Is Soy Sauce Vegan? A Guide To Understanding This Popular Condiment

In this article, we will talk about soy sauce, its ingredients, and how it is made, and give you a list of some of the more popular vegan-friendly and gluten free soy sauce brands on the market. 

We will also give you some links to delicious vegan recipes that use soy sauce as a main ingredient.

What is Soy Sauce?

Soy sauce is a plant-based Chinese condiment that was discovered over 2500 years ago. 

Soy sauce is made from a mixture of soybeans, wheat, salt, and water which are fermented to create a savory and umami-flavored sauce.

Soy sauce is a staple seasoning in many Asian dishes, such as stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.

There are many different types of soy sauce, such as light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, white soy sauce, and tamari.

Light soy sauce is the most common type, it has a thinner consistency and a lighter color compared to dark soy sauce, which is thicker and darker. 

White soy sauce this Japanese soy sauce is lighter in color and flavor than light soy. 

White soy sauce is not white as the name would suggest but has a pale golden color.

Tamari is another type of Japanese soy sauce and is wheat free.

Is Soy Sauce Vegan?

As mentioned above, the main ingredients of soy sauce are soybeans, wheat, salt, and water making it vegan.

However, some brands may have other ingredients like sweeteners, preservatives, and flavor enhancers - these may or may not be vegan-friendly.

And if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, not every soy sauce would be suitable because of the wheat that they contain.

But some brands of soy sauce use alternatives like rice or corn that make them gluten-free.

When buying soy sauce, you should read the ingredient label to ensure it is vegan and or gluten free.

How Is Soy Sauce Made

Soy sauce is made by fermenting soybeans, wheat, yeast, and lactic acid bacteria. 

The fermentation process can take several months, and when the process is finished the result is a savory, umami soy sauce.

However, some brands will use animal products in the manufacturing process like shrimp or fish to give the sauce an umami flavor making them not suitable for a vegan diet.

Other brands will use vegan alternatives to these animal products to produce a vegan-friendly version of soy sauce.

So, if you are vegan or gluten-free, it is important to read the label to ensure it suits your diet.

Vegan-Friendly Soy Sauces

There are many different vegan-friendly sauce brands on the market, including ones that are gluten free. For example:

1. Bragg Liquid Aminos - This soy sauce alternative is made from organic coconut tree nectar and purified water and is gluten-free. It is also certified non-GMO and organic.
2. Tamari Kikkoman Soy Sauce - This soy sauce is made with soybeans, rice, salt, and water, making it gluten-free. It is also certified non-GMO and kosher.
3. San-J Tamari Soy Sauce - This soy sauce is made without wheat and is gluten-free. It is also certified organic, non-GMO, and vegan by Vegan Action.
4. Amoy's first-press dark sauce contains plain caramel and sugar for flavor. It is vegan but it is not gluten-free.

For those who live a plant-based or gluten-free lifestyle, these vegan soy sauce brands are excellent choices. 

They can be used in numerous soy sauce dishes like stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.

Vegan Recipes Using Soy Sauce

Here are some delicious vegan recipes that use soy sauce as a main ingredient.

Japanese Pickled Cucumber - This refreshing and crunchy Japanese side dish is made with sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. 

It is a tangy and slightly sweet-flavored side dish with a hint of saltiness from the soy sauce. 

Perfect to serve as a healthy snack or as a complement to your favorite Japanese-style meal.

Japanese Broccoli Gomaae - This simple and delicious dish takes 15 minutes to prepare.

Make with bite-sized pieces of steamed broccoli coated in a creamy and nutty sesame sauce made with soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, sugar, and Japanese soy sauce. 

It has a slightly sweet taste that pairs perfectly with rice or as a side dish for any Japanese meal.

Sesame Ginger Tofu - This vegan dish is packed with flavor, made with crispy pan-fried soft tofu dressed in a flavorful sauce made with sesame oil, and fresh ginger. 

It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect addition to any stir-fry or Buddha bowl.

Vegan Bacon Bits - Made from textured vegetable protein (TVP), soy sauce, miso paste, nutritional yeast, and other flavors, these vegan bacon bits are a delicious and versatile addition to any dish.

Perfect to sprinkle on top of salads, soups, or as a topping for baked potatoes, they provide a savory and salty flavor.

Easy Gyoza Dipping Sauce - This quick and simple sauce is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes, creating a perfect balance of salty, sour, and spicy flavors that goes well with your favorite gyoza or dumplings. 

It's a versatile sauce that can be used as a dipping sauce for other Asian dishes as well.

Vegan Pad See Ew - This classic Thai dish features fresh flat rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables, tofu, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, vegan fish sauce, and sugar. 

This delicious dish has the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness and is easy to make.

Vegan Cabbage Rolls - These hearty and flavorful cabbage rolls are stuffed with a mixture of rice, mushrooms, and carrots and is served with a slightly sweet and sour sauce made with soy sauce and vinegar. 

This dish easy dish will leave you feeling full and satisfied. A great option for a family dinner or a potluck with friends.