Did you know that April is National Soy Foods Month? Well, now you do! Soy is an essential ingredient in Thai food, so you’ll understand why we’re excited about it getting a whole month here at Giant of Siam. while there are many uses for soy and soy foods in Thai cuisine, we are going to focus on the two biggies: tofu and soy sauce. Both are indispensable to making authentic Thai food. And we know that when you’re looking for “delivery near me” you won’t be satisfied with just any food turning up at your door. You want the good stuff, which is why you turn to us.
First things first: what is a soybean? Soybeans are legumes, just like peanuts. They are similar to chickpeas and lentils, but while those foods are considered pulses, soybeans are not because of their high fat content. Soybeans are used to make many food products, including miso, edamame, soy milk, tofu, and soy sauce. The most common soy-based foods you will find in Thai cuisine are tofu and soy sauce.
Okay, so we know that tofu is made from soy, but how? It’s actually made through a process similar to cheese or cheese curds. Just like dairy milk, soy milk can coagulate into curds. Those curds are then pressed into solid blocks. Tofu blocks come in varying textures, the most common being soft, silken, firm, and extra firm. Tofu has a very subtle flavor (some even describe it as “flavorless”), so it works equally well in savory and sweet dishes. A common use of tofu in Thai food is as a vegetarian protein option in curry. Tofu’s mild flavor enhances the flavor of the various spices in the different types of Thai curry.
We’ve all had this experience. You order your “delivery near me” and it arrives with various sauces and you don’t know what they’re for. If any of those sauces are soy sauce, you’re in luck. It goes on everything. This dark liquid condiment is made from fermented soybeans, roasted grain, and brine. In Thai food, soy sauce is both a condiment and an ingredient in most dishes. There are multiple types of soy sauce and they vary slightly in color, flavor, and thickness.
If you want to switch up your “delivery near me” options, try Giant of Siam! We deliver the authentic flavors of Thailand right to your door. So celebrate National Soy month with us by ordering some delicious Thai food.