Dark soy sauce

In Chinese cuisine, dark soy sauce is a dark-coloured soy sauce used mainly for adding colour and flavour to dishes. It is richer, slightly thicker, and less salty than other types of soy sauce. As the Chinese name lǎo chōu (lit. 'old extract') suggests, it is also aged longer. It is often sweetened by adding molasses or other sweetening agents. Dark soy sauce is often used in stews, stir-fries, and sauces. It is used in dishes requiring colours, such as red-cooked dishes.

Name
The Chinese word lǎo chōu (老抽), meaning "old extract", is shortened from the word lǎo tóu chōu, meaning "old man extract". It contrasts with shēng chōu (生抽) or "raw extract", usually referred to as "light soy sauce" in English sources.