Shrimp Soy Sauce

Also Called*

prawn soy sauce

Usage

as a seasoning, as a dipping sauce

Description

Shrimp soy sauce, known as ‘xiāzǐ jiàngyóu’ in Chinese, is obtained by adding shrimps to the classic soy sauce, usually with the addition of sugar and alcohol. The ingredients are then simmered together. Compared to the traditional soy sauce, it has a reddish hue, a thicker texture, and a more intense and sweet taste. Shrimp soy sauce originates from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions in China.

* Shrimp soy sauce is not the same as shrimp sauce (xiāyóu) originating from the coasts of Fujian, China. Shrimp sauce is obtained directly through the fermentation of fish and shrimps, without the use of soy in the ingredients. Essentially, it is more akin to nuoc mam (fish sauce). On the other hand, shrimp soy sauce is produced by adding shrimps to a classic soy sauce to give it a more umami flavor.