Soy Sauce Substitute: 5 Easy Options!
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Substitute for Soy Sauce
If you need a soy sauce substitute, I have 5 options for you to use! Some of the options are soy free and all of them are gluten free.
Soy sauce is a classic condiment used in many Asian dishes. It adds the perfect salty, savory flavor to any meal. But what if you can’t have soy sauce due to dietary restrictions?
Don’t worry, there are still plenty of flavorful options to use in place of soy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a gluten free soy sauce alternative or a soy free soy sauce option, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll be exploring some of the best substitutes for soy sauce that can help you create delicious meals without compromising on flavor.
Soy Sauce Alternative
All 5 of these options are a great sub for soy sauce.
- Coconut aminos
- Liquid aminos
- Tamari
- Worcestershire sauce (Use the gluten free version)
- Water and dark molasses
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
1. Coconut Aminos
Coconut aminos is a sauce made from coconut sap and sea salt that has a similar flavor to soy sauce but is lower in sodium. This is my favorite soy sauce replacement.
2. Liquid Aminos
Liquid aminos are a gluten free condiment made from fermented soybeans.
They provide a savory and salty flavor similar to soy sauce and are often used as a substitute in cooking.
I find this option very salty, so be mindful of what you are using it in.
3. Tamari
If you’re looking for a soy sauce replacement, you can try using tamari, which is similar to soy sauce but is made with no wheat.
I found tamari tastes the most like soy sauce.
4. Water and dark molasses
Another option is to make your own soy sauce substitute by mixing equal parts of water and dark molasses, and then adding a little bit of salt to taste.
5. Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a savory and tangy liquid condiment.
It boasts a complex flavor profile combining sweetness, tanginess, and umami.
Made from ingredients like malt vinegar, molasses, sugar, salt, anchovies, tamarind, onions, garlic, and various spices, Worcestershire sauce undergoes fermentation to develop its distinctive taste.
Choose a gluten free kind.
Dark Soy Sauce Substitute
These make excellent dark soy sauce substitutes.
- Liquid aminos
- Tamari
- Worcestershire sauce (Use the gluten free version)
- Water and dark molasses
Light Soy Sauce Substitute
The best light soy sauce alternative is coconut aminos. This option has a light flavor and is low in salt.
Soy Sauce Alternative No Soy
If you require soy sauce without soy, these are great options.
- Coconut aminos
- Worcestershire sauce (Use the gluten free version)
- Water and dark molasses
Substitute for soy sauce in fried rice
If you are making fried rice and need a soy sauce substitute, I suggest using either coconut aminos, tamari, or liquid aminos.
Be mindful of how salty liquid aminos are.
Coconut aminos are less salty tasting so you’ll probably need more when making fried rice.
DISCLOSURE: Not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations is at the choice and risk of the reader. Ditch the Wheat is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I only endorse products that I believe in.
Carol Lovett is the founder of Ditch the Wheat and a Globe and Mail bestselling author of the cookbook, Ditch the Wheat. She has been eating gluten free since 2010. She loves all things food, natural living, and spiritual. She's also a reiki master and crystal healer.
Gluten Free Resources
Do you need help with gluten free meals?
I recommend this meal-planning app. It makes cooking gluten free dinners extremely easy and family-friendly.
What gluten free snacks can I eat?
Lots! I have a ton of practical gluten free snack recipes in my cookbook.
How can I eat dessert on a gluten free diet?
You can 100% eat dessert while eating gluten free. Try my dessert cookbook for easy gluten free dessert recipes.
How do I know what is gluten free and what isn’t?
I have a whole section is it gluten free?
How do I make substitutions?
If you need substitution advice I created a ton of resources here.