Smoked Shoyu Substitutes: Smoky Soy Sauce Alternatives
Find the best smoked shoyu substitutes including liquid smoke, smoked salt, and other smoky alternatives. Learn how to replicate this unique ingredient.
Quick Answer
The best smoked shoyu substitutes are regular soy sauce with liquid smoke (1:1 ratio with 1/4 tsp liquid smoke per tbsp), smoked salt dissolved in water (1:1 ratio), or Worcestershire sauce (1:1 ratio). Smoked shoyu adds a distinctive smoky flavor that can be replicated with these alternatives.
Best Substitutes
Soy Sauce + Liquid Smoke
1:1 (with 1/4 tsp liquid smoke per tbsp soy sauce)Combining regular soy sauce with liquid smoke creates the closest substitute to smoked shoyu. Start with a small amount of liquid smoke and adjust to taste.
Best for:
Most authentic smoky flavor, easy to control intensity
Smoked Salt + Water
1:1 (1 tsp smoked salt dissolved in 2 tbsp water)Smoked salt dissolved in water provides the smoky flavor of smoked shoyu while allowing you to control the saltiness level. This is a more natural alternative to liquid smoke.
Best for:
Natural smoky flavor, adjust saltiness as needed
Worcestershire Sauce
1:1Worcestershire sauce has a naturally smoky, complex flavor that can substitute for smoked shoyu in many applications. It's particularly good for meat dishes.
Best for:
Naturally smoky, complex flavor, contains anchovies
Chipotle in Adobo + Soy Sauce
1:1 (blend 1 chipotle with 2 tbsp soy sauce)Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide both smoky and spicy flavors. Blending them with soy sauce creates a complex substitute for smoked shoyu.
Best for:
Spicy smoky flavor, adds heat along with smoke
Smoked Paprika + Soy Sauce
1:1 (with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika per tbsp soy sauce)Smoked paprika adds a mild smoky flavor to soy sauce. This combination works well when you want subtle smokiness without the intensity of liquid smoke.
Best for:
Mild smoky flavor, adds color, easy to find
Cooking Tips
- 💡Smoked shoyu is perfect for barbecue marinades and grilled dishes
- 💡Use it in small amounts as the smoky flavor can be overpowering
- 💡It pairs well with meats, especially beef and pork
- 💡Add smoked shoyu substitutes early in cooking to allow flavors to develop
- 💡It works great in stir-fries with vegetables and tofu
- 💡Smoked shoyu adds depth to soups and stews
- 💡Store your substitute in a cool, dark place to maintain flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is smoked shoyu and how is it made?
Smoked shoyu is regular soy sauce that has been smoked over wood chips, typically hickory or applewood. This process adds a distinctive smoky flavor while maintaining the salty, umami characteristics of regular soy sauce.
Can I make smoked shoyu at home?
Yes, you can make smoked shoyu at home by smoking regular soy sauce over wood chips in a smoker or by using liquid smoke. The liquid smoke method is easier and more accessible for most home cooks.
What's the best substitute for smoked shoyu in marinades?
For marinades, soy sauce with liquid smoke works best as it provides the most authentic smoky flavor. Start with a small amount of liquid smoke and adjust to taste.
Can I use smoked shoyu substitutes in vegetarian dishes?
Yes, smoked shoyu substitutes work well in vegetarian dishes. Smoked salt with water or smoked paprika with soy sauce are good options that don't contain animal products.
How much liquid smoke should I use?
Start with 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke per tablespoon of soy sauce and adjust to taste. Liquid smoke is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
What dishes work best with smoked shoyu?
Smoked shoyu works best with grilled meats, barbecue dishes, stir-fries, and hearty soups. It's particularly good with beef, pork, and vegetables that can stand up to the strong smoky flavor.
Summary
Find the best smoked shoyu substitutes including soy sauce with liquid smoke and smoked salt. Learn how to replicate this unique smoky soy sauce ingredient.