Out of Aloha shoyu, one case
Aloha shoyu substitute: Hawaiian soy sauce options
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Regular soy sauce + sugar
Same amount as the aloha shoyu
With ¼ tsp sugar per tbsp soy sauce
The best Aloha shoyu substitutes are regular soy sauce (1:1 ratio), tamari (1:1 ratio), or a blend of soy sauce with a touch of sugar (1:1 ratio). Aloha shoyu is slightly sweeter than regular soy sauce, so you may want to add a pinch of sugar to your substitute.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Hawaiian dishes
One casethe full shoyu card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of aloha shoyu | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regular soy sauce + sugarHawaiian dishes | Same amountWith ¼ tsp sugar per tbsp soy sauceWorks | Works |
| 2 | Tamari + sugargluten-free Hawaiian cooking | Same amountWith ¼ tsp sugar per tbsp tamariWorks | Works |
| 3 | Coconut aminossoy-free diets | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Regular soy saucegeneral Hawaiian cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Soy sauce + mirinteriyaki | 2 parts soy sauce to 1 part mirinWorks | Works |
Regular soy sauce + sugar
similar taste and texture
Aloha shoyu is known for being slightly sweeter than regular soy sauce. Adding a small amount of sugar to regular soy sauce replicates this characteristic sweetness.
- Best for
- Hawaiian dishes, teriyaki, marinades, poke bowls, plate lunches
Closest match to Aloha's slightly sweet profile, easy to make.
Tamari + sugar
similar taste and texture
Tamari with added sugar provides the gluten-free benefits while maintaining the slightly sweet profile that makes Aloha shoyu distinctive in Hawaiian cuisine.
- Best for
- gluten-free Hawaiian cooking, poke, marinades, sauces
Gluten-free option, similar fermentation process, slightly sweet.
Coconut aminos
similar taste and texture
Coconut aminos are naturally sweeter than regular soy sauce, making them a good match for Aloha shoyu's sweet profile. They're also soy-free and gluten-free.
- Best for
- soy-free diets, paleo Hawaiian cooking, marinades, dressings
Naturally sweeter, soy-free, good for dietary restrictions.
Regular soy sauce
similar taste and texture
Regular soy sauce works well as a substitute for Aloha shoyu in most Hawaiian dishes. While it may not have the exact sweetness, it provides the same salty, umami flavor.
- Best for
- general Hawaiian cooking, stir-fries, soups, marinades
Most accessible, works well in most Hawaiian dishes.
Soy sauce + mirin
similar taste and texture
Combining soy sauce with mirin (sweet rice wine) adds the sweetness characteristic of Aloha shoyu while maintaining the authentic Japanese influence in Hawaiian cuisine.
- Best for
- teriyaki, poke marinades, glazes, sauces
Adds sweetness and complexity, authentic Japanese-Hawaiian fusion.
How it behaves in this recipe
Aloha shoyu is specifically designed for Hawaiian cuisine, which often features a sweet-savory flavor profile. It's slightly sweeter than regular soy sauce, which complements the tropical flavors and sweet elements common in Hawaiian cooking. The key is finding substitutes that maintain this sweet-savory balance.
Tips for substituting aloha shoyu
7 tips- Aloha shoyu is essential for authentic Hawaiian plate lunches and poke bowls
- It's commonly used in teriyaki sauce, which is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine
- The slight sweetness of Aloha shoyu works well with tropical fruits and flavors
- Use Aloha shoyu substitutes in marinades for at least 30 minutes for best flavor penetration
- It pairs beautifully with ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in Hawaiian dishes
- Aloha shoyu is often used in combination with brown sugar for glazes and sauces
- Store your substitute in a cool, dark place and it will keep for months
Notes on aloha shoyu
- Use soy sauce with a touch of honey for natural sweetness
- Combine soy sauce with brown sugar for a richer, more complex sweetness
- Try soy sauce with a splash of pineapple juice for tropical flavor
- Use soy sauce with a small amount of molasses for depth and sweetness
- Combine soy sauce with rice vinegar and sugar for a balanced sweet-tart profile
Questions
6 questionsWhat is Aloha shoyu and how is it different?
Aloha shoyu is a Hawaiian brand of soy sauce that's slightly sweeter than regular soy sauce. It's a staple in Hawaiian cuisine and is known for its distinctive flavor that works well with the sweet and savory elements of Hawaiian cooking.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of Aloha shoyu?
Yes, regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Aloha shoyu, but you may want to add a small amount of sugar to replicate the slightly sweet profile that makes Aloha shoyu distinctive.
What makes Aloha shoyu special for Hawaiian cooking?
Aloha shoyu's slight sweetness complements the tropical flavors and sweet-savory balance that's characteristic of Hawaiian cuisine. It works particularly well with teriyaki, poke, and plate lunch dishes.
Where can I buy Aloha shoyu?
Aloha shoyu is available at Hawaiian markets, some Asian grocery stores, and online. If you can't find it, the substitutes listed here will work well in most Hawaiian recipes.
Can I use Aloha shoyu substitutes in poke bowls?
Yes, any of the substitutes will work well in poke bowls. The slightly sweet profile of Aloha shoyu (or its substitutes) complements the fresh fish and other ingredients in poke.
What's the best substitute for Aloha shoyu in teriyaki sauce?
For teriyaki sauce, use regular soy sauce with added sugar, or combine soy sauce with mirin. This will give you the sweet-savory balance that's essential for authentic Hawaiian teriyaki.