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Korean-style serving of Soy sauce

간장 · Soy sauce

Soy sauce

간장

What exactly is it?

Soy sauce is a liquid seasoning used for salt and savory depth. Soup soy sauce is often used in broths and vegetables, while brewed and other cooking soy sauces serve as dips or braising seasonings. Color alone does not tell you how salty it is.

Main ingredients

Traditionally fermented soybean blocks, salt and water; some products include wheat

Ordering and serving

A dipping dish may already contain vinegar and chili. If you avoid wheat, check the ingredients rather than relying on the sauce color or product name.

Origins and changes

Joseon texts including Jubangmun and Sallim Gyeongje record soy-sauce making. Brine matured with fermented soybean blocks remains one method, alongside modern products made with different ingredients and processes.

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Soy sauce

간장

Main ingredients
Traditionally fermented soybean blocks, salt and water; some products include wheat
Flavor and character
Soy sauce is a liquid seasoning used for salt and savory depth. Soup soy sauce is often used in broths and vegetables, while brewed and other cooking soy sauces serve as dips or braising seasonings. Color alone does not tell you how salty it is.
How to eat it
A dipping dish may already contain vinegar and chili. If you avoid wheat, check the ingredients rather than relying on the sauce color or product name.
Read about this dish →

Ssamjang dipping paste

쌈장

Main ingredients
Soybean paste, chili paste, garlic and sesame oil; optional onion, nuts or tofu
Flavor and character
Ssamjang is a thick condiment for rice or meat wrapped in leaves. Soybean paste provides the base, with chili paste, garlic and sesame oil adding flavor. Chopped onion, nuts or tofu can alter both its texture and saltiness.
How to eat it
Start with a small dab inside the wrap. Tuna ssamjang and snail ssamjang contain animal ingredients, even though the base is soybean paste.
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