Got a bottle of sashimi soy sauce and wondering how else you can use it besides dipping sushi? Don’t let that precious bottle go to waste! Sashimi soy sauce may be designed for sashimi, but its mild, sweet umami flavor can enhance all kinds of dishes.
While more delicate than regular soy sauce, sashimi soy sauce adds subtle depth and savoriness through marinades, stir fries, salad dressings, sauces, and more. The light soy profile brings out the best in ingredients without overpowering them.
- Marinate chicken, fish, or tofu to infuse flavor before cooking
- Toss vegetables, shrimp, or beef in a quick sashimi soy stir fry
- Drizzle over salads for a savory, gingery dressing
- Mix with honey, vinegar, and garlic to glaze meats or coat wings
With a little creativity, sashimi soy sauce can become your new secret ingredient. A splash here and there adds the perfect pop of sweetness and umami to all your cooking!
Ready to unlock the possibilities? Keep reading for tips, tricks, and recipes to make the most of your sashimi soy sauce!
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
One of the best uses for sashimi soy sauce is as a marinade base. The mild soy profile lets the ingredients shine through.
For chicken, combine sashimi soy with minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger. Let chicken thighs or drumsticks soak for 30 minutes before baking or grilling. The soy sauce tenderizes while infusing savory flavor.
Marinate firm tofu in a mixture of sashimi soy, maple syrup, and crushed red pepper. The sweet and spicy sauce gives pan-fried tofu an incredible depth. For extra crispy tofu, coat with cornstarch before frying.
Salmon and tuna steaks also take well to sashimi marinades. Simply submerge fish fillets in soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, and sliced green onions. The fish soaks up the flavors after just 15-20 minutes. Sear the steaks for caramelized edges.
For shrimp, do a quick marinade of sashimi soy, sesame oil, chili paste, and minced garlic. Skewer the shrimp and grill for an easy weeknight dinner with tons of flavor.
Toss It in Stir Fries
Stir fries are a perfect way to utilize small amounts of sashimi soy sauce. A tablespoon or two is all you need to give the dish a savory depth.
For tofu stir fries, marinate extra firm tofu in a splash of soy sauce before cooking. Then stir fry the tofu with julienned bell peppers, shredded cabbage, and snap peas. Add another drizzle of sashimi soy at the end for a flavor boost. Serve over brown rice.
Beef and broccoli is a classic pairing that benefits from the sweet notes of sashimi soy. Marinate flank steak strips briefly in a mix of soy sauce, oil, and cornstarch. Stir fry the beef and blanched broccoli with garlic, ginger, and sliced onions. Finish with a tablespoon of soy sauce and serve with rice.
Chicken and veggie stir fries also get a tasty lift from sashimi soy sauce. Try this [insert name of recipe] that uses just a splash to bring out the flavors.
Dress Up Salads
House-made salad dressings are a cinch with sashimi soy sauce on hand. Whip up unique, crave-worthy dressings in just minutes.
For an Asian flavors dressing, simply combine sashimi soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Shake vigorously before tossing with mixed greens, shredded carrot and purple cabbage, edamame, and mandarin oranges. Top with toasted almonds or cashews for crunch.
Take ranch to the next level by blending sashimi soy sauce with mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, and pepper. The subtle soy adds addictive umami flavor to this creamy dressing. Pour over chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, croutons, and your other favorite ranch add-ins.
Make a zesty citrus dressing with sashimi soy, lime juice, olive oil, orange marmalade, and cilantro. Shake well and drizzle over arugula or spinach topped with avocado, cotija cheese, and pumpkin seeds. The soy sauce balances the tart citrus.
Whip Up Sauces and Glazes
Beyond dressings, sashimi soy sauce adds deep flavor to sauces and glazes for meats, seafood, and veggies.
For a fast steak sauce, sauté minced garlic and onions in olive oil. Deglaze with sashimi soy sauce and beef broth, then stir in tomato paste and balsamic vinegar to thicken. Brush the savory sauce over grilled sirloin steaks.
Coat chicken wings in a sticky glaze made from soy sauce, honey, chili garlic paste, and rice vinegar. The sashimi soy contributes addictive umami flavor to balance the sweetness. Broil the wings until crispy.
Stir soy sauce into ketchup along with brown sugar, garlic powder, Worcestershire, and smoked paprika for a bbq-style burger sauce. Slather the sauce on beef patties before cooking and drizzle more on top when serving.
Marinate pumpkin or sweet potatoes in a mixture of sashimi soy, maple syrup, olive oil, thyme, and garlic. Roast the potatoes until caramelized and tender. The soy sauce glaze makes the veggies irresistible.
Add a Splash Anywhere
Beyond specific recipes, keep your sashimi soy sauce on hand for an instant flavor boost. Here are some everyday ways to utilize a few drops:
- Add to vegetable or chicken stock for rich, savory depth
- Brush on fish before baking or grilling
- Mix with mayo or Greek yogurt for an instant dip or sandwich spread
- Drizzle over steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
- Use in place of regular soy sauce when cooking Asian noodle dishes
- Add to tuna or chicken salad for a touch of umami
- Combine with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs for a bread dipper
- Stir into hummus, guacamole, bean dips for flavor depth
With its mild, subtly sweet flavor, sashimi soy sauce ramps up flavors in your cooking without overpowering the ingredients. Keep experimenting with new ways to incorporate this versatile pantry staple!
