Homemade All-Purpose Savory Soy Sauce
Homemade All-Purpose Savory Soy Sauce
DIY Savory Soy Sauce for Cooking
While it may seem a bit involved, making your own savory soy sauce at home yields a delicious flavor enhancer and helps reduce sodium intake. We highly recommend this recipe for a healthier and more flavorful cooking experience.
Main Ingredients- 2 Apples (washed and quartered)
- 1 Lemon (washed and quartered)
- 5 Bay leaves
- 20 Whole peppercorns
- 5 Dried red chilies (stems removed)
- 3 Sheets of dried kelp (gently wiped with a damp cloth)
- 5 Dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated in water beforehand)
- 500g Daikon radish (peeled and cut into large chunks)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Liter Soy sauce (Korean soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce)
- 500g Mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 500g Cheongju (or Soju)
- 300g Plum extract (Maesilcheong)
- 3 Stalks of green onion (washed and cut into large pieces)
- 20 Cloves Garlic (peeled)
- 20g Ginger (peeled and sliced thinly)
- 1 Liter Soy sauce (Korean soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce)
- 500g Mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 500g Cheongju (or Soju)
- 300g Plum extract (Maesilcheong)
- 3 Stalks of green onion (washed and cut into large pieces)
- 20 Cloves Garlic (peeled)
- 20g Ginger (peeled and sliced thinly)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot, combine all main ingredients except for the apples and lemon: bay leaves, whole peppercorns, dried red chilies, kelp, rehydrated shiitake mushrooms, and large chunks of daikon radish. Add all the seasoning ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, cheongju, plum extract, green onion, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to start infusing.
Step 2
After 5 minutes, reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. This step helps the ingredients release their flavors and aromas into the soy sauce, while the liquid slightly reduces.
Step 3
While the mixture is simmering, prepare the apples and lemons. Wash them thoroughly, remove any seeds, and slice them thinly. Thin slices will help release their flavor more effectively into the sauce.
Step 4
Add the thinly sliced apples and lemons to the pot. Continue to simmer over medium heat for another 10 minutes. The citrus notes from the lemon and the natural sweetness from the apple will add a wonderful depth and complexity to your savory soy sauce.
Step 5
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down completely for at least half a day. This resting period is crucial for the flavors to fully meld and develop. Afterward, carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, ensuring all solids are removed to get a clear soy sauce.
Step 6
Pour the strained savory soy sauce into clean, sterilized glass bottles or airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator. This homemade soy sauce is perfect for enhancing the flavor of various dishes, from seasoned vegetables and braised meats to stir-fries. Enjoy the rich taste!
