Out of Balsamic vinegar, one case
Can you substitute soy sauce for balsamic vinegar?
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Soy sauce
Same amount as the balsamic vinegar
Yes, you can substitute soy sauce for balsamic vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, but they have very different flavors. Soy sauce is savory and salty while balsamic vinegar is sweet and tangy.
- Best for —
- marinades
One casethe full balsamic vinegar card
Why it works
Balsamic vinegarSoy sauce and balsamic vinegar are both liquid seasonings that can be used in similar dishes, though they have very different flavors. The substitution works because they can both be used in marinades and sauces, though they will create different results.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of balsamic vinegar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soy saucemarinades | Same amount |
| 2 | Worcestershire saucemarinades | Same amount |
| 3 | Red wine vinegar + sugarsalad dressings | Same amount1 cup red wine vinegar + 1-2 tbsp sugar |
| 4 | Apple cider vinegar + sugarsalad dressings | Same amount1 cup apple cider vinegar + 1-2 tbsp sugar |
Soy sauce
savory · similar texture
Savory, salty sauce that can substitute for balsamic vinegar. Good for when you want umami flavor.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, when you want umami flavor, when you want saltiness
Soy sauce is more savory than balsamic vinegar. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce
savory · similar texture
Savory sauce that can substitute for both soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Good for when you want umami flavor.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, when you want umami flavor, when you want depth
Worcestershire sauce is more savory than both soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
Red wine vinegar + sugar
sweet · similar texture
Mix red wine vinegar with sugar to recreate the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want sweetness, when you want acidity
Mix red wine vinegar with sugar until dissolved. This recreates the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar + sugar
sweet · similar texture
Mix apple cider vinegar with sugar to recreate the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want sweetness, when you want acidity
Mix apple cider vinegar with sugar until dissolved. This recreates the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
Balsamic vinegar for soy sauce
sweet · similar texture
Sweet, tangy vinegar that can substitute for soy sauce. Good for when you want sweetness.
- Amount
- Same amount
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, when you want sweetness, when you want tanginess
Balsamic vinegar is sweeter than soy sauce. Add salt if you need saltiness.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting between soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, consider the flavor you want. Soy sauce is savory and salty while balsamic vinegar is sweet and tangy.
Tips for substituting balsamic vinegar
5 tips- Soy sauce is more savory than balsamic vinegar, so add sugar when substituting
- Balsamic vinegar is sweeter than soy sauce, so add salt when substituting
- Both work well in marinades and sauces but create different flavors
- Store both in cool, dry places away from light
- Consider the final flavor you want when choosing your substitute
Notes on balsamic vinegar
- Use Worcestershire sauce for umami flavor that works in both applications
- Use red wine vinegar with sugar for sweetness similar to balsamic vinegar
- Consider the specific dish when choosing your substitute
- Use apple cider vinegar with sugar for sweetness and acidity
Questions
5 questionsCan I use soy sauce instead of balsamic vinegar?
Yes, soy sauce can substitute for balsamic vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, but it's more savory and salty. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
What's the difference between soy sauce and balsamic vinegar?
Soy sauce is savory and salty with umami flavor, while balsamic vinegar is sweet and tangy. Both are liquid seasonings but have very different taste profiles.
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of soy sauce?
Yes, balsamic vinegar can substitute for soy sauce in a 1:1 ratio, but it's sweeter. Add salt if you need saltiness.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce instead of both soy sauce and balsamic vinegar?
Yes, Worcestershire sauce can substitute for both soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. It's more savory than both, so add sugar if you need sweetness.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting between soy sauce and balsamic vinegar?
Generally no ratio adjustment is needed, but consider the flavor differences. Soy sauce is savory and salty while balsamic vinegar is sweet and tangy.