Soy Sauce Swaps: 10+ Delicious & Easy Substitutes You'll Love
Are you running low on soy sauce, or perhaps looking for a healthier alternative? The answer lies in a diverse range of substitutes, each offering unique flavor profiles and culinary advantages.
Soy sauce, that ubiquitous condiment, is a staple in kitchens around the world. Its umami-rich taste enhances countless dishes, from stir-fries to marinades. However, dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply a desire for culinary exploration can lead us to seek alternatives. Fortunately, the world of substitutes is vast and exciting, offering options to suit every palate and need.
Here's a guide to some of the best options available, their pros, cons, and how to best utilize them in your cooking.
| Substitute | Description | Flavor Profile | Best Uses | Ratio | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoisin Sauce | A thick, sweet, and savory sauce common in Chinese cuisine. | Sweet, savory, slightly tangy. | Stir-fries, marinades, dipping sauce. | 1:1 (can be thinned with water) | May have a different flavor profile than soy sauce, but adds a unique sweetness. |
| Coconut Aminos | Made from fermented coconut sap, often with added salt. | Slightly sweet, less salty than soy sauce. | Marinades, dressings, Asian-inspired dishes. | 1:1 | Often lower in sodium, may be a good choice for those with soy allergies. |
| Light Soy Sauce | A less intense version of soy sauce. | Milder flavor, less salty. | Recipes where a lighter soy sauce flavor is desired. | 1:1 | Ideal when you don't want the soy sauce to overpower other flavors. |
| Oyster Sauce | A thick sauce made from oyster extracts, sugar, and salt. | Savory, sweet, slightly fishy. | Cooked dishes, stir-fries. | 1:1 (in cooked dishes) | Sweeter than soy sauce; adjust recipe sugar accordingly. |
| Tamari | A type of soy sauce made with little to no wheat. | Rich, complex, less salty than soy sauce. | Marinades, dipping sauces, anywhere soy sauce is used. | 1:1 | Often gluten-free; provides a more intense flavor than traditional soy sauce. |
| Kecap Manis | Indonesian sweetened soy sauce made from fermented soybeans, palm sugar, salt, spices. | Sweet, savory, molasses-like, rich. | Stir-fries, glazes, marinades. | 1:1 | Provides a darker color and sweetness; adjust other sugars in recipe. |
| Umeboshi Vinegar | The brine from pickled umeboshi plums. | Salty, sour. | Salads, marinades, dressings. | To taste | Can be very salty and sour; use sparingly and adjust other seasonings. |
| Miso Paste | Fermented soybean paste, available in various types. | Salty, savory, umami-rich. | Soups, marinades, dressings, sauces. | To taste (dilute with water for sauce consistency) | Adds a depth of flavor; be mindful of salt content. |
| Salt | Sodium chloride. | Salty. | To season and add saltiness. | To taste | Provides only saltiness and not the complex flavor profile of soy sauce. |
| Anchovies | Small, salty fish, finely chopped. | Salty, savory, umami. | Sauces, stews, dishes needing a salty, umami hit. | To taste | Adds fishy flavor; use sparingly and in moderation. |
| Fish Sauce | Fermented fish sauce, typically used in Southeast Asian cuisine. | Salty, savory, fishy. | Asian-inspired dishes, marinades. | Replace about 1/3 of the fish sauce amount with lemon juice | Can be fishy and very salty, so it is recommended to cut with lemon juice. |
| Homemade Soy Sauce Substitute | A blend of ingredients that mimic the flavor of soy sauce. | Salty, savory, customizable. | All uses for soy sauce. | Variable | Requires ingredients to be available, but allows for customization of flavor. |
Each of these substitutes offers a unique set of characteristics, and the best choice will depend on the specific recipe and your personal preferences. Hoisin sauce, with its thicker consistency, brings a sweet and savory depth, making it an excellent choice for stir-fries and Asian-inspired dishes. Coconut aminos, crafted from fermented coconut sap, is a popular choice for its clean ingredients and milder, slightly sweeter flavor. For those seeking a less intense flavor, light soy sauce offers a gentler approach, perfect for recipes where you don't want soy sauce to dominate. Oyster sauce, known for its thick consistency and umami-rich profile, shines in cooked dishes, requiring a touch of sugar adjustment due to its inherent sweetness.
Tamari, a type of soy sauce with little to no wheat, elevates your dish with a more complex and aromatic flavor, offering a rich and flavorful profile perfect for dark soy sauce substitution, with a 1:1 ratio in cooking. Kecap manis, an Indonesian sweetened soy sauce, provides a dark color and thick texture, adding sweetness and depth through its fermented soybeans and spices. Umeboshi vinegar, with its salty taste, is a good substitute, while miso paste, made from fermented soybeans, brings a savory umami. Salt provides the essential saltiness, and finely chopped anchovies, though adding a fishy note, provide a similar salty base. Fish sauce, though potentially strong, can also stand in, while homemade substitutes allow for flavor customization and ingredient control.
When exploring these alternatives, it's crucial to consider the key components you're aiming to replace: saltiness and the complex, savory flavor known as umami. A simple mix of salt, sugar, and water can be used as a baseline, while the use of dark and light soy sauce substitutes provide different flavor and color impacts. Delish editors often handpick products that showcase these substitutes, proving their efficacy. Some of these options even provide lower sodium content than traditional soy sauce, a great choice for sodium-conscious cooks.
These alternatives provide an opportunity to experiment and expand your culinary horizons, whether you're catering to dietary restrictions or simply seeking new flavors. Whether you have a soy or wheat allergy, are watching your sodium intake, or have run out of soy sauce, these 10 alternatives are ready to use.
Learn how to replace soy sauce in your recipes with fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, coconut aminos, miso paste, and more. Find out the pros and cons of each substitute and how to adjust the ratio and flavor. Explore the versatility of coconut aminos, tamari, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and more as soy sauce alternatives in your recipes. Plus, get a homemade soy sauce substitute recipe with easy ingredients.
