8 Soy Sauce Alternatives That Are Just as Tasty as the Real Thing

Out of soy sauce? No worries. We've all been there, searching for the next ingredient in your recipe and realizing it’s missing. Don’t stress. No need for an expensive rush delivery. We've got you covered. Even if your stash of soy sauce packets from takeout has run out, you can still cook with the same richness, saltiness, and umami flavors thanks to these simple substitutes. Just be sure to add soy sauce to your grocery list for next time.

Tamari

You can easily substitute soy sauce with tamari using a 1:1 ratio. Tamari is often considered soy sauce's smoother, more complex counterpart, with a richer flavor and lower salt content. Typically free from wheat (while soy sauce may contain wheat), tamari is a great gluten-free option and a popular alternative for soy sauce. Use it in stir-fries, sauces, dressings, noodles, and more.

Coconut Aminos

Coconut aminos, which resemble soy sauce in both appearance and taste, offers a similar balance of salty, umami flavor. Made by fermenting coconut palm sap with sea salt, it serves as a natural substitute. You can swap coconut aminos for soy sauce at a 1:1 ratio, though you may want to add extra salt for a stronger flavor. Try it in fried rice, dipping sauces, marinades, and more.

Fish Sauce

If you’re using fish sauce as a replacement, begin by using half the amount of soy sauce in the recipe, as fish sauce tends to be more salty and can have a fishier taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Fish sauce works well in soup recipes, where it enhances and melds the other flavors beautifully.

Miso Paste

While miso paste has a thicker, creamier texture than soy sauce, it’s made from fermented soy and offers a rich, umami flavor with a salty kick. Use a 2:1 ratio, mixing the miso with some water. For instance, if your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, swap it with 2 teaspoons of miso. This works best in warm, cooked dishes rather than sauces, allowing the miso to blend in well.

Balsamic Vinegar

If soy sauce isn’t a key ingredient in your dish, balsamic vinegar can be a suitable alternative in a pinch. It brings a tangy, dark flavor with a hint of brininess, adding a unique brightness to your recipe. Use it in equal proportions to soy sauce, but you might need to add a little extra salt. It’s a great substitute in brines, marinades, and condiments like salad dressings that call for soy sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce

You can swap Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce in equal portions, thanks to Worcestershire’s savory, umami-packed flavors, derived from vinegar, anchovies, alliums, and spices. This sauce is perfect for grilling or when preparing cooked dishes where the sauce melts and coats the food, such as fried noodles or sautéed meats.

Oyster Sauce

If you have oyster sauce on hand, it works as a 1:1 substitute for soy sauce in cooked dishes due to its thicker texture. Keep in mind that oyster sauce is sweeter than soy sauce because it contains sugar, so consider reducing any additional sugar in the recipe before using this swap.

Maggi Seasoning

Maggi seasoning is an excellent alternative to soy sauce, offering a salty, umami-rich flavor. Made from fermented wheat protein, it provides a similar depth and savoriness to traditional soy sauces. You can use Maggi seasoning as a 1:1 replacement for soy sauce, but it’s best to start with a smaller amount, as it tends to be saltier. Maggi seasoning is ideal for stir-fries, sauces, soups, and marinades, enhancing your dishes with bold, savory flavor.