Do you eat soy sauce daily, or do you enjoy it on occasion? How you answer that might give you a better idea of whether or not it should be placed in your fridge. Does soy sauce need to be refrigerated after opening?
Soy sauce does not require refrigeration even after it is open. You can leave your soy sauce out and at room temperature for months, and it will still be fine. However, there are a few things to consider before stuffing it in the cupboard and walking away.
Before choosing the ideal home for your bottle of soy sauce, check out this article. We have the 411 on this zesty product. From where to store it for the most flavorful outcome to when you should toss it out.
Should You Store Open Soy Sauce in the Refrigerator?
Soy sauce comes from fermented soybeans. It is a popular condiment that is a big player in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Due to the fermentation process, salt, and preservatives, soy sauce stays fresh on its own. This means you do not have to put it in the refrigerator after opening it. (*)
But Can You Refrigerate Soy Sauce?
Many people automatically shove open condiments in the refrigerator once it is open out of habit. Others prefer their products cold. Either way, you can keep soy sauce in the refrigerator. Doing this will extend its shelf life, keeping it fresher, longer.
How to Store Soy Sauce After Opening?
Once your soy sauce’s seal is broken, you can store it anywhere you like. If you prefer room temperature, feel free to place it in your pantry or kitchen cupboard. You can even leave it out on your countertop if you use it often.
If you don’t use soy sauce on a regular basis, it may be best to place it in the fridge. Even though this product won’t go bad per se, it can lose its flavor.
The potent ingredients in soy sauce will start to break down if it is left in room air conditions. If the room is hot, the flavor profile will diminish even quicker.
How Long Does Soy Sauce Stay Fresh Once Open?
A bottle (or jug) of soy sauce can last a very long time. You can keep this tasty ingredient stored for up to three years unopened.
An open bottle of soy sauce will last for up to a year. But you may start to notice the color fading and the taste dwindling after six months. Just because it doesn’t look or taste exactly as it did the day you bought it doesn’t mean it is bad.
An open bottle of soy sauce placed in the fridge can last more than a year. Even 12 months out, the flavor will remain the same. We have noticed ours live even longer, still delicious as ever, even up to 18 months.
When Soy Sauce Goes Bad?
Soy sauce will last a very long time. Chances are good that you will use it up before it can go bad. Yet, it is a possibility.
Most often, oxidation will play a large role in your soy sauce’s condition. It will change the appearance, taste, and smell. This in itself is not dangerous. It just makes your dish taste less bold and savory.
What can potentially become dangerous is bacteria and mold. These harmful agents can cause serious health problems if ingested. You risk the development of mold when the condiment isn’t correctly put away.
What Causes Soy Sauce to Go Bad?
Most often, soy sauce goes bad due to improper storage. This item should be put into a cool, dark location. It should be fully sealed and preferably in a glass container.
Heat, light, and oxygen exposure are the main culprits of spoiled soy sauce. So if you do decide to keep it on the countertop, make sure it is not in the path of direct light.
If you believe your soy sauce is bad, toss it out right away. Signs of bad soy sauce include foul odor, odd texture, and extreme discoloration.
Is Your Soy Sauce Past the Expiration Date?
If you pull out your soy sauce and notice it is past the expiration date, wait before tossing it out. Just because the “sell by” date has passed doesn’t mean the product is bad. Your soy sauce can last well beyond the expiration date listed on its label. Especially when the bottle is stored under the appropriate conditions.
Check the sauce itself; if it looks, tastes, smells, and feels fine, it probably is.
Learn more:
- Does worcestershire sauce need to be refrigerated?
- Does hot sauce need to be refrigerated?
- Does oyster sauce need to be refrigerated?
FAQs
Need quick answers? Here are the most frequently asked questions when it comes to storing soy sauce.
Do You Have to Keep Soy Sauce in the Refrigerator Once it is Open?
Nope. Soy sauce is totally safe to leave out at room temperature. It will last for nearly a year in a cool, dry space.
Does Soy Sauce Go Bad?
Soy sauce can go bad but rarely does. When left out of the refrigerator for a long time, you may notice the color, flavor, and smell diminish. If the smell is foul or the taste is rancid, toss it out.
How Long Does Soy Sauce Last in the Refrigerator Once it is Open?
After opening soy sauce, it can stay fresh in the fridge for more than two years. This can change depending on what type of bottle it is in and how tightly the lid is closed.
Does Soy Sauce Need to be Refrigerated After Opening?
The final verdict is an astounding NO. If you prefer your open soy sauce at room temperature or plan on packing it for a trip, go for it. Soy sauce is safe outside of the fridge. If you are worried about specific circumstances, the article above should have helped you find the answers you need.
We hope you found our article “Does soy sauce need to be refrigerated after opening?” helpful and recommend you check out our other articles, where we offer tons of information on the best ways to store your favorite food products.
