Introduction
Soy sauce is a staple condiment in many Asian cuisines, prized for its rich umami flavor and depth. However, if you’re looking to avoid soy or simply run out of soy sauce in your pantry, there are plenty of alternatives available. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore six soy sauce substitutes that you can buy and six that you can easily make at home.
Tamari
About
Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce made from fermented soybeans, but unlike traditional soy sauce, it’s usually gluten-free. It has a slightly thicker consistency and richer flavor than regular soy sauce, making it an excellent substitute for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Coconut Aminos
About
Coconut aminos are made from the sap of coconut blossoms and salt, resulting in a sweet and savory condiment similar to soy sauce. It’s lower in sodium and soy-free, making it suitable for those with soy allergies or on a soy-free diet. Coconut aminos can be used in stir-fries, marinades, and salad dressings.
Liquid Aminos
About
Liquid aminos are a soy sauce alternative made from soybeans and water, with no fermentation involved. It has a similar taste to soy sauce but is often lower in sodium and gluten-free. Liquid aminos can be used in place of soy sauce in recipes like marinades, sauces, and dressings.
Buy: Worcestershire Sauce
About
Worcestershire sauce is a fermented condiment made from vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and various spices. While it’s not a perfect substitute for soy sauce, it offers a similar depth of flavor and umami richness. Worcestershire sauce can be used in recipes like marinades, Bloody Marys, and Caesar salads.
Buy: Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
About
Bragg’s Liquid Aminos is a popular soy sauce alternative made from soybeans and water, with no fermentation involved. It has a similar taste to soy sauce but is often lower in sodium and gluten-free. Bragg’s Liquid Aminos can be used in place of soy sauce in recipes like stir-fries, salads, and sauces.
Buy: Hoisin Sauce
About
Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet, and salty condiment commonly used in Chinese cuisine. While it’s not a direct substitute for soy sauce, it can add depth of flavor and complexity to dishes like stir-fries, noodles, and marinades. Hoisin sauce typically contains soybeans but may not be suitable for those with soy allergies.
Make at Home: Homemade Soy Sauce Substitute with Worcestershire Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of onion powder
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, water, molasses, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more water for a milder flavor or more molasses for sweetness.
Use the homemade soy sauce substitute in recipes that call for soy sauce, such as stir-fries, marinades, and sauces.
Make at Home: Homemade Soy Sauce Substitute with Tamari
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons tamari
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of ground ginger
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, water, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup or honey, garlic powder, and ground ginger until well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more tamari for saltiness or more maple syrup for sweetness.
Use the homemade soy sauce substitute in recipes that call for soy sauce, such as stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.
Make at Home: Homemade Soy Sauce Substitute with Coconut Aminos
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of onion powder
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, water, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more coconut aminos for saltiness or more honey for sweetness.
Use the homemade soy sauce substitute in recipes that call for soy sauce, such as stir-fries, marinades, and salad dressings.
1 Make at Home: Homemade Soy Sauce Substitute with Vegetable Broth
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
In a small saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar, molasses, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced by half and thickened slightly.
Allow the homemade soy sauce substitute to cool before using it in recipes that call for soy sauce, such as stir-fries, marinades, and sauces.
1 Make at Home Homemade Soy Sauce Substitute with Fish Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of ground ginger
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, water, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, and ground ginger until well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more fish sauce for saltiness or more honey for sweetness.
Use the homemade soy sauce substitute in recipes that call for soy sauce, such as stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.
1 FAQs
Can I use soy sauce substitutes in any recipe that calls for soy sauce?
Yes, you can use soy sauce substitutes in most recipes that call for soy sauce, including stir-fries, marinades, sauces, and dressings. However, keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly depending on the substitute used.
Are soy sauce substitutes suitable for those with soy allergies?
Some soy sauce substitutes, such as coconut aminos and liquid aminos, are soy-free and suitable for those with soy allergies or sensitivities. However, others, like tamari and Worcestershire sauce, may still contain soy and may not be suitable for everyone.
Can I adjust the seasoning in homemade soy sauce substitutes to suit my taste preferences?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning in homemade soy sauce substitutes, such as adding more salt, sweetness, or acidity to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different flavorings until you find the perfect balance.
How long do homemade soy sauce substitutes last?
Homemade soy sauce substitutes can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks in an airtight container. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as off odors or mold, before using them in recipes.
Can I use soy sauce substitutes in recipes that require cooking or heating?
Yes, soy sauce substitutes can be used in recipes that require cooking or heating, as they retain their flavor and consistency when exposed to heat. However, be mindful of the sodium content in some substitutes and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Are there any soy sauce substitutes that are lower in sodium?
Yes, some soy sauce substitutes, such as coconut aminos and liquid aminos, are lower in sodium compared to traditional soy sauce. These alternatives can be used to reduce sodium intake in recipes without compromising flavor.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to avoid soy or simply need a substitute for soy sauce in your favorite recipes, there are plenty of options available. From store-bought alternatives like tamari and coconut aminos to homemade substitutes using ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and vegetable broth, you can easily find or make a soy sauce substitute to suit your dietary preferences and culinary needs.
