Tamari shôyu (たまり醤油) is a dark, dense Japanese soy sauce particularly rich in umami. Closely linked to the tradition of miso production, it often contains very little wheat, or none at all depending on the recipe.
Its deep flavour and fuller texture make it an excellent sauce for marinades, grilled foods, mushrooms, simmered dishes and full-bodied sauces. Tamari is also particularly enjoyable simply poured over tofu, vegetables or rice. Its aromatic intensity means that only a small amount is usually needed.
Please note that “tamari” does not automatically mean “gluten-free”. When this is important to you, always check the ingredients and information provided on each product page. For a lighter and more versatile sauce, choose a koikuchi soy sauce. For a lighter-coloured sauce suited to delicate broths, try usukuchi shôyu.