Top Kikkoman Must-Haves to Complete your Japanese-Style Pantry

For over 100 years, Kikkoman has solidified its position globally as the Japanese soy sauce authority. That iconic glass bottle of Kikkoman soy sauce that you usually see on the side of your favorite Japanese restaurant’s

countertops has over almost 60 years’ worth of history in its name. Yet apart from soy sauce, Kikkoman has been producing a wide range of Japanese food essentials that can help you savor the joys of life. 

What we love about Kikkoman is that they manage to provide their customers with several variants to truly welcome all palates to the wonders of Japanese cooking. From sushi, teriyaki, and rice seasoning, all the way to some zesty ponzu-based fusion dish, we’ve listed some essential Kikkoman products that will rival your neighborhood sushi joint’s dishes. 

All the products are available in Karman in bulk or individual bottles as of writing so take your pick!

1. Kikkoman Original Soy Sauce 

It’s not a Kikkoman essentials list without the OG. Following the Japanese art of simplicity, Kikkoman’s Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce is made with only four ingredients, namely soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. You might think that you can use any regular salt for your Japanese-inspired dishes but every bottle of Kikkoman is produced through delicate and unhurried natural brewing methods to bring out that almost indescribable umami flavor we’re all crazy about. It comes in several bottle variants, like the universally-recognizable tabletop variant, less sodium, tamari or wheatless variant, sweet and sour, and even gluten-free version!

2. Kikkoman Manjo Aji Mirin

Say you’re eating beef teriyaki and you taste a unique blend of rich, sweet, and tangy flavors that's not exactly easy to describe accurately. Well, it’s probably mirin. Mirin is a type of rice wine that’s similar to sake but has a lower alcohol content and higher sugar content which makes it an excellent marinade or glaze. Kikkoman’s Manjo Aji Mirin is a sweeter form of mirin (Aji Mirin translates to “tastes like mirin”) that offers a balanced taste that doesn’t overwhelm but complements your go-to Japanese recipes like sukiyaki, tempura, salmon poke, and more!

3. Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce

We all love a deliciously glazed teriyaki dish that’s oozing with sweet, spicy, and soy flavors. With soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil as its base ingredients, Kikkoman’s Teriyaki Sauces and marinades come in several variants like Garlic and Green Onion, Spicy Miso, and Less Sodium. Depending on your taste and diet, there’s a Kikkoman product for your liking.

4. Kikkoman Gluten-Free Sweet Soy Glaze

Plain rice never tasted this sweet and we mean this literally! Kikkoman’s Sweet Soy Glaze enriches your plain white rice with a sweet and salty kick that excites your appetite with every bite. While it's specially developed as a rice seasoning, you can also whip up some restaurant-quality Japanese sweet soy-glazed chicken from the comforts of your home. Plus, it’s gluten-free. ;)

5. Kikkoman Ponzu Citrus Seasoned Dressing and Sauce 

Let’s venture from the salty to the tarty. Kikkoman’s Ponzu Sauce is a soy sauce-based condiment that’s infused with lemon juice and orange flavoring for a tangy-fruity tasting seasoning that’s best with raw or cooked seafood dishes. Ponzu comes from the Dutch word pons which means fruit punch, and Japanese word su meaning vinegar. It can also be used as a vinaigrette alternative for your salads and as a sashimi dip for a unique but delightful Japanese dining experience.

Building Your Dream Japanese-Style Pantry at Home

Using Kikkoman's must-have sauces will bring your cooking to the next level and enhance the taste of your favorite Japanese style dishes. You can order a variety of Kikkoman products from Karman Foods online store!

I highly recommend this Japanese soy sauce and hope you'll try it out. This is available in our  Japanese market.