14 best light soy sauce

Light soy sauce, also known as "thin soy sauce" or "light-colored soy sauce," is a common condiment used in Asian cuisine and is a staple in many households. Here's what you need to know about light soy sauce:

  1. Ingredients: Light soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. The mixture is fermented and aged, developing its characteristic flavor over time.

  2. Color and Flavor: Light soy sauce is lighter in color than its counterpart, dark soy sauce. It has a translucent reddish-brown appearance. In terms of flavor, it is salty and savory, adding a rich umami taste to dishes without overwhelming them.

  3. Saltiness: Light soy sauce tends to be saltier than dark soy sauce. Because of its saltiness, it is often used in smaller quantities to season dishes, and it's a key ingredient in many Asian recipes.

  4. Usage: Light soy sauce is versatile and is used in a wide range of Asian dishes, including stir-fries, marinades, dipping sauces, soups, and more. It can enhance the overall taste of a dish and is often used for seasoning and adding saltiness.

  5. Marinades: It is commonly used in marinades for meats, poultry, and seafood. The soy sauce not only flavors the food but also helps tenderize it.

  6. Dipping Sauce: Light soy sauce is a popular choice for dipping sauces, often mixed with other ingredients like ginger, garlic, and green onions to create a flavorful dip for dumplings, sushi, or other snacks.

  7. Substitute: If a recipe calls for light soy sauce, and you don't have it on hand, you can use regular soy sauce as a substitute, but use it in slightly smaller quantities since it is saltier. You can also dilute dark soy sauce with water to achieve a similar color and flavor.

  8. Low Sodium Options: If you are concerned about sodium intake, some brands offer low-sodium or reduced-sodium versions of light soy sauce.

  9. Storage: Like most soy sauces, light soy sauce should be stored in a cool, dark place and tightly sealed to prevent it from spoiling or losing flavor. It has a long shelf life due to its salt content.

  10. Varieties: There are many brands and varieties of light soy sauce available in the market, each with its unique flavor profile. It's a good idea to try different brands to find one that suits your taste preferences.

Light soy sauce is a fundamental ingredient in Asian cuisine, contributing to the savory and salty notes of many dishes. Its versatility and long shelf life make it a valuable addition to any pantry, especially if you enjoy cooking Asian-inspired meals.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best light soy sauce on the market
  

Pearl River Bridge Light Soy Sauce PET Bottle, Golden Label, 33.8 fl. Oz

W.Y. International Inc (Grocery)

Based on 139 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pearl River Bridge Golden Label Superior Light Soy Sauce comes from the first batch of light soy sauce procured during the first stage of the brewing process, making it the premier light soy sauce product available. Exceptional flavor, consistency and color make it a favorite of top chefs in China. Use in stir-fry both in the wok and poured over finished dishes, or as as you would as a condiment or dipping sauce.

  • Non-GMO
  • Naturally Brewed
  • Naturally Brewed

User questions & answers

Question: low sodium
Answer: According to the label, the 33.8 FL OZ bottle contains 1240 mg of sodium.
Question: Where is this product made
Answer: CHINA--pure elixir it is, too.
Question: What does PET bottle mean
Answer: It has something to do with plastics in the container. I googled PET in soy sauce bottles. You can do the same and read all the info.
Question: Does it need to be refrigerated after opening
Answer: Yes, it says it on the label to refrigerate after opening.

Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce (Pack of 2)

Unknown

Based on 120 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pearl River Bridge brand soy sauce is a highly recommended brand of soy sauce by many cooks and Asian cookbooks.

  • Highly recommended brand
  • Product of China
  • Two 16.9 Oz Bottles

User questions & answers

Question: Is this usukuchi
Answer: This is a Chinese sauce, usukuchi is Japanese sauce and contains alcohol. Both contain wheat and soybean
Question: Is this gluten free
Answer: No. Pearl River Bridge does make one with a green label that is. The label indicates gluten free.
Question: is it in a glass bottle
Answer: Yes, it is a glass bottle.
Question: how many mg sodium per tablespoon
Answer: 1240 mg - 54% of the USDA allowance

Lee Kum Kee Premium Light Soy Sauce, 16.9-Ounce + Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce - 16.9 fl. Ounce + One NineChef Spoon

NineChef

Based on 506 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lee Kum Kee Premium Light Soy Sauce, 16.9-Ounce + Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce - 16.9 fl. Ounce + One NineChef Spoon

  • Lee Kum Kee Premium Light Soy Sauce, 16.9-Ounce + Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce - 16.9 fl. Ounce + One NineChef Spoon

User questions & answers

Question: What are the ingredients & is there gluten in it
Answer: rice wine and salt. It doesn't list wheat as an ingredient, although a lot of rice wines do include it.
Question: What is the spoon typically used for
Answer: Ninechef is an Amazon seller. It appears that with a lot of their items, they give away a free spoon with their branding on it. It looks like it's just a thank you gift. As far as usage, it looks like it's probably just a chef's tasting spoon.
Question: where is this product made
Answer: It's a product of Jhejiang China, distributed by Jewell Intl. Corp. in Taipei Taiwan.
Question: is salt one of the ingredients in this wine
Answer: I wish I had asked that question before I bought it, because it has not only rice and salt, but also wheat!

Kikkoman Japan Made Soy Sauce, 33.8 Ounce

Kikkoman

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

33.8 oz All purpose seasoning. Brewed by Kikkoman. Product of Japan.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this considered a 'dark' soy sauce
Answer: It doesn't indicate a type on the label, but like other all purpose naturally brewed soy sauces, it is considered a dark soy sauce (koikuchi) according to Shizuo Tsuji, author of Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art, as reference on seriouseats.com.
Question: Is the the product femented
Answer: "Soy sauce (also called shoyu) is a condiment made from a fermented paste of boiled soybeans, roasted grain, brine, and Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus sojae molds. After fermentation, the paste is pressed, producing a liquid, which is the soy sauce, and a solid byproduct, which is often used as animal feed." I believe all soy sauce utilizes a fermentation process. If you have health issues that conflict, there is abundant resources about the entire creation process available online via google.
Question: What’s the difference between this and the regular kikkoman
Answer: Surprised that no one has mentioned that this has half the sodium (470 mg vs 920 mg per tbsp) of regular. Plus, I find it pretty close to regular (their "lite" I find a bit thinner in consistency and flavor)
Question: What do you use it for? will it be good for cooking friend rice
Answer: You should not cook your friends!

Premium Dark Soy Sauce Lite and Low Sodium | 2 Bottles of Dark Soy Sauce 23.65oz Real Authentic Asian-Brewed Marinade for Marinating Fish, Meat & Roasted Vegetables | Squeezable Bottle No MSG | Kosher

Best of Thailand

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • AWARD WINNER MULTI PURPOSE DARK SOY SAUCE LITE AND LOW SODIUM – This bundle pack of 2 bottles of Lite Soy Sauce by Best of Thailand is not your ordinary kitchen ingredient. consider adding this healthy Asian sauce to add texture and taste whether you are preparing Grilled Food, Meat, Fish, Pasta, Sushi or roasted vegetables, made of soybeans, water, salt, sugar, wheat, stabilizers, and preservatives, 70% LESS SODIUM than regular Soy Sauce and is slightly sweeter, overall more intense flavor.
  • AUTHENTIC ASIAN TASTE, NO MSG – Thailand is known for its dishes that are rich in flavors – Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Kaho Pad, Kai Med Ma Muang, to name a few. However, these dishes will not be complete without a soy sauce like this, real Asian brewed and Kosher certified. Don't believe it? Try cooking these Thai dishes without the Best of Thailand Soy Sauce and taste the difference!
  • HANDY SQUEEZABLE CONTAINERS – Most soy sauces in the grocery today are all the same. So we made ours a stand out. To allow the consistent sauce to flow out with ease, all you need to do is open the lid and squeeze the container. Don't worry if it slips your hand. The bottle does not break when it falls. Rest assured all the contents will not be thrown away that easy!
  • KOSHER CERTIFIED WITH TOP QUALITY CONTROL – This top rated Dipping Sauce is certified to be kosher parve and vegan that is quality checked under the prevision of Rabbi Westheim & Manchester Beth Din, Not only the ingredients are inspected, even the equipment are thoroughly cleaned and koshered (special sanitization) to ensure the top quality products.
  • 70% LESS SODIUM DARK SOY SAUCE – As you, we do love dark soy sauce and also being healthy, that’s why we take the most trusted professionals to develop this soy sauce that will make magic with just few tablespoonfuls. Also, the sodium level on this amazing low sodium soy sauce will friendly take care of your vision, pressure and heart being one of the best to include on your diet. Even with 70% less sodium dark soy sauce we do have 100% committed customer service, feel free to contact us.

User questions & answers

Question: How much sodium does it contain
Answer: I bought the Lite version, not the Regular. Lite has 270 mg. of sodium per 15 ml.
Question: Would this work well with wild rice dishes
Answer: I haven't used this soy sauce with wild rice dishes. I bought it after a low sodium/salt diet was prescribed for a family member, and there hasn't been a noticeable difference in the stir- fry dishes I have cooked using plain long grain white rice, pepper steak, etc, or in marinades. I have noticed a difference in the color once it is added to the rice or stir fry dishes. It does seems lighter in color than regular soy sauce that I've used (Kikkomans , La Chow), but we haven't noticed a flavor difference. Don't know how helpful this answer is
Question: does this have to be refrigerated
Answer: regular high-sodium soy sauce is fine kept at room temperature as the salt is a natural preservative, but low-sodium types such as "Best of Thailand Lite" should be kept cool, away from heat sources at least, and refrigeration will help it stay fresher longer.
Question: Is this product Alcohol free
Answer: The ingredient list is as follows: Water, Soy beans, Wheat, Sugar, Salt, Vinegar (Acetic Acid), Stabilizer (Xanthan Gum), Preservative (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate). The label notes that it is asian brewed, From my limited knowledge gained from an internet search on the subject, I would guess that it may contain alcohol as the brewing process would produce alcohol (as opposed to the acidified, hydrolyzed soy protein product, which is not brewed). Some other information that might help you: It is labeled "Kosher Parve", although I am not sure how that might relate to alcohol content. A couple of sites that cover food from a Muslim perspective note that soy sauce is generally considered "haram" (forbidden) due to the alcohol content of 1.7% or more. However, La Choy soy sauce (a non-brewed or acidified, hydrolyzed soy protein product) is considered halal (permissible). (reference: http://www.albalagh.net/halal/col3.shtml ) There was also a note that in August of last year Kikkoman launched a soy sauce that has received halal certification. (reference http://halalfocus.net/japanese-soy-sauce-manufacturer-kikkoman-launches-halal-soy-sauce/ ) So, presumably it does not have the alcohol content. I hope this helps.

Healthy Boy Thin Soy Sauce, 10 Fl Oz, Product of Thailand (Pack of 1)

Yan Wal Yun

Based on 35 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Healthy Boy Brand is the household name when it comes to soy sauce and seasonings in Thailand. It is widely used from street vendors, to home cooks and professional chefs. It is must-have to cook authentic Thai food.

  • Naturally brewed for 6 months from a recipe passing down from generations since 1950.
  • The most commonly used soy sauce in Thailand.
  • 10 Fl Oz (300ml) glass bottle.
  • Don’t mistake this Thai thin soy sauce with Chinese or Japanese couterparts. If you want to cook authentic Thai food, this is the one.

User questions & answers

Question: This is gluten free
Answer: unfortunately not

Kimlan Light Soy Sauce, Si Dau Loai Nhe Dac Biet - 20 oz

Based on 35 reviews Check latest price
  • Naturally Fermented
  • Kimlan Sang Chau (Grade A) soy sauce
  • 20 fl oz / 590 ml

User questions & answers

Question: The label on this kimlan product says 'light'. can anyone using the 'light' version confirm it is truly a light soy sauce
Answer: I don't know what "light" means. I think it has the best taste, far surpassing Kikkoman.

Kikkoman Lite Soy Sauce, 64-Ounce Bottle

Kikkoman

Based on 496 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Use for basting, marinating, or as an ingredient in sauces, vegetables, stews, and soups Kikkoman's soy sauce with less sodium has 37% reduced sodium than Kikkoman regular soy sauce Over 300 years of excellence

  • Kikkoman Lite Soy Sauce
  • Kikkoman less sodium soy sauce
  • 64oz/2qt

User questions & answers

Question: Does it need regridgertion after opening
Answer: I have never put ours into the refrigerator. We store it in a cool spot in the kitchen. Keeps great. I have known for a long time this existed. Now I know where to buy this.
Question: is this kosher
Answer: Should be... soy bean, water, salt
Question: Any msg in this soy sauce
Answer: Honestly I am Unsure but you can call amazon customer service and they can answer that question on the msg.

Pearl River Bridge Superior Soy Sauce, Light, 60 Ounce

Pearl River Bridge

Based on 236 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce comes from the initial batches of light soy sauce procured during the early stages of the brewing process. The Pearl River Bridge open-air, sunlit fermentation method provides exceptional flavor with minimal coloration.

Use in stir-fry both in the wok and poured over finished dishes, or as as you would as a condiment or dipping sauce.

Note: "Light" soy sauce denotes its color, not its salt content. Chinese chefs commonly choose "light" or "dark" soy sauce depending on the amount of color they want the sauce to impart on the dish.

  • Naturally brewed
  • Product of China
  • Food service pack
  • Great for Chefs
  • Restaurant Supply

User questions & answers

Question: What is the expiration date on this product
Answer: I doubt it ever "expires". It is fermented and if it is kept in a cool, dark place it should begood for years. There is no date in English on the product, and I don't read mandarin.
Question: What is the difference between this item and pearl river bridge golden label superior light soy sauce? does the "golden label" signify anything
Answer: I believe they are the same thing because the dark soy sauce has a different colored label. . .

Lee Kum Kee Cooking Premium Soy Sauces / Premium Dark Soy Sauces (Soy + Dark Soy)

Lee Kum Kee

Based on 138 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce is made from premium soybeans and wheat flour. It is naturally brewed according to traditional methods that give it a rich soy flavour and aroma that will delicately enhance the taste of any dish. INGREDIENTS: Water, Salt, Soybean, Sugar, Wheat Flour, Sodium This premium dark soy sauce is made from selected soybeans. It is naturally brewed according to traditional methods. Its rich soy flavour and full-bodied color will delicately enhance the taste and appearance of any dish. INGREDIENTS: Soy Sauce ( Water, Salt, Soybean, Wheat Flour ), Caramel Colour, Sugar, Sodium Benzoate Added As A Preservative, Disodium 5’-Inosinate and Disodium 5’-Guanylate As Flavour Enhancers.

  • This premium dark soy sauce is made from selected soybeans. It is naturally brewed according to traditional methods. Its rich soy flavour and full-bodied color will delicately enhance the taste and appearance of any dish.
  • INGREDIENTS: Soy Sauce ( Water, Salt, Soybean, Wheat Flour ), Caramel Colour, Sugar, Sodium Benzoate Added As A Preservative, Disodium 5’-Inosinate and Disodium 5’-Guanylate As Flavour Enhancers.

User questions & answers

Question: Is it thick
Answer: not really thick but, maybe, a tiny bit thicker than regular soy sauce

Pearl River Bridge Golden Label Superior Light Soy Sauce, Plastic Bottles, 16.9 oz.

Guangdong PRB Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

Based on 208 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pearl River Bridge golden label superior light soy sauce comes from the later batches of soy sauce procured during the last stages of the brewing process. The Pearl River Bridge open-air, sunlit fermentation method provides exceptional flavor, color and consistency. Use in stir-fry both in the wok and poured over finished dishes or as you would as a condiment or dipping sauce. Also works great as a marinade. Note: "Dark" soy sauce denotes its color, not its salt content. Chinese chefs commonly choose "light" or "dark" soy sauce depending on the amount of color they want the sauce to impart on the dish.

  • 16.9 fl. oz. (500 ml)
  • Naturally brewed
  • Product of China

User questions & answers

Question: Does this contain any preservatives
Answer: The label says: Less than 1/10 of 1% as food preservatives.
Question: is this the same as soy vinegar? Is this the same sauce used with hot oil for pot stickers
Answer: No. It’s just soy sauce. You can mix it with vinegar for dumplings which is what I do.
Question: Is this vegetarian
Answer: All soy sauce is vegetarian
Question: does it contain msg
Answer: No it does not contain MSG

Kikkoman Lite Soy Sauce Dispenser, 5 oz, 2 pk

Kikkoman

Based on 483 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features Low Sodium Kosher Yes Made in America Yes Package Size 5 oz. Type Soy Sauce

  • Lite Soy Sauce

User questions & answers

Question: How much sodium is low sodium
Answer: I don’t know the answer. This was purchased as gift for a friend. The bottles are great to use on the table.
Question: Does it have corn in it
Answer: No
Question: Do they come prefilled with soy sauce
Answer: Yes, they do come prefilled with Kikkoman Low Sodium Soy Sauce.
Question: Can you replace the inner cap
Answer: Yes. Don't loose the the inner cap.

Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce, 16.9-Ounce Bottle (Pack of 2)

Pearl River Bridge

Based on 68 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pearl river bridge superior light soy sauce comes from the initial batches of light soy sauce procured during the early stages of the brewing process. The pearl river bridge open-air, sunlit fermentation method provides exceptional flavor with minimal coloration. Use in stir-fry both in the wok and poured over finished dishes, or as you would as a condiment or dipping sauce. Note: "light" soy sauce denotes its color, not its salt content. Chinese chefs commonly choose "light" or "dark" soy sauce depending on the amount of color they want the sauce to impart on the dish.

  • A bottle of 16.9 fluid ounces
  • Authentic light soy
  • Product of China

User questions & answers

Question: Does pearl river bridge superior light soy sauce have less sodium
Answer: No. “Lite” soy sauce has less sodium. “Light” refers to color and taste.
Question: Jan u wine was my soy sauce of choice...is this similar in taste or better? I don't like Kikkoman
Answer: I cannot say for sure as I have never knowingly tried the Jan u wine soy. I can tell you that this soy is light years better than Kikkoman in my opinion. So much deeper, darker, stronger with more depth of flavor. I too always use it with a small amount of dark soy of the same name. I would estimate the ratio to be 80% light and 20% dark. I use it quite often mixed with brown sugar and other flavorings as a marinade for beef and chicken. Enjoy.
Question: Where is it made
Answer: hi This is made in China
Question: Does pearl river bridge superior light soy sauce have less sodium
Answer: Yes, it has 870 mgs sodium per serving, the full soy sauce has 1590 mgs, it still have full flavor. I always cook with the full soy sauce, i use lite soy sauce in dressings and as a condiment. Hope this helps..

Kimlan Sang Chau Grade A Light Soy Sauce, 20 Ounce (Pack of 2)

Kimlan

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Naturally Fermented

  • Made in Taiwan

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