What is white soy sauce?
A white soy sauce differs from the well-known dark brown soy sauces by its higher wheat content. This changes the color of the soy sauce and also makes it taste a bit lighter and sweeter.
Due to its light color, it changes the appearance of dishes significantly less than the dark brown soy sauces. This makes white soy sauces perfect for incorporation into European recipes, adding more complexity and depth without drifting into the Asian direction.
Why does soy sauce go well with asparagus?
"Soy sauce has a lot of umami and thus gives asparagus sauces more depth. Used in small amounts, it doesn't automatically taste Asian." Jean Luc Oosting
Preparation of green asparagus with butter and white soy sauce:
- Put asparagus in boiling water for about 30 seconds, drain, and pat dry the remaining moisture.
- Sauté asparagus in very hot oil for about 30 seconds.
- Carefully add soy sauce and let it reduce.
- Remove the pan from the stove, add about 1 tablespoon of water and butter. Continue to toss the asparagus in the pan until the butter and white soy sauce have merged into a sauce.
- Arrange asparagus and butter-soy sauce on a plate.
Recommendation white soy sauces
Basically, three types of white soy sauce are suitable for this recipe:
Classic white soy sauce
A perfect substitute for the usual dark brown soy sauce with a balanced ratio of sweetness, saltiness, and umami.
Mild white soy sauce
This sauce has a milder taste and less sweetness.
Salty white soy sauce
The soy sauce is less salty and less sweet, but has the highest amount of umami.
