soy sauce

American  

[soi saws] / ˈsɔɪ ˌsɔs /

especially British, soya sauce

noun

1. a salty, fermented sauce prepared from soybeans, used in East Asian cuisine.

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soy sauce British  

/ sɔɪ /

noun

1. Also called: soya sauce.  a salty dark brown sauce made from fermented soya beans, used esp in Japanese and Chinese cookery

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Etymology

Origin of soy sauce

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

Soy sauce is traditionally made by fermenting steamed soybeans and roasted wheat, which introduces a more complex flavor profile that salt can’t achieve on its own.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

Soy sauce, honey, garlic and coriander infuse this chicken breast with flavor.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2022

Soy sauce, flour, the vegetables used for tempura toppings and even the fish used for the broth have all risen in cost.

From Reuters • May 2, 2022

Soy sauce and doenjang go a long way in seasoning the pork inside and out, as does a healthy sprinkling of dark brown sugar, which adds balance and molasses-laden darkness.

From Washington Post • Oct. 28, 2020

Soy sauce mixture may be boiled and then passed as a dipping sauce.

From The Perdue Chicken Cookbook by Perdue, Mitzi