shoyu

Intermediate 🍳 Food / Culinary

Definition

The Japanese term for soy sauce, specifically the dark, naturally-brewed variety that makes everything from sushi to ramen taste like liquid umami magic. While technically the same as regular soy sauce, using the term "shoyu" at a restaurant makes you sound 47% more cultured and knowledgeable about Asian cuisine. It's made from fermented soybeans and wheat, aged like a fine wine but costs about the same as cheap beer.

Example Usage

The chef drizzled shoyu over the grilled fish, transforming a simple piece of salmon into something that belonged in a food magazine.

Source: Common culinary terminology

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