What is Seasoning Sauce?

“Seasoning sauce” is a rather broad and vague term and really could cover any number and variety of condiments. Most often it is associated with Maggi Liquid Seasoning which is a dark, hydrolysed vegetable protein-based seasoning sauce. It is very similar to East Asian soy sauce without actually containing soy and  has come to be used frequently in Asian cooking.

It was actually developed in Switzerland in the late 19th century by Julius Michael Johannes Maggi, the son of a mill owner.

​In 1882 Maggi met Dr Fridolin Schuler who believed there was a link between malnutrition and high levels of disease and infant mortality. Dr Fridolin Schuler was part of the Swiss Public Welfare Society whose goal was to improve the lives of the country’s working population. It was observed that nutrition from meat was too expensive for the working class and Dr Schuler was convinced that pulses – rich in nutrients and easy to digest – were the solution.

​Maggi inspired by this work researched and innovated powdered pea and bean flours. and also world’s very first instant soups under Dr Schuler’s partronage. Then, in 1886, he launched Maggi seasoning, a concentrated liquid bouillon to form the basis for consommés, soups and sauces. It was initially a cheap substitute for meat extract and became widely popular.

​What is interesting is that Maggi sauce (distinguished by its yellow-capped black bottles) does not have a uniform recipe. A number of countries have their own version and each tastes slightly different in order to fit local palettes. Although the original did not contain soy, however Maggi in some Asian countries is made with soy. This soy formula would be more readily embraced by Southeast Asians who are more familiar with soy-based seasoning sauces.

Golden Mountain Seasoning Sauce
​In Thailand, “Seasoning Sauce” most often refers to Golden Mountain Seasoning Sauce or the famous “green cap” sauce. In recipes, it can be used interchangably with Maggi seasoning although the taste between the two is significantly different. Golden Mountain Seasoning Sauce is composed mainly of fermented soybeans and salt but has a “deeper, somewhat saltier taste” then regular soy sauces. Like Maggi a little goes a long way (just one or two drops makes a big difference). It is particularly good in spicy stir-fries like Pad Kaprao.

​The difference in flavour from regular soy sauce likely comes from flavour enhancers produced from dried fish or seaweed (disodium guanylate) which emphasises the umami taste.

Check out some of our recipes using Golden Mountain Sauce!
Crying Tiger Recipe: Sua Rong Hai
Grilled Pork Skewers with Sticky Rice: Moo Ping
Thai Stir Fried Noodles: Sen Mee Pad See Ew
​Thai Curry Puff Recipe | Karipap | กะหรี่ปั๊บ

Here is Pailin from Hot Thai Kitchen explaining Golden Mountain Sauce

References:
http://www.cooksinfo.com/maggi
http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-maggi-the-secret-sauce-you-should-know-about-20150810-story.html
http://www.world-foodhistory.com/2014/03/history-of-maggi-brand-of-nestle.html
https://www.seriouseats.com/2013/10/pantry-essentials-liquid-seasoning.html
https://www.thespruce.com/golden-mountain-sauce-secret-thai-sauce-3217234
https://www.nestle.com/aboutus/history/nestle-company-history/maggi
https://www.nestle.com/aboutus/history/nestle-company-history/julius-maggi-cubes-consommes-creativity
https://www.thekitchn.com/ingredient-spotlight-maggi-sea-91316
http://wanderingchopsticks.blogspot.com/2008/02/maggi-seasoning-sauce.html
http://eatdrinknbmerry.blogspot.com.au/2008/02/my-love-for-maggi-seasoning-sauce-maggi.html
https://blogs.transparent.com/dutch/demystifying-the-brown-bottle-maggi-seasoning-sauce/
http://www.grubstreet.com/2012/03/flavor-ammo-maggi-seasoning.html
http://shesimmers.com/2010/01/soy-sauces-used-in-thai-cooking-and-how.html
https://www.thai.lt/thai-food/thai-food-blog/294-a-guide-to-thai-taste-thai-seasoning-sauce
http://www.messyvegancook.com/different-types-of-thai-soy-sauces-and-condiments/
https://www.templeofthai.com/food/sauces/goldenmountainsoy-5134262041.php
​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Maggi
https://importfood.com/products/thai-sauces-condiments/item/golden-mountain-sauce-gluten-free