Are you tired of the same old flavors in your meals? Look no further! Soy sauce is a staple condiment in many cuisines around the world, and when used correctly, it can add depth, richness, and umami flavor to even the most mundane dishes. From savory stir-fries to sweet and sticky glazes, soy sauce is an incredibly versatile ingredient that deserves to be showcased in all its glory.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious and varied recipes that showcase the many uses of soy sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with this flavorful liquid. From classic dishes like teriyaki chicken and beef bulgogi to more adventurous options like glazed eggplant and caramelized onions, we’ve got you covered.
Teriyaki Chicken with Soy Sauce Glaze
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory teriyaki chicken recipe, featuring a sticky soy sauce glaze that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
4. In a separate pan, cook chicken breasts in remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until browned on both sides (about 6-8 minutes).
5. Brush the soy sauce glaze all over the chicken breasts and transfer to the oven.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Soy Sauce Noodles
Elevate your noodle game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the savory goodness of garlic and soy sauce. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small pan, heat the sesame oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked noodles to the bowl and toss with the soy sauce mixture until well coated.
5. Add the garlic-infused sesame oil and toss again to combine.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
Sweet and savory, this honey soy glazed salmon recipe is a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional grilled fish. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the salmon.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Soy Sauce Marinated Beef Bulgogi
This classic Korean dish is a flavorful and tender beef stew marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (thinly sliced), ribeye or sirloin
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar.
2. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the beef from marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with vegetable oil and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Stir-Fried Vegetables with Soy Sauce
Quickly cook a flavorful and healthy stir-fry with this simple recipe. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.
3. Add the soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Soy Sauce Braised Pork Belly
Soy Sauce Braised Pork Belly: A rich and savory dish that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. This recipe yields tender and flavorful pork belly with a deep, caramel-like sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the pork belly and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to low, then add soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the pork to the pot, cover with a lid or foil, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Sesame Soy Sauce Dressing for Salads
Elevate your salads with this simple and flavorful dressing, blending the nutty taste of sesame oil with the savory richness of soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Add the vinegar, honey, and grated ginger (if using), whisking until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust the dressing as needed to suit your taste.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready to use immediately.
This Sesame Soy Sauce Dressing is a perfect accompaniment to any salad featuring Asian-inspired flavors or ingredients. Enjoy!
Soy Sauce and Ginger Grilled Shrimp
Elevate your summer barbecues with this flavorful and aromatic shrimp dish, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Place shrimp in a shallow dish and brush with the soy-ginger mixture.
4. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove from grill and serve immediately. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Soy Sauce Wings
Get ready to elevate your wing game with this addictive recipe! Sweet and spicy flavors come together in perfect harmony, making these soy sauce wings a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to desired heat level)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, gochujang, brown sugar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add the chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the wings in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Soy Sauce Pickled Cucumbers
These pickled cucumbers are a classic Korean condiment, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any dish. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a deliciously tangy and savory snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse the cucumbers under cold running water to remove excess salt.
3. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into a clean glass jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
5. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Allow the flavors to meld together for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight resting time)
Soy Sauce Ramen Broth
This recipe makes a rich and savory soy sauce ramen broth, perfect for elevating your noodle game. With just a few ingredients and some simple simmering, you’ll be sipping on this deliciousness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 piece Kombu seaweed (about 2 inches long)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water, soy sauce, sake, and mirin.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook over medium heat until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add the Kombu seaweed and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (or less with high heat) to 8 hours (for an intense broth)
Soy Sauce and Garlic Fried Rice
Elevate your meal with this simple yet flavorful fried rice recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack. This classic Chinese dish combines the savory goodness of soy sauce, garlic, and cooked rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
4. Add the soy sauce and salt to taste. Stir-fry for another minute.
5. Transfer the fried rice to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Soy Sauce Glazed Eggplant
Elevate your vegetable game with this sweet and savory soy sauce glazed eggplant recipe. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with any Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
3. Place eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the soy glaze evenly over both sides of the eggplant.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Soy Sauce and Lime Ceviche
Experience the harmonious blend of Asian and Latin American flavors with this refreshing soy sauce and lime ceviche recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh white fish (such as halibut or snapper), cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine fish pieces, lime juice, soy sauce, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 15 minutes
– Marinating time: 30 minutes
– Total time: 45 minutes
Soy Sauce Caramelized Onions
Transform ordinary onions into a sweet and savory condiment by caramelizing them with soy sauce. Perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are dark golden brown and caramelized.
3. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the soy sauce and stir to combine.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste.
5. Let cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Soy Sauce and Mirin Glazed Tofu
Soy Sauce and Mirin Glazed Tofu: A Savory Asian-Inspired Delight
This recipe yields a tender and flavorful tofu dish with a rich, sweet, and savory glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar.
3. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour soy sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
6. Return tofu to the skillet and coat with glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tofu is fully glazed.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Soy Sauce Infused Mushroom Stir-Fry
Transform your stir-fry game with the rich flavors of soy sauce and tender mushrooms! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and 1 tablespoon water.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Pour in the soy sauce mixture and stir-fry until the mushrooms are coated, about 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your savory and umami-rich mushroom stir-fry!
Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar Ribs
This recipe combines the savory flavors of soy sauce with the sweetness of brown sugar to create a sticky, caramelized rib dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying fall-off-the-bone tender ribs in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, honey, and ginger.
3. Remove membrane from the back of the ribs and place them in a large baking dish.
4. Pour the soy sauce mixture evenly over the ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
7. Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Soy Sauce Dipping Sauce for Dumplings
Elevate your dumpling experience with this simple yet flavorful soy sauce dipping sauce. Perfect for accompanying steamed or pan-fried dumplings, this condiment adds a savory and umami depth to each bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; whisk until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve the dipping sauce chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite dumplings.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (hands-on time)
Soy Sauce and Chili Oil Noodles
This recipe combines the bold flavors of soy sauce and chili oil with a simple noodle dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles work well)
– 2 tbsp. soy sauce
– 1 tsp. chili oil
– 1/4 cup sliced scallions
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cooked chicken, beef, or vegetables for added protein
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and chili oil until well combined.
3. Add the sliced scallions to the soy sauce mixture and stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the bowl and toss with the soy sauce-chili oil mixture until noodles are evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meals with these 20 savory soy sauce recipes! From sweet and spicy wings to braised pork belly, and from stir-fried vegetables to glazed eggplant, there’s something for everyone. Try teriyaki chicken with a soy sauce glaze, garlic soy noodles, or honey soy glazed salmon for a taste of Asia. For a comforting bowl, whip up a soy sauce ramen broth or soy sauce marinated beef bulgogi. And don’t forget the snacks – sweet and spicy soy sauce wings, anyone? These recipes are sure to become new favorites!