Soy mustard sauce is a basic preparation of soy sauce and mustard that is usually served as an accompaniment to fish, poultry, or pork, whose mild flavors complement the tangy and sometimes spicy flavor of the sauce. Almost any type of mustard and soy sauce can be used and accompanied by other ingredients, such as rice vinegar, garlic or shallots, and herbs. The sauce is simple to prepare and can be made by whisking all the ingredients together or mixing in a food processor. Soy mustard sauce is usually served alongside a main dish as a dipping sauce but could also be used as a salad dressing for simple mixed greens or as a marinade. Most of the meals featuring soy mustard sauce are Asian-inspired.
There is a great deal of variation in soy mustard sauce recipes. Either dry or prepared bottled mustard can be used. Dijon mustard is a popular choice, and horseradish or other spicy mustards can be used for those who like their flavor. Almost any type of soy sauce, including light, dark, or low-sodium varieties, can be combined with the mustard. Rice vinegar and white wine are often added to the mix, along with finely chopped onions, shallots, or garlic and fresh herbs like parsley. The soy mustard sauce can also be seasoned with salt and pepper, but because soy sauce is already salty it may not require much additional salt. Depending on the ingredients, the sauce can be whisked together to form a creamy consistency or prepared in a food processor.
Soy mustard sauce is usually served alongside simply prepared fish or other mildly flavored meats. It is a popular accompaniment for pan-seared rare tuna steak that has been marinated or encrusted with peppercorns or sesame seeds. The tangy and creamy sauce can also be a healthy alternative to salad dressings because it can be made without oil, sugar, or other high-calorie ingredients that usually appear in bottled salad dressings. The bold flavor is best suited to mixed greens and should be used sparingly.
A marinade can also be made with soy mustard sauce. The sauce can be prepared with the same ingredients as other uses. If used for fish, it should be allowed to marinate for about an hour. Other meats like pork chops or chicken breasts can be marinated for as long as 24 hours. The meat or seafood can be grilled, pan seared, or broiled after marinating.