Other than finding food there, every person who uses the kitchen would know the importance of soy sauce in almost all the meals prepared. It just adds flavor to a simple stir fry or your Sunday morning fried rice.
But have you ever wondered if it just contains soybean? Is soy sauce vegan?
What is Soy Sauce?
Soy sauce is a salty liquid condiment made by fermenting soybeans and wheat.
As the Chinese call it, Chiang started making this product using four ingredients: soybeans, salt, wheat, and fermenting agents, either mold or yeast.
It spread in Asian countries before they brought it to all parts of the world. Every region has its variation of ingredients, and they have a unique fermentation process(1) which is where the difference in color and taste comes from.
How It's Made
Preparation
Soybeans are washed before it gets steamed while the durum is roasted then crushed. Salt is then dissolved in water.
Culturing
Once all ingredients are prepared, they are mixed with the Koji mold and incubated within three days before the fermenting process continues.
Brewing
The incubated mixture is added to the saltwater called "Moromi" and then moved to the fermentation tank and mixed until desired consistency is met.
Pressing
The "moromi" will be wrapped individually and stacked into layers which will then be compressed slowly to filter raw soy sauce called "Kiage.”
Pasteurization
Kiage will be heat-treated for sterilization and will go through the refinery.
Packaging
After inspection, it will be placed in a glass or plastic bottle.
Typical Ingredients
Soybeans
This type of legume is mostly found in Asia, which is a good source of soy protein. Besides soy sauce, it is also processed as soy milk and tofu, all plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Wheat
This is a cereal crop that has many varieties and is also vegan. It is mixed with soybean in creating regular soy sauce. It is a good source of fiber and protein.
Salt & Water
These are obviously vegan-friendly and are commonly used for taste and added flavor. In the production of most soy sauce, they play an integral part since the salty seasoning got its taste from this mixture while lactic acid adds more flavor.
Fungal & Bacterial Cultures
These are the microorganisms used during the fermentation of the soy sauce made by popular soy sauce brands. However, fermented soy beans are commercially done as well by other manufacturers.
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Are There Any Ingredients To Watch Out For?
Yes. Many are left wondering - is soy sauce vegan?
Well, you may have to check the soy sauce ingredients label for animal products or processes against the vegan lifestyle, like animal testing.
Some products may also contain additives that are not safe for everyone's use, like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.
Search for transparent labels that are clear with their contents.
Soy Sauce Brands
Kikkoman
Kikkoman soy sauce is a gluten-free soy sauce that tastes better than fish sauce. It doesn't contain animal products though it has been under the vegan radar because of animal testing. It had already stopped in 2015. Kikkoman soy sauce uses lactic acid bacteria in the product.
La Choy
La Choy soy sauce vegan seasoning is perfect for stir-fries and other Asian cuisines. La Choy is also vegan, kosher, and gluten-free, and you can rest assured that there are no fish products included in these types of soy sauce.
Fusia
Most soy sauces use corn syrup and tapioca starch to improve taste and consistency. Still, the Fusia soy sauce vegan option is traditionally made similar to other vegan soy sauce brands. They have light soy sauce called Aldi soy sauce any vegan would love. It will add color and flavor to your dish.
FAQs
Though soy sauces are vegan, you can also use mayonnaise or coconut aminos. You can also choose to use coconut yogurt as an alternative table condiment for variety. It would always depend on your palate but make sure there are no animal products on what you choose.
Yes. Soy products like tofu and soy sauce are vegan. You can also try the Amoy soy sauce vegan brand, a premium blend of dark soy sauce.
In Summary
Soy sauce is vegan in all aspects. Vegan soy sauce is a good food-flavoring choice because of its natural ingredients as long as you check on the labels. Lactic acid content can even help your skin and complexion, but it should be in moderation to avoid negative effects like all other products.
Is soy sauce vegan? Yes. Ingredients are from plants, and it does not use any process that is against vegan morals. Asians prepare the tastiest foods, and they almost have soy sauce on each serving.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/fermentation
About Author
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
Did you make this recipe? Leave a reply below!