Soy sauce is typically a staple ingredient that most people keep in their kitchens. But, between using it for making fried rice, meat marinades, soups and other recipes, it can run out pretty quickly. Instead of making a run to the grocery store or paying for a delivery, there are multiple alternatives to use instead.
We all know that soy sauce makes for a delicious meal, but what exactly is it? Soy sauce is made from fermented soybean paste, grains, a saltwater brine and kōji. Because the flavors have to mix together, it takes a while to make soy sauce. The soybean paste is made by soaking and cooking the beans, while the wheat is roasted and crushed. The soybeans and wheat are mixed with the kōji and brine. After it’s done brewing, it’s pressed into a liquid and bottled for packaging for millions to cook with.
If you’ve seemed to run out of soy sauce, we’ve got you covered on the best substitutes and alternatives.
Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a great substitute for soy sauce. It is slightly saltier than soy sauce, so you want to use about half the amount or less for whatever recipe you’re making. Fish sauce is great for soups, seafood, broth for ramen and fried rice.
Oyster Sauce
If you have oyster sauce in your pantry, this also works as a great substitute for soy sauce. Keep in mind that oyster sauce is thicker than soy sauce. It also has a higher sugar content, so if you’re using it for a marinade or a recipe where sugar is present, you don’t need as much.
Miso Paste
Similar to soy sauce, miso paste also contains soybean paste, kōji and salt. One of the main differences between miso paste and soy sauce is that it’s thicker, similar to a paste. If you mix some miso paste with water, you can use this as a substitute for soy sauce. Perfect for soups, ramen, broth, seafood, rice and other recipes.
Tamari
If you’re looking for a sauce with a similar taste and texture to soy sauce with less salt, tamari is one of the best substitutes for soy sauce. This sauce is essentially gluten-free, as it’s made with the same ingredients as soy sauce, minus the wheat. Try it with fried rice, shrimp or salmon, in ramen or with your favorite recipes.
Worcestershire Sauce
While Worcestershire sauce is made up of completely different ingredients than soy sauce, the savory and umami flavor made this the perfect sauce. Typically used on foods like steaks or in salad dressings, this sauce can be used as a substitute for soy sauce in rice, broth, seafood and other recipes. Worcestershire sauce is made of anchovies, malt vinegar, salt, tamarind extract, molasses, sugar, garlic and onion. It’s a blend of savory and sweet, so it’s the perfect sauce if you’re looking to add a bit of sweetness to your dish.
Liquid Aminos
If you’re looking for a sauce that tastes very similar to soy sauce, liquid aminos works as a substitute for soy sauce. This sauce does contain soy in it, however, it has a very concentrated flavor and is sweeter than soy sauce. Because of its concentration, it should be used less than regular soy sauce.