About YUUShoyu (soy sauce)
Japan’s basic seasoning, made from soybeans, wheat and salt. It’s salty, savory and fragrant.
👀 At a glance
🫘Made fromSoybeans, wheat, salt
🍶TypesDark, light
✅DefaultDark (koikuchi)
🍳 What it is
If a recipe just says “soy sauce”, use regular (dark) soy sauce. “Light” (usukuchi) soy sauce is lighter in color but saltier.
📊 Nutrition (per 100 g)
76kcal
14.5 gSalt (dark)
16 gSalt (light)
Figures from the food composition tables[1]
🔥 How to use
For simmering, glazing, dipping and drizzling. It burns easily, so when grilling, add the sauce at the end to keep the aroma.
⚠️ Be careful
- If you have a soy or wheat allergy, check the label
🧊 Storage
After opening, keep it in the fridge so the color and aroma last longer.
Recipes with this ingredient
Agedashi Tofu (Crispy Fried Tofu in Broth)
About 35 minServes 2
Aji no Shioyaki (Salt-Grilled Horse Mackerel)
About 35 minServes 2
Ankake Yakisoba (Crispy Noodles with Thick Sauce)
About 30 minServes 2
Asari no Sakamushi (Sake-Steamed Clams, from Cleaning Out the Sand)
About 1 hr 15 minServes 2
Atsuage no Nimono (Simmered Thick Fried Tofu)
About 20 minServes 2
Atsuage Teriyaki (Thick Fried Tofu in Sweet Soy Glaze)
About 15 minServes 2
Bang Bang Chicken (Chicken with Sesame Sauce)
About 30 minServes 2
Bibimbap (Korean Mixed Rice Bowl)
About 30 minServes 2
Broccoli Goma-ae (Broccoli with Sesame Dressing)
About 10 minServes 2
Hiyashi Bukkake Udon (Cold Udon with Poured Sauce)
About 25 minServes 2
Bulgogi (Korean Sweet Soy Beef)
About 30 minServes 2
Buri Daikon (Simmered Yellowtail and Daikon)
About 1 hrServes 2–3
See 221 more recipes
Buri Teriyaki (Yellowtail Teriyaki)
About 25 minServes 2
Buri Kama no Shioyaki (Salt-Grilled Yellowtail Collar)
About 40 minServes 2
Buta Bara Daikon (Simmered Pork Belly and Daikon)
About 50 minServes 2–3
Buta Kimchi (Pork and Kimchi Stir-Fry)
About 15 minServes 2
Buta Nira Itame (Pork and Garlic Chive Stir-Fry)
About 15 minServes 2
Butadon (Sweet-Salty Pork Rice Bowl)
About 20 minServes 2
Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry
About 25 minServes 2
Chahan (Japanese Fried Rice)
About 15 minServes 2
Champon (Nagasaki Noodle Soup)
About 30 minServes 2
Chanko Nabe (Chicken Meatball Hot Pot, Soy Sauce Broth)
About 40 minServes 3–4
Chawanmushi (Japanese Steamed Egg Custard)
About 35 minServes 3
Chicken Nanban (with Tartar Sauce)
About 45 minServes 2
Crispy-Skin Chicken Saute
About 35 minServes 2
Chijimi (Korean Pancake)
About 30 minMakes 2 (Serves 2–3)
Chikuwa and Green Pepper Kinpira
About 10 minServes 2
Chikuzenni (Simmered Chicken and Root Vegetables)
About 50 minServes 3–4
Qingjiao Rousi (Pepper Steak Stir-Fry)
About 25 minServes 2
Chirashi Sushi (Scattered Sushi Rice)
About 1 hr 30 minServes 3–4
Chukadon (Chinese-Style Rice Bowl)
About 30 minServes 2
Curry Udon
About 25 minServes 2
Custard Pudding (Steam-Baked)
About 45 min + chill 3 hrMakes 4
Daigaku Imo (Candied Sweet Potatoes)
About 30 minServes 2–3
Daikon Mochi (Radish Cakes)
About 30 minServes 2 (8 cakes about 6 cm across)
Daikon and Tuna Salad
About 15 minServes 2
Soy Meat Soboro Rice Bowl (Two-Color, with Tofu Crumbles)
About 25 minServes 2
Dashimaki Tamago (Rolled Omelet with Dashi)
About 15 minServes 2–3
Datemaki (Sweet Rolled Omelet, Frying Pan)
About 1 hr 30 minServes 4–6
Ebi no Umani (Sweet Simmered Shrimp)
About 30 minServes 4
Salmon and Mushrooms in Foil (Frying Pan)
About 25 minServes 2
Fu Champuru (Okinawan Stir-Fry with Wheat Gluten)
About 25 minServes 2
Simmered Ganmodoki (Fried Tofu Patties)
About 25 minServes 2
Fried Squid Legs (Ika Geso Karaage)
About 30 minServes 2
Burdock Salad
About 25 minServes 2–3
Gomoku Mame (Simmered Soybeans and Vegetables)
About 45 minServes 4
Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir-Fry)
About 30 minServes 2
Pan-Fried Gyoza (Dumplings)
About 50 minMakes 24 (serves 2–3)
Beef and Broccoli Oyster Sauce Rice Bowl
About 20 minServes 2
Sweet and Salty Beef and Burdock Stir-Fry
About 25 minServes 2
Gyudon (Beef Bowl)
About 20 minServes 2
Gyusuji Nikomi (Stewed Beef Tendon)
About 2 hr 30 minServes 4
Hakusai no Asazuke (Quick-Pickled Napa Cabbage)
About 1 hr 15 minServes 2–3
Happosai (Chinese Stir-Fry with Thick Sauce)
About 30 minServes 2–3
Harumaki (Spring Rolls)
About 1 hrMakes 10 (serves 3–4)
Harusame Salad (Glass Noodle Salad)
About 20 minServes 2–3
Harusame Soup (Glass Noodle Soup)
About 15 minServes 2
Simmered Hijiki Seaweed
About 35 minServes 2–3
Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen Noodle Salad)
About 30 minServes 2
Hiyashi Tanuki Soba (Cold Soba with Tempura Bits)
About 30 minServes 2
Hiyayakko (Chilled Tofu with Toppings)
About 15 minServes 2
Chickpea and Soybean Curry (No Curry Roux)
About 35 minServes 2
Hoikoro (Twice-Cooked Pork with Cabbage)
About 20 minServes 2
How to Grill Hokke (Dried Atka Mackerel)
About 20 minServes 2
Buttery Spinach and Bacon Stir-Fry
About 15 minServes 2
Kappa Maki and Tekka Maki (Thin Sushi Rolls)
About 1 hr 30 min4 rolls each, 48 pieces in all (serves 3–4)
Butter Soy Sauce Scallops
About 10 minServes 2
Ika Daikon (Squid and Daikon Simmered)
About 50 minServes 2–3
Imoni (Yamagata-Style Taro and Beef Soup)
About 50 minServes 4
Inari Sushi (Sushi Rice in Sweet Tofu Pouches)
About 1 hr 30 minMakes 10 (serves 2–3)
Ingen no Goma-ae (Green Beans with Sesame Dressing)
About 15 minServes 2
Iri Dofu (Scrambled Tofu with Vegetables)
About 25 minServes 2–3
Iwashi Kabayaki (Sardines in Sweet Soy Glaze)
About 20 minServes 2
Iwashi Ume-ni (Sardines Simmered with Pickled Plum)
About 40 minServes 2
Jajangmyeon-Style Noodles (Zha Jiang Mian)
About 25 minServes 2
Japchae (Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry)
About 30 minServes 2
Kabocha no Nimono (Simmered Japanese Pumpkin)
About 35 minServes 2–3
Kabu no Soboro Ankake (Turnips in Thick Chicken Sauce)
About 25 minServes 2
Kaisendon (Sashimi Rice Bowl)
About 30 minServes 2
Butter Soy Sauce Swordfish
About 20 minServes 2
Kake Udon (Udon in Hot Broth)
About 15 minServes 2
Vegetable Kakiage (Mixed Vegetable Tempura Fritters)
About 30 minServes 2
Kakitamajiru (Egg Drop Soup)
About 10 minServes 2
Buta no Kakuni (Braised Pork Belly)
About 2 hrServes 3
Kamatama Udon (Hot Udon with Raw Egg)
About 10 minServes 2
Tori Nanban Soba (Soba with Chicken and Leek)
About 25 minServes 2
Kanitama (Crab Omelet with Sweet and Sour Sauce)
About 20 minServes 2
Kanpyo no Amani (Sweet Simmered Gourd Strips)
About 50 minEnough for about 4 thick sushi rolls
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
About 1 hrServes 2–3
Karei no Nitsuke (Simmered Flounder)
About 25 minServes 2
Katsudon (Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl)
About 20 minServes 2
Katsuo no Tataki (Seared Bonito)
About 20 minServes 2
Kenchinjiru (Vegetable and Tofu Soup)
About 35 minServes 3
Kimchi Hot Pot
About 30 minServes 2–3
Kinchaku-ni (Fried Tofu Pouches with Egg)
About 30 minServes 2
Takikomi Gohan with Mushrooms (Mixed Rice)
About 1 hr 30 minServes 4
Kinpira Gobo (Sweet Soy Burdock and Carrot)
About 25 minServes 2–3
Kiriboshi Daikon no Nimono (Simmered Dried Daikon)
About 40 minServes 2–3
Kitsune Udon (Udon with Sweet Fried Tofu)
About 30 minServes 2
Kobumaki (Kombu Rolls with Salmon)
About 2 hrServes 3–4
Komatsuna and Fried Tofu Nibitashi (Simmered Greens)
About 15 minServes 2
Koya Dofu no Fukumeni (Simmered Freeze-Dried Tofu)
About 40 minServes 2
Koya-dofu Karaage (Crispy Fried Freeze-Dried Tofu)
About 25 minServes 2
Kuromame (Sweet Black Beans)
About 1 day (soak overnight + simmer about 5 hr)Serves 6–8
Mapo Tofu
About 25 minServes 2–3
Mapo Eggplant
About 25 minServes 2
Maguro no Zuke-don (Marinated Tuna Rice Bowl)
About 25 minServes 2
Mentaiko Pasta (Spicy Cod Roe Spaghetti)
About 20 minServes 2
Mille-Feuille Hot Pot (Napa Cabbage and Pork Belly)
About 35 minServes 2–3
Miso Ramen
About 30 minServes 2
Mitarashi Dango (Rice Dumplings in Sweet Soy Glaze)
About 30 minServes 2–3
Mizore Nabe (Grated Daikon Hot Pot)
About 35 minServes 2–3
Mizuna and Jako Salad
About 15 minServes 2
Monjayaki (Runny Tokyo-style Pancake)
About 25 minServes 2
Motsunabe (Beef Offal Hot Pot)
About 35 minServes 2–3
Motsu Nikomi (Miso-Simmered Pork Offal, Pre-boiled)
About 1 hrServes 3–4
Mu Shu Pork (Wood Ear Mushroom and Egg Stir-fry)
About 30 minServes 2
Nabeyaki Udon (Udon Cooked in a Clay Pot)
About 20 minServes 1
Nagaimo with Wasabi Soy Sauce
About 10 minServes 2
Aji Nanbanzuke (Fried Horse Mackerel in Sweet Vinegar)
About 40 minServes 2–3
Nanohana with Mustard Dressing (Karashi-ae)
About 15 minServes 2
Nasu no Agebitashi (Fried Eggplant in Dashi)
About 25 minServes 2
Sweet and Salty Eggplant and Pork Stir-fry
About 20 minServes 2
Nasu no Nibitashi (Eggplant Simmered in Dashi)
About 40 minServes 2
Negiyaki (Green Onion Pancake)
About 30 minMakes 2 (serves 2)
Niku Udon (Udon with Sweet Simmered Beef)
About 20 minServes 2
Meatballs in Sweet and Sour Sauce
About 35 minServes 2
Niku Dofu (Simmered Beef and Tofu)
About 30 minServes 2
Nikujaga (Japanese Meat and Potato Stew)
About 40 minServes 2–3
Pork-Wrapped Vegetable Rolls
About 25 minServes 2
Nikuman (Steamed Pork Buns)
About 1 hr 40 minMakes 6 (serves 3)
Nira Tama (Garlic Chive and Egg Stir-fry)
About 10 minServes 2
Nishime (Simmered Chicken and Root Vegetables)
About 1 hr 10 minServes 4
Ajitsuke Tamago (Soy-Marinated Eggs)
About 20 min (marinate overnight)Makes 4
Nyumen (Hot Somen Noodle Soup)
About 15 minServes 2
Oden (Japanese Hot Pot Stew)
About 1 hr 45 minServes 3–4
Spinach Ohitashi (Spinach Soaked in Dashi)
About 15 minServes 2
Okra with Bonito Flakes (Okaka-ae)
About 10 minServes 2
Onigiri (Rice Balls)
About 20 min (plus about 1 hr to cook rice)Makes 6
Clear Soup with Mitsuba and Fu
About 10 minServes 2
Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)
About 20 minServes 2
Ozoni (Kanto-Style Clear New Year's Soup)
About 30 minServes 2
Stir-Fried Green Peppers with Bonito Flakes
About 10 minServes 2
Pork Sauté
About 25 minServes 2
Fried Lotus Root Sandwiches
About 40 minServes 2
Kinpira Lotus Root (Sweet-Salty Stir-Fried Lotus Root)
About 15 minServes 2
Mackerel Mirin-yaki (Sweet Soy-Glazed Mackerel)
About 45 minServes 2
Shioyaki Mackerel (Salt-Grilled Mackerel)
About 30 minServes 2
Saba Tatsuta-age (Fried Marinated Mackerel)
About 45 minServes 2
Salmon and Ikura Rice Bowl
About 25 minServes 2
Salt-Grilled Salmon (Frying Pan Method)
About 20 minServes 2
Salmon Takikomi Gohan (Rice Cooked with Salmon)
About 1 hr 30 minServes 4
Sanma Shioyaki (Salt-Grilled Pacific Saury, Frying Pan)
About 25 minServes 2
Suanlatang (Hot and Sour Soup)
About 20 minServes 2
Sara Udon (Using Pre-Fried Noodles)
About 25 minServes 2
Satoimo no Nikkorogashi (Glazed Simmered Taro)
About 40 minServes 2–3
Yuan-yaki Spanish Mackerel (Yuzu-Soy Marinated Sawara)
About 50 minServes 2
Beef Shigureni (Sweet Soy-Simmered Beef and Ginger)
About 25 minServes 2–3
Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms
About 25 minServes 2 (8 pieces)
Shiraae (Spinach and Carrot with Tofu Dressing)
About 30 minServes 2–3
Shirasu Don (Baby Sardine Rice Bowl)
About 10 minServes 2
Shirataki Japchae (Konjac Noodle Stir-Fry)
About 20 minServes 2
Ninjin Shirishiri (Okinawan Carrot and Egg Stir-Fry)
About 15 minServes 2
How to Cook Shishamo (Frying Pan)
About 15 minServes 2
Shishito Yakibitashi (Grilled Shishito Peppers in Broth)
About 30 minServes 2
Buta no Shogayaki (Ginger Pork)
About 20 minServes 2
Shoyu Ramen (Fresh Noodles, Soup from Scratch)
About 1 hr 10 minServes 2
Shumai (Steamed Pork Dumplings)
About 45 minMakes 20 (serves 2–3)
Tori Soboro Don (Two-Color Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)
About 25 minServes 2
Spam Musubi
About 25 minMakes 8 (serves 3–4)
Beef Steak at Home
About 30 minServes 2
Subuta (Sweet and Sour Pork)
About 35 minServes 2
Sui Gyoza (Boiled Dumplings)
About 50 minMakes 24 (serves 2–3)
Sukiyaki
About 40 minServes 2–3
Kansai-Style Sukiyaki
About 35 minServes 2–3
Sundubu Jjigae (Korean Soft Tofu Stew)
About 20 minServes 2
Kyuri to Wakame no Sunomono (Cucumber and Wakame Salad)
About 15 minServes 2
Taco Rice
About 25 minServes 2
Takenoko Gohan (Bamboo Shoot Rice)
About 1 hr 20 minServes 3–4
Takenoko no Tosani (Bamboo Shoots Simmered with Bonito Flakes)
About 20 minServes 2
Tori Gobo Takikomi Gohan (Rice Cooked with Chicken and Burdock)
About 1 hr 30 minServes 4
Tako no Karaage (Fried Octopus)
About 25 minServes 2
Takoyaki (Octopus Balls, with a Takoyaki Pan)
About 40 minMakes about 24 (serves 2–3)
Chinese Egg Drop Soup
About 10 minServes 2
Tamago Don (Egg Rice Bowl)
About 20 minServes 2
Sweet Tamagoyaki (Sweet Rolled Omelet)
About 15 minServes 2
Tantanmen (Sesame Chili Ramen)
About 30 minServes 2
Tanuki Udon (Udon with Tempura Bits)
About 15 minServes 2
Tara no Amazu Ankake (Cod with Sweet and Sour Sauce)
About 30 minServes 2
Microwave-Steamed Cod with Mushrooms
About 15 minServes 2
Tataki Gobo (Pounded Burdock with Sesame)
About 25 minServes 4
Tori no Tatsuta-age (Japanese Fried Chicken)
About 40 minServes 2
Tazukuri (Candied Baby Sardines)
About 20 minServes 4–6
Tebamoto no Sappari-ni (Chicken Drumettes Simmered in Vinegar and Soy Sauce)
About 40 minServes 2–3
Tebasaki no Amakara Age-yaki (Sweet and Salty Crispy Chicken Wings)
About 30 minServes 2
Tekka Don (Tuna Rice Bowl)
About 30 minServes 2
Temaki Sushi (Hand-Rolled Sushi)
About 1 hr 15 minServes 4
Tendon (Tempura Rice Bowl)
About 50 minServes 2
Vegetable and Shrimp Tempura
About 50 minServes 2–3
Tenshinhan (Crab Omelet Rice)
About 20 minServes 2
Teriyaki Chicken
About 25 minServes 2
Tofu Hamburg Steak with Mushroom Sauce
About 35 minServes 2
Tofu Salad with Japanese Dressing
About 20 minServes 2
Tofu Steak
About 25 minServes 2
Japanese-Style Tomato Marinade
About 25 minServes 2
Soy Milk Hot Pot
About 30 minServes 2–3
Simmered Chicken and Daikon
About 50 minServes 2–3
Chicken and Eggplant Miso Stir-Fry
About 25 minServes 2
Torijaga (Simmered Chicken and Potatoes)
About 40 minServes 2–3
Chicken Breast and Broccoli Penne (Garlic Soy Butter)
About 30 minServes 2
Hearty Chicken Breast Soup (Chinese-Style)
About 25 minServes 2
Chicken Breast Teriyaki Rice Bowl
About 20 minServes 2
Toriten (Oita-Style Chicken Tempura)
About 40 minServes 2
Tororo Soba (Soba with Grated Yam)
About 30 minServes 2
Tsukimi Soba (Soba with Egg)
About 20 minServes 2
Tsukune (Chicken Meatballs)
About 30 minServes 2
Unadon (Store-Bought Kabayaki)
About 15 minServes 2
Unohana (Simmered Okara)
About 30 minServes 3–4
Vegan Mapo Tofu (Soy Meat and Shiitake)
About 30 minServes 2
Japanese-Style Mushroom Pasta
About 20 minServes 2
Wakame Soup
About 10 minServes 2
Wonton Soup
About 30 minServes 2 (20 wontons)
Yaki Bifun (Fried Rice Noodles)
About 25 minServes 2
Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
About 25 minMakes 4 (serves 2)
Yaki Udon (Stir-Fried Udon)
About 20 minServes 2
Yaki Nasu (Grilled Eggplant)
About 25 minServes 2
Pan-Fried Yakitori (Tare Sauce)
About 30 minServes 2
Yodaredori (Chinese Mouthwatering Chicken)
About 30 minServes 2
Yosenabe (Japanese Hot Pot)
About 40 minServes 3–4
Yudofu (Simmered Tofu)
About 40 minServes 2
Yurinchi (Fried Chicken with Leek Sauce)
About 35 minServes 2
Zaru Soba (Cold Soba Noodles)
About 25 minServes 2
Tamago Zosui (Egg Rice Soup)
About 15 minServes 2
Sources（1）
Checked on 2026-10-07.