🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Nama Shoyu Substitute: Raw Soy Sauce Alternatives

Find the best nama shoyu substitutes for raw, unpasteurized soy sauce. Learn about fermentation and how to replicate this traditional ingredient.

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Quick Answer

The best nama shoyu substitutes are unpasteurized tamari (1:1 ratio), raw soy sauce (1:1 ratio), or regular soy sauce with added probiotics (1:1 ratio). Nama shoyu is raw and unpasteurized, so look for substitutes that maintain live cultures and complex fermentation flavors.

Best Substitutes

Unpasteurized Tamari

1:1

Unpasteurized tamari is the closest substitute to nama shoyu as it's also raw and contains live cultures from fermentation. It has the same complex, deep flavor profile and probiotic benefits.

Best for:

sushisashimiraw dishesfermented foodsprobiotic benefits

Raw and unpasteurized, contains live cultures, closest to nama shoyu

Raw Soy Sauce

1:1

Raw soy sauce that hasn't been pasteurized maintains the live cultures and complex fermentation flavors of nama shoyu. It's more expensive but offers the most authentic experience.

Best for:

traditional Japanese cookingfermented dishesprobiotic-rich recipes

Unpasteurized, contains live cultures, more complex flavor than regular soy sauce

Regular Soy Sauce + Probiotics

1:1

While not exactly the same, adding probiotics to regular soy sauce can help replicate some of the health benefits of nama shoyu. The flavor will be similar to regular soy sauce.

Best for:

when you want probiotic benefitshealth-focused cookingfermented recipes

Add probiotic powder or liquid, enhances fermentation benefits

Miso Paste + Water + Salt

1 tsp miso + 2 tbsp water + pinch salt

Miso paste is fermented like nama shoyu and contains probiotics. When diluted with water and salt, it provides a similar umami depth and fermentation benefits.

Best for:

soupsmarinadessaucesfermented cooking

Fermented, contains probiotics, rich umami flavor

Coconut Aminos + Probiotics

1:1

Coconut aminos with added probiotics can provide some of the fermentation benefits of nama shoyu while being soy-free. It's sweeter but offers a similar umami profile.

Best for:

soy-free dietspaleo cookingwhen avoiding soy allergens

Add probiotic powder, soy-free option, sweeter than nama shoyu

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Nama shoyu should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain live cultures
  • 💡It's best used in raw applications like sushi and sashimi to preserve probiotic benefits
  • 💡Don't heat nama shoyu substitutes above 115°F to maintain live cultures
  • 💡Add nama shoyu substitutes at the end of cooking or use in cold preparations
  • 💡The live cultures in nama shoyu can help with digestion and gut health
  • 💡Use nama shoyu substitutes in fermented vegetables and pickles for enhanced flavor
  • 💡It pairs beautifully with fresh ginger, wasabi, and other raw ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nama shoyu and why is it special?

Nama shoyu is raw, unpasteurized soy sauce that contains live cultures from fermentation. It's prized for its complex flavor, probiotic benefits, and traditional preparation methods. The word 'nama' means 'raw' in Japanese.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of nama shoyu?

Regular soy sauce will work for flavor but won't provide the probiotic benefits or the complex fermentation flavors of nama shoyu. For the closest experience, look for unpasteurized or raw soy sauce varieties.

Where can I find nama shoyu substitutes?

Look for unpasteurized tamari or raw soy sauce at health food stores, Japanese markets, or online. These products are usually refrigerated and clearly labeled as 'raw' or 'unpasteurized.'

Do I need to refrigerate nama shoyu substitutes?

Yes, any unpasteurized or raw soy sauce substitute should be refrigerated to maintain the live cultures. Regular soy sauce can be stored at room temperature, but raw varieties need refrigeration.

Can I cook with nama shoyu substitutes?

You can cook with them, but heating above 115°F will kill the live cultures. For maximum probiotic benefits, use nama shoyu substitutes in cold preparations, as finishing sauces, or add them at the very end of cooking.

What are the health benefits of nama shoyu?

Nama shoyu contains probiotics from fermentation, which can support gut health. It also has a more complex amino acid profile and may be easier to digest than pasteurized soy sauce. However, it's still high in sodium, so use in moderation.

Summary

Find the best nama shoyu substitutes including unpasteurized tamari and raw soy sauce. Learn about fermentation benefits and how to use raw soy sauce alternatives.