Lye water is a potent liquid alkaline substance also known as potassium carbonate solution used as a culinary ingredient in many Asian dishes.

What is lye water made of?

Lye water is made from either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, that are mixed with water.

What is lye water used for in cooking?

Lye water is used in cooking to change the texture of food and reduce its acidity. It is commonly used when making Asian noodles, mooncakes, and certain types of pickles.

Is lye water safe to consume?

Yes, lye water is safe to consume when used appropriately in food preparation. However, it is strongly alkaline and must be used carefully.

What is the flavor of lye water?

Lye water does not have significant flavor, but it can impact the taste of foods by making them more alkaline.

Can lye water be substituted in a recipe?

Lye water can sometimes be substituted with baking soda or baking powder, but the results may vary as these substitutes are less alkaline.

How do I store lye water?

Lye water should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Is there a specific way to handle lye water?

Yes, always handle lye water with care. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when using it, as it is a strong alkaline solution.

Can I make homemade lye water?

Yes, you can make homemade lye water, however it requires careful handling of dangerous chemicals, so it is often easier and safer to purchase it pre-prepared.

What precautions should I take when cooking with lye water?

Avoid direct skin contact and inhalation of fumes, always store out of children's reach, add lye to water and not vice versa to prevent a volatile reaction.

What foods are commonly made with lye water?

Noodles, pretzels, bagels, and certain Asian pastries like mooncakes are commonly made with lye water.

What's the difference between lye water and food grade lye?

Lye water is a diluted form of food grade lye, which is often composed of pure sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

What happens if I use too much lye water in a recipe?

Using too much lye water may lead to a soapy taste, and may also be harmful to your health due to its strong alkalinity.

How do I measure lye water for a recipe?

Typically, lye water is measured in small amounts, often in teaspoons. Always follow your recipe's specific instructions.

Is there an expiry date for lye water?

Yes, check the packaging for the expiration date. If unopened and stored properly, lye water can last up to two years.

Where can I buy lye water?

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Asian American store with free delivery available*

Where to buy lye water near me?

*Orders above $35, varies by region

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Top 5 products for Lye Water

#1

Lady M Jade Rabbit Lantern Gift Set 6pc 210 g

Perfect for Lye water enthusiasts, this 6‑piece jade lantern set adds festive flair to the kitchen when preparing traditional Chinese pastries that use lye water, such as mooncakes and steamed buns. Its elegant glow enhances holiday cooking and makes a thoughtful gift.

$88.00 - $93.29

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weee.15778737
LadyM is also very beautiful this year.
karen小榆
LADY M mooncakes are my must-buy mooncakes every Mid-Autumn Festival. They are so beautiful and the taste is just right for me. The packaging is very elegant and it makes me feel proud to give them to others and myself.
Yijie
The packaging is cute and can be rotated and lighted up
ellasun965
I like it so much, I will buy it next year
Jenny宝贝
Every year's mooncakes are very special ^_^^_^^_^
CZ
Tomorrow is Mid-Autumn Festival, and I'm taking advantage of the weekend to share a surprise from LadyM with my family! This year's gift box is so exquisite, I couldn't put it down. I carefully opened the package and was surprised to find that the light setting has a Type-C charging port. I was so satisfied! After enjoying the mooncakes, I kept the gift box.
weee.10932125
Very beautiful shape, can also light up
273646329
Received, very satisfied, will buy again next time
Venice
It is for gift giving, very beautiful and I like it very much, the packaging is also very careful and exquisite.
Kaོren
The packaging is super amazing, like a work of art.

#2

Good Persimmon Happens Mooncake Mold 6 Pieces 1 box

The Mooncake Mold with Good Persimmon Happens is unrelated to Lye Water, which is utilized in creating Asian cuisine like Ramen or Mooncakes. The mold is essential for shaping mooncakes, not for the production of Lye Water. The frozen variant offers convenience, as you can use it anytime. Its health benefits are not directly associated as it depends on the mooncake recipe. The link between this product and Lye Water lies in making traditional mooncakes, which sometimes use Lye Water.

$5.99

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hwangyili
Looks great Ready to make mooncakes
weee.13518128
Bought it for my daughter to show off her mooncake making skills during the Mid-Autumn Festival

#3

Gompyo Premium All-Purpose Korean Wheat Flour 5.5 lb

Gompyo Wheat Flour enhances the texture in Asian baking. Made from high-quality Korean wheat, it gives a smooth, dense and chewy consistency to recipes such as noodles or dumplings. Lye Water, often used in noodle-making, combined with Gompyo Flour, results in a remarkable chewy texture. Featuring no flavor, it absorbs the taste of ingredients added, allowing chefs to experiment. Its all-natural, making it a healthier alternative to bleached flour options. Note: this product isn't frozen.

$4.94 - $6.99

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WY
I bought two packs at once, planning to make steamed buns.
WY
This brand of flour is of good quality.
哄哄
White Bear flour is of good quality! It's great for making steamed buns, dumplings, and pancakes. The price is reasonable! I've bought it many times.
Vạn Thảo
I've bought them many times, they make pretty good steamed buns.
lamthikeo
delicious steamed bun mix
weee.12454249
Fresh and tasty’
Jiyeong
The price was good, so I decided to order it.
Angie
This is a flour I frequently repurchase; it seems like it can be used for everything.
ms.robee
Makes the waffles fluffy: says the family.
shiruis
I bought it to make steamed buns. So delicious!

#4

Dried Lotus Seeds

Although not identical to Lye Water, Dried Lotus Seeds can marry well with dishes that use it, such as Asian desserts. They offer a mild sweetness and an earthy, homely flavor. Used in recipes like mooncakes and sweet soups, the seeds are nutrient-rich, supporting heart and kidney health. Moreover, their dried nature ensures a lengthy shelf life and easy storage.

$7.49 - $10.49

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aram.tadeo
Perfect for dessert
yunnan.hua
Cook white fungus and lotus seed soup together
loveconan1625
For your first purchase, you can use it to make white fungus and lotus seed soup!
Adigo lee
I've bought it many times, the quality is good.
hsiao-chi.yang
It's delicious! I'll buy it next time!
weee.8782125
Very good, great for making white fungus soup. I'll buy it again after I finish this. The lotus seeds were also good this time.
romiya
I've bought this chain many times; it smells great and the quality is excellent.
Chi
Lotus seeds with many unripe or tough seeds are not tasty.
dekailoo
The lotus seeds are of very good quality; they make an excellent soup when cooked with white fungus.
anhdh71
Bought before. Good quality but price is up.

#5

Otoki Korean Corn Syrup

While it's not lye water, Otoki Korean Corn Syrup is a versatile ingredient often used in Asian cuisine to create a smooth texture and enhance flavors. It can be suitable for someone looking for lye water due to its adaptability in recipes, especially in Korean dishes like Bulgogi and marinated ribs. It lends a distinct, mildly sweet flavor. The syrup is also beneficial in maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. Nonetheless, the product isn't frozen.

$3.79 - $4.99

Shop now

jieonyoo48
I sometimes need this when making Korean food!!! It's great for making galbi or japchae.
JKBoston
I always buy this product for corn syrup. It can be used in various dishes! It's small, so I use it up quickly.
이혜원
It is corn syrup, which is essential for most dishes. It is not too thick and has just the right amount of moisture, so it is great to add when cooking.
Rumi
I use it often in cooking.
stand
I bought this to make braised potatoes, but it's less sweet than I expected. I used it well.
Sherry
It helps to crisp up flour when making desserts, and prevents crystallization when dipped in candied hawthorn berries; it has many uses.
Dooyoung
Very nice! Same as the product from Korea. Willing to buy again
국화
It arrived quickly and safely. Everything was in good condition.
RheeTE
I like that it's a good size.
Yayann
Corn syrup is a must-have!!

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Frequently asked questions

What is lye water?
Lye water is a potent liquid alkaline substance also known as potassium carbonate solution used as a culinary ingredient in many Asian dishes.
What is lye water used for in cooking?
Lye water is used in cooking to change the texture of food and reduce its acidity. It is commonly used when making Asian noodles, mooncakes, and certain types of pickles.
What is the flavor of lye water?
Lye water does not have significant flavor, but it can impact the taste of foods by making them more alkaline.
How do I store lye water?
Lye water should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Can I make homemade lye water?
Yes, you can make homemade lye water, however it requires careful handling of dangerous chemicals, so it is often easier and safer to purchase it pre-prepared.
What foods are commonly made with lye water?
Noodles, pretzels, bagels, and certain Asian pastries like mooncakes are commonly made with lye water.
What happens if I use too much lye water in a recipe?
Using too much lye water may lead to a soapy taste, and may also be harmful to your health due to its strong alkalinity.
Is there an expiry date for lye water?
Yes, check the packaging for the expiration date. If unopened and stored properly, lye water can last up to two years.

What is lye water made of?
Lye water is made from either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, that are mixed with water.
Is lye water safe to consume?
Yes, lye water is safe to consume when used appropriately in food preparation. However, it is strongly alkaline and must be used carefully.
Can lye water be substituted in a recipe?
Lye water can sometimes be substituted with baking soda or baking powder, but the results may vary as these substitutes are less alkaline.
Is there a specific way to handle lye water?
Yes, always handle lye water with care. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when using it, as it is a strong alkaline solution.
What precautions should I take when cooking with lye water?
Avoid direct skin contact and inhalation of fumes, always store out of children's reach, add lye to water and not vice versa to prevent a volatile reaction.
What's the difference between lye water and food grade lye?
Lye water is a diluted form of food grade lye, which is often composed of pure sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
How do I measure lye water for a recipe?
Typically, lye water is measured in small amounts, often in teaspoons. Always follow your recipe's specific instructions.
Where can I buy lye water?
You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

weee.15778737
LadyM is also very beautiful this year.
karen小榆
LADY M mooncakes are my must-buy mooncakes every Mid-Autumn Festival. They are so beautiful and the taste is just right for me. The packaging is very elegant and it makes me feel proud to give them to others and myself.
Yijie
The packaging is cute and can be rotated and lighted up
ellasun965
I like it so much, I will buy it next year
Jenny宝贝
Every year's mooncakes are very special ^_^^_^^_^
CZ
Tomorrow is Mid-Autumn Festival, and I'm taking advantage of the weekend to share a surprise from LadyM with my family! This year's gift box is so exquisite, I couldn't put it down. I carefully opened the package and was surprised to find that the light setting has a Type-C charging port. I was so satisfied! After enjoying the mooncakes, I kept the gift box.
weee.10932125
Very beautiful shape, can also light up
273646329
Received, very satisfied, will buy again next time
Venice
It is for gift giving, very beautiful and I like it very much, the packaging is also very careful and exquisite.
Kaོren
The packaging is super amazing, like a work of art.
hwangyili
Looks great Ready to make mooncakes
weee.13518128
Bought it for my daughter to show off her mooncake making skills during the Mid-Autumn Festival
WY
I bought two packs at once, planning to make steamed buns.
WY
This brand of flour is of good quality.
哄哄
White Bear flour is of good quality! It's great for making steamed buns, dumplings, and pancakes. The price is reasonable! I've bought it many times.
Vạn Thảo
I've bought them many times, they make pretty good steamed buns.
lamthikeo
delicious steamed bun mix
weee.12454249
Fresh and tasty’
Jiyeong
The price was good, so I decided to order it.
Angie
This is a flour I frequently repurchase; it seems like it can be used for everything.
aram.tadeo
Perfect for dessert
yunnan.hua
Cook white fungus and lotus seed soup together
loveconan1625
For your first purchase, you can use it to make white fungus and lotus seed soup!
Adigo lee
I've bought it many times, the quality is good.
hsiao-chi.yang
It's delicious! I'll buy it next time!
weee.8782125
Very good, great for making white fungus soup. I'll buy it again after I finish this. The lotus seeds were also good this time.
romiya
I've bought this chain many times; it smells great and the quality is excellent.
Chi
Lotus seeds with many unripe or tough seeds are not tasty.
dekailoo
The lotus seeds are of very good quality; they make an excellent soup when cooked with white fungus.
anhdh71
Bought before. Good quality but price is up.
jieonyoo48
I sometimes need this when making Korean food!!! It's great for making galbi or japchae.
JKBoston
I always buy this product for corn syrup. It can be used in various dishes! It's small, so I use it up quickly.
이혜원
It is corn syrup, which is essential for most dishes. It is not too thick and has just the right amount of moisture, so it is great to add when cooking.
Rumi
I use it often in cooking.
stand
I bought this to make braised potatoes, but it's less sweet than I expected. I used it well.
Sherry
It helps to crisp up flour when making desserts, and prevents crystallization when dipped in candied hawthorn berries; it has many uses.
Dooyoung
Very nice! Same as the product from Korea. Willing to buy again
국화
It arrived quickly and safely. Everything was in good condition.
RheeTE
I like that it's a good size.
Yayann
Corn syrup is a must-have!!
Sonia Jimenez
Thank you so much
Nhil
For making pitchi pitchi
weee.17752618
Appreciated the way it was packed
MichaelVenerable
Good product.. will be use in making kutsinta
Wendy T
I was surprised to find Lye Water at Weee ; I'm planning to use it to make Malay cake.
Rubymariae
first time to order this product
weee.15590300
I never have made suman but I want to try doing suman sa lihiya. I heard that lye water will make the suman chewy , just the way I like it. I have to look for a recipe. I can't wait to try it!
Cel Lambert
thanks you have stocks i’m looking this for so long… thanks weee
celestinosharon39
it helps makea my kutsinta smooth and chewy
Pirdiz
I can make a cute one. Thank you wee