Soy sauce and sesame oil are two of the most versatile ingredients in any kitchen. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to marinades, and they add a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with any other condiment.
But do these two pantry staples go together? Can they be used in the same dish without overpowering each other?
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between soy sauce and sesame oil, and provide you with some delicious recipes that showcase their unique flavors.
So grab your economy-sized bottles of soy and sesame, and let’s get cooking!
Do Soy Sauce And Sesame Oil Go Together?
The short answer is yes, soy sauce and sesame oil do go together. In fact, they complement each other quite well.
Soy sauce is a salty, savory condiment made from fermented soybeans and wheat. It adds depth of flavor to dishes and is often used as a seasoning in Asian cuisine. Sesame oil, on the other hand, is a nutty and fragrant oil made from toasted sesame seeds. It adds a distinct flavor to dishes and is often used as a finishing oil.
When combined, soy sauce and sesame oil create a delicious umami flavor that can enhance any dish. The saltiness of the soy sauce balances out the nuttiness of the sesame oil, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
The Flavor Profile Of Soy Sauce And Sesame Oil
Soy sauce and sesame oil have distinct flavor profiles that, when combined, create a unique and delicious taste. Soy sauce provides a balance of saltiness, sweetness, and umami (savory) flavors. The saltiness is the most prominent taste, followed by the umami flavor, which is created by the natural monosodium glutamate (MSG) produced during hydrolyzation or fermentation. The sweetness adds a subtle note to the overall flavor profile.
Sesame oil, on the other hand, has a nutty and fragrant taste that adds depth to dishes. It is made from toasted sesame seeds and has a rich aroma that is released when heated. When used in small amounts, sesame oil can add a subtle nuttiness to dishes. However, when used in larger amounts, it can become overpowering.
When soy sauce and sesame oil are combined, the saltiness of the soy sauce balances out the nuttiness of the sesame oil. The umami flavors of soy sauce also complement the nutty flavor of sesame oil, creating a complex and delicious taste. Additionally, the aroma of sesame oil enhances the overall flavor profile of dishes.
The Science Behind Combining Soy Sauce And Sesame Oil
The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil is not only a matter of flavor, but also of science. Soy sauce contains glutamates, which are natural compounds that enhance the umami taste in foods. Umami is one of the five basic tastes, along with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. When combined with sesame oil, the glutamates in soy sauce interact with the nutty aroma compounds in sesame oil, creating a synergistic effect that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Furthermore, sesame oil contains sesamol and sesamin, two antioxidants that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. When combined with soy sauce, these antioxidants can help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
In addition to their flavor and health benefits, soy sauce and sesame oil also work well together as a marinade or stir-fry sauce. The saltiness of the soy sauce helps to tenderize meats and vegetables, while the nuttiness of sesame oil adds depth of flavor. Together, they create a versatile and delicious base for a variety of dishes.
Tips For Using Soy Sauce And Sesame Oil Together
Here are some tips for using soy sauce and sesame oil together in your cooking:
1. Use them as a marinade: A simple marinade of soy sauce and sesame oil can work wonders on meats and fish. Add some garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey for extra flavor.
2. Add them to stir-fries: Soy sauce and sesame oil are essential ingredients in many stir-fry recipes. Use them to season your vegetables, noodles, and protein.
3. Make a dipping sauce: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for a delicious dipping sauce for dumplings, spring rolls, or vegetables.
4. Use them in salad dressings: Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for a flavorful salad dressing.
5. Roast vegetables with them: Toss broccoli or other vegetables in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil before roasting for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Use them in noodle dishes: Soy sauce and sesame oil are essential ingredients in many noodle dishes like ramen or lo mein. Use them to season the noodles and add depth of flavor to the broth.
Recipes Featuring Soy Sauce And Sesame Oil
Here are some mouth-watering recipes that feature soy sauce and sesame oil as key ingredients:
1. Crispy Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: This recipe features battered crispy chicken doused in a delicious honey and garlic sesame sauce. The sweet honey, salty soy sauce, and nutty sesame oil create a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
2. Cashew Chicken: Tender chicken smothered in an incredible savory sauce with crunchy roasted cashews and green bell pepper. This Chinese restaurant-style dish can be made in less time than ordering takeout and is sure to impress your taste buds.
3. Sesame Soy Noodle Stir Fry: This recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner option that is packed with flavor. Simply cook your favorite vegetables and protein in a wok or skillet, then add a homemade stir fry sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch to thicken it up.
4. Soy Sesame Marinade: This marinade is perfect for meats and fish, creating a delicious umami flavor that will take your dish to the next level. Combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and molasses for a simple yet flavorful marinade.
