Best Soy sauce Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Soy sauce in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. 1:1 swap. Often gluten-free — check label. Slightly richer and less salty than regular soy sauce. Nearly identical in savory depth and color.
Need to replace Soy sauce in a recipe? These 4 alternatives have you covered. From pantry staples to specialty swaps, this guide walks through every practical Soy sauce replacement you can use in cooking — with the ratios you need to get it right. Ideal if you need to keep things plant-based or avoid dairy. The top pick is Tamari — it's the closest match for most recipes. 1:1 swap. Often gluten-free — check label. Slightly richer and less salty than regular soy sauce. Nearly identical in savory depth and color.
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Get ratios for Soy sauce →All Soy sauce Substitutes (4 options)
1:1 swap. Often gluten-free — check label. Slightly richer and less salty than regular soy sauce. Nearly identical in savory depth and color.
1:1 swap. Made from coconut sap — gluten-free and lower sodium. Slightly sweeter than soy sauce. Works in stir-fries, marinades, and dressings.
Mix ½ tbsp fish sauce with ½ tbsp water for 1 tbsp total. Very pungent — use sparingly. Best in Asian-style dishes. Adds intense savory depth.
1:1 swap. Adds umami and savory depth. Slightly different flavor profile — best in marinades, stews, and meat dishes.
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Tips for Substituting Soy sauce
For most recipes, Tamari is the best starting point. 1:1 swap. Often gluten-free — check label. Slightly richer and less salty than regular soy sauce. Nearly identical in savory depth and color. Going plant-based? Coconut aminos is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. If you need a gluten-free alternative, Coconut aminos fits the bill without the gluten. If you're unsure which Soy sauce substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Soy sauce Substitutes
The best substitute for Soy sauce is Tamari. Use the same amount. 1:1 swap. Often gluten-free — check label. Slightly richer and less salty than regular soy sauce. Nearly identical in savory depth and color.
This guide lists 4 Soy sauce alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Coconut aminos is a great plant-based alternative to Soy sauce. 1:1 swap. Made from coconut sap — gluten-free and lower sodium. Slightly sweeter than soy sauce. Works in stir-fries, marinades, and dressings.
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