Are you struggling to open a bottle of Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people have found themselves in the same frustrating situation.
But fear not, we’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks to help you crack open that bottle and enjoy the delicious flavor of this popular condiment.
From submerging the cap in warm water to using a bottle opener tool, we’ll explore different methods to get that cap off.
Plus, we’ll also delve into the world of soy sauce bottles and explain the purpose of those two holes on top.
So, let’s get started and learn how to open Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce like a pro!
How To Open Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce?
Method 1: Twist and Turn
The most common method to open a bottle of Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce is to twist and turn the cap. Hold the bottle tightly in your non-dominant hand and twist the cap to the left in an unscrewing motion with your other hand. If the cap is too tight, try using a towel or rubber grip for better traction.
Method 2: Warm Water
If the cap still won’t budge, try submerging it in warm water for 30-120 seconds. The salt in the soy sauce can cause crystals to form on the top of the lid over time, making it difficult to open. By submerging the cap in warm water, you can loosen these crystals and make it easier to twist off.
Method 3: Bottle Opener Tool
Another option is to use a bottle opener tool, such as a waiter’s corkscrew or a “church key.” These tools can gouge the plastic cap a bit, but they allow you to reseal the cap at least a dozen times.
Why Opening Soy Sauce Bottles Can Be Tricky
Opening soy sauce bottles can be tricky due to a few reasons. Firstly, the plastic cap can be tightly sealed onto the bottle, making it difficult to twist off with bare hands. Secondly, the salt content in soy sauce can cause crystals to form on the top of the cap over time, making it even harder to open. Lastly, some people may not be familiar with the design of soy sauce bottles, which can lead to accidental spills or messes. However, with the right techniques and tools, opening a bottle of soy sauce can be a breeze.
Method 1: Submerging The Cap In Warm Water
If you’re struggling to open your Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce bottle, submerging the cap in warm water can be an effective method. This is because the salt in the soy sauce can cause crystals to form on the top of the lid over time, which can make it difficult to twist off. By submerging the cap in warm water for 30-120 seconds, you can loosen these crystals and make it easier to open.
To use this method, fill a bowl or sink with warm water and submerge the cap of the soy sauce bottle. Make sure that the water is warm but not too hot, as this can damage the plastic cap or cause the soy sauce to spill. Leave the cap in the water for at least 30 seconds, but no more than 2 minutes.
After soaking, remove the bottle from the water and dry it off with a towel. Then, hold the bottle tightly in your non-dominant hand and twist the cap to the left in an unscrewing motion with your other hand. If the cap is still too tight, try using a towel or rubber grip for better traction.
It’s important to note that if your bottle has been open for a long time or if there are large crystals on the top of the cap, you may need to repeat this process several times before being able to open it. However, with a little patience and persistence, you should be able to enjoy your delicious Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce in no time!
Method 2: Using A Bottle Opener Tool
If you have a bottle opener tool handy, it can be a useful way to open a bottle of Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce. The bottle opener tool on a waiter’s corkscrew is a good option, as it can be used to gouge the plastic cap and create enough leverage to twist it off. However, this method can cause some damage to the cap.
Another option is to use a “church key” bottle opener. While the bottle opener end of the key has a longer reach and can remove the cap, you will need to force the small tang (not the point) under the cap. This method can cause more damage to the cap than using a waiter’s corkscrew.
If you choose to use a bottle opener tool, it’s important to note that there is no mechanism to reseal the cap once it has been removed. However, by using this method, you can open the bottle without damaging it too much and enjoy your Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce.
Method 3: Tapping The Cap With A Spoon
If you don’t have access to a bottle opener tool, another option is to tap the cap with a spoon. Hold the bottle securely in your non-dominant hand and use the back of a spoon to tap the edge of the cap in a circular motion. This will loosen the seal and make it easier to twist off. Be careful not to hit the cap too hard or you may damage it. Once you’ve tapped around the entire edge of the cap, try twisting it off with your other hand. If it still won’t budge, try combining this method with method 2 and submerge the bottle in warm water for a few minutes before attempting to tap the cap with a spoon.
Why Do Soy Sauce Bottles Have Two Holes On Top?
If you’ve ever used a Kikkoman soy sauce bottle, you may have noticed that it has two holes on the top. These holes are not just for design purposes, but serve a practical function. The two spouts are meant to control the flow of the soy sauce, preventing spills and allowing users to pour only as much soy sauce as they need.
When one hole is covered with a finger, it restricts the flow of the sauce, allowing for a slow and controlled pour. This is ideal for adding a small amount of soy sauce to sushi or other dishes. On the other hand, when both holes are open, it allows more airflow through the container, creating a quick and heavy pour of soy sauce. This is useful for cooking or when larger amounts of soy sauce are needed.
The Kikkoman soy sauce bottle was designed by former naval academy student Kenji Ekuan in 1961. It took Ekuan and his team three years to develop the teardrop shape of the bottle and they tested over 100 prototypes before creating the successful dispenser. The company has not changed the design of the Kikkoman soy sauce bottle for over 50 years.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce
Now that you have successfully opened your bottle of Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce, it’s time to enjoy the delicious flavor it adds to your dishes. Remember that soy sauce is high in sodium, so it’s important to use it in moderation and consider using a salt-reduced variety if you are watching your sodium intake.
Lee Kum Kee offers a variety of soy sauces with different flavors and strengths, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your taste preferences and the dish you are making. For example, the Premium Soy Sauce has a savory, salty, and malty flavor with a hint of sweetness, while the Light Soy Sauce has mellow soybean and savory flavors with a strong salty taste.
If you want to add a deep, rich flavor to your stir-fries and other dishes, try using Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce. This soy sauce is made with only the best ingredients and is carefully fermented for months to create a complex flavor that is overseen by expert craftsmen.