on a low-sodium diet. Give Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce a try today and see for yourself why it’s such an essential ingredient in any kitchen!

Pros

• A rich, savory flavor 
• Natural ingredients 
• No preservatives or artificial coloring

Cons

• Easy to break

Top 2. Yamaroku Dark Soy Sauce

Yamaroku Shoyu is a pure artisan soy sauce made with the finest ingredients. This dark sweet premium gourmet barrel aged 4-year soy sauce is aged in oak barrels for four years before being bottled. The unique flavor and high quality of this soy sauce make it perfect to use as a dipping sauce or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes.

This Soy Sauce is the perfect choice if you are looking for a distinctive soy sauce with great flavor. This premium bottle comes in a 3/4 cup size that is perfect for stir-frying or dipping sauces. The ingredients include soybeans, wheat, and sea salt, which are preserved in large wooden barrels as they age. This product contains absolutely no additives or preservatives, so you can trust that it is a natural choice for your cooking needs.

Pros

• The rich and mellow flavor
• A Caramel Flavor
• Great As Dip For Sushi, Sashimi, and Grilled Fish 

Cons

• A little bit salty

Top 3. Kikkoman Organic Soy Sauce

Kikkoman Organic Soy Sauce is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality soy sauce that is made with organic ingredients. This soy sauce has a rich, complex flavor that is perfect for enhancing all kinds of dishes. Whether you’re using it to make your favorite Asian recipes or simply as a condiment at the table, Kikkoman Organic Soy Sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Kikkoman organic soy sauce is a premium, all-natural seasoning made from organically grown soybeans. It has a rich and savory flavor that works well in a variety of different dishes, adding depth and complexity to your cooking. Whether you’re using it for stir-fries, marinades, or dipping sauces, this soy sauce is sure to please.

Pros

• Organic ingredients
• Rich and savory flavor
• Add depth and complexity to your cooking

Cons

• Using a toxic plastic bottle

Top 4. Pearl River Bridge Dark Soy Sauce

Pearl River Bridge Dark Soy Sauce is a high-quality soy sauce made by skilled artisans using only the best ingredients available. This dark soy sauce has a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with stir-fries, noodle soups, and other Chinese dishes. If you’re looking for a versatile condiment that will add depth and umami goodness to all of your favorite recipes, look no further than Pearl River Bridge Dark Soy Sauce. 

Whether you’re cooking Chinese food or international cuisine, this best chinese dark soy sauce is the perfect ingredient for any dish. Made from quality ingredients and aged to perfection, this delicious soy sauce has a complex flavor that will take your recipes to the next level.

Pros

• A deep, rich flavor
• Quality ingredients
• A versatile condiment

Cons

• Taste true dark but the missing sweetness

Top 5. San-J Soy Sauce

If you’re looking for a delicious way to add flavor to your dishes without the use of gluten or other unhealthy ingredients, San-J Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce is just what you need. Made from all-natural, non-GMO ingredients, this gluten-free soy sauce is perfect for adding great flavor to any dish. Whether you’re making stir fry or simply want to season your favorite protein, this versatile soy sauce will help you create great-tasting meals every time. Plus, this soy sauce is certified gluten-free, making it the ideal choice for all of your meals.

San-J Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce is a premium, naturally brewed soy sauce that’s perfect for adding intense flavor and umami richness to all of your culinary creations. With no artificial preservatives or additives, this versatile sauce is a great choice for those on gluten-free diets. Whether you’re creating tasty stir-fries, noodle bowls, marinades, or dips, San-J Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce makes it easy to add rich flavor and umami richness to any dish!

Pros

• No artificial preservatives or additives
• All-natural, non-GMO ingredients
• Gluten-free

Cons

• Easy to break 

Related: What is The Best Chili Sauce Brand in 2023?

What Types Of The Best Dark Soy Sauce?

If you are looking for the best dark soy sauce, there are several things to consider. Let’s take a look at some of the different types available and what sets each one apart:

Traditional soy sauce

This type of dark soy sauce is made using fermented soybeans and wheat as the main ingredients. It has a rich, deep flavor that goes well with stir-fried dishes and another Chinese cuisine.

Tamari

Another popular variety of dark soy sauce is tamari, which is traditionally brewed without any wheat or grains added during fermentation. This makes it a good choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Shoyu

This is the Japanese version of traditional soy sauce and is also made using fermented soybeans and wheat. It has a thinner consistency than other dark soy sauces but packs a richer flavor that goes well in soups and dipping sauces.

Mushroom dark soy sauce

This variety gets its distinctive color from mushrooms that are added during the brewing process to give it an even richer flavor. It is often used as an ingredient in stir-fried dishes or marinades for seafood and meats.

Black bean dark soy sauce

Also known as black mushroom dark soy sauce, this type uses fermented black beans instead of mushrooms to impart its unique flavor. It is especially popular in Thai and Malaysian cuisine and makes a great addition to stir-fries, marinades, soups, and dipping sauces.

Coconut dark soy sauce

In recent years, coconut dark soy sauce has become more popular as an ingredient for curries and other dishes in Thai cuisine. This type of dark soy sauce gets its distinctive flavor from the use of coconut milk during fermentation.

Recipes With Dark Soy Sauce

Are you looking for new ways to use dark soy sauce in your cooking? Here are some of our favorite recipes that make the most of this flavorful ingredient:

Stir-Fried Vegetables with Dark Soy Sauce

This simple vegetable stir-fry is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The key is using a good quality dark soy sauce like Kikkoman or Lee Kum Kee, which both taste rich and savory without being too salty or overpowering. To make this dish, just saute your favorite vegetables in a bit of oil until they are tender, then toss them with some dark soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil.

Grilled Salmon with Dark Soy Sauce

This delicious marinade is the perfect way to add flavor to grilled salmon without using lots of butter or heavy sauces. Just mix together dark soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!

Sichuan-Style Noodles with Dark Soy Sauce

If you’re looking for something more exotic and flavorful, give this recipe a try! It combines rich umami flavors like oyster sauce and hoisin sauce with the deep, savory flavor of dark soy sauce for a delicious dish that is perfect for serving at parties or as an easy weeknight dinner. 

To make it, just saute some onions and minced garlic, then add your choice of noodles and cook until they are tender, stirring in some dark soy sauce along with spices like Chinese five spice powder and Sichuan peppercorns to give your dish a bold kick!

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup With Dark Soy Sauce

This hearty soup is a delicious and comforting way to warm up on cold days. The secret ingredient is dark soy sauce, which adds richness and depth of flavor to this easy slow cooker recipe.

Pineapple Dark Soy Sauce Chicken Wings

These delicious chicken wings are the perfect appetizer for parties or game-day gatherings. They are sticky and sweet from the marinade, with a spicy kick from the chili flakes that give them just enough heat.

How To Make Vodka Sauce At Home?

Making vodka sauce at home is easy and straightforward. You just need the right ingredients and a little bit of patience to get the perfect result.

To make this delicious sauce, you will need some tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, vodka, and a few other basic spices like salt and pepper. Depending on your preferences, you can also add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

1. Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Chop the onion and garlic finely and add them to the pan along with a pinch of salt. Cook until they are soft and golden brown in color.

2. Next, stir in the peeled tomatoes along with their juices (you can also use canned tomatoes for this step). Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring gently so that it does not burn.

3. Once the sauce has thickened a little bit, add the vodka and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes before turning off the heat. Season with salt, pepper, and other spices according to your liking and serve over pasta or as a dipping sauce with breadsticks. Enjoy!

That’s all there is to making delicious vodka sauce at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some time, you can create a tasty meal that everyone will love! So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!​

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best dark soy sauce, there are a few factors you should consider. First, make sure that the brand is reputable and has been around for a while. Second, look at what ingredients they use in their product – some brands may use artificial coloring or preservatives which can affect flavor and quality of taste. Lastly, read customer reviews so that you know how others have found the product before making your purchase decision. With these tips in mind, we’re confident that you will be able to find the perfect dark soy sauce for all your cooking needs!