Out of Smoked shoyu, one case
Smoked shoyu substitutes: smoky soy sauce alternatives
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Soy sauce + liquid smoke
Same amount as the smoked shoyu
With ¼ tsp liquid smoke per tbsp soy sauce
The best smoked shoyu substitutes are regular soy sauce with liquid smoke (1:1 ratio with ¼ 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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- barbecue marinades
One casethe full shoyu card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of smoked shoyu | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soy sauce + liquid smokebarbecue marinades | Same amountWith ¼ tsp liquid smoke per tbsp soy sauceWorks | Works |
| 2 | Smoked salt + watermarinades | Same amount1 tsp smoked salt dissolved in 2 tbsp waterWorks | Works |
| 3 | Worcestershire saucemeat marinades | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Chipotle in adobo + soy saucespicy marinades | Same amountBlend 1 chipotle with 2 tbsp soy sauceYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Smoked paprika + soy saucegeneral cooking | Same amountWith ½ tsp smoked paprika per tbsp soy sauceWorks | Works |
Soy sauce + liquid smoke
similar taste and texture
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
- barbecue marinades, smoked meats, grilled vegetables, sauces
Most authentic smoky flavor, easy to control intensity.
Smoked salt + water
similar taste and texture
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
- marinades, rubs, sauces, vegetables
Natural smoky flavor, adjust saltiness as needed.
Worcestershire sauce
similar taste and texture
Worcestershire 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
- meat marinades, sauces, stir-fries, soups
Naturally smoky, complex flavor, contains anchovies.
Chipotle in adobo + soy sauce
different taste and texture
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 marinades, barbecue sauces, meat rubs, sauces
Spicy smoky flavor, adds heat along with smoke.
Smoked paprika + soy sauce
similar taste and texture
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
- general cooking, marinades, sauces, vegetables
Mild smoky flavor, adds color, easy to find.
How it behaves in this recipe
Smoked shoyu adds a distinctive smoky flavor to dishes while maintaining the salty, umami characteristics of regular soy sauce. It's particularly popular in barbecue and grilled dishes where the smoky flavor complements the cooking method. The key is finding substitutes that provide both the smoky flavor and the salty, umami depth of the original.
Tips for substituting smoked shoyu
7 tips- Smoked shoyu is good 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
Notes on smoked shoyu
- Use smoked tea leaves steeped in soy sauce for a unique smoky flavor
- Try smoked sea salt dissolved in water for a natural smoky alternative
- Combine soy sauce with a small amount of smoked fish sauce for umami and smoke
- Use smoked olive oil mixed with soy sauce for a different smoky profile
- Try smoked garlic powder mixed with soy sauce for a complex flavor
Questions
6 questionsWhat 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 ¼ 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.