Out of Soy sauce, one case
Coconut aminos soy sauce substitute: using coconut aminos
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut aminos
Same amount as the soy sauce
Coconut aminos are an excellent soy sauce substitute used in a 1:1 ratio. They're naturally soy-free, gluten-free, and lower in sodium than soy sauce. They're slightly sweeter, so you may need to adjust other seasonings in your recipe.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- stir-fries
One casethe full soy sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of soy sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut aminosstir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Coconut aminos + rice vinegarAsian dishes | Same amountCoconut aminos + 1 tsp rice vinegarWorks | Works |
| 3 | Coconut aminos + saltwhen you need more saltiness | Same amountCoconut aminos + pinch of saltWorks | Works |
| 4 | Coconut aminos + garlic powdermarinades | Same amountCoconut aminos + ¼ tsp garlic powder per tbspWorks | Works |
Coconut aminos
different taste, similar texture
Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap and are naturally soy-free, gluten-free, and lower in sodium than soy sauce. They provide similar umami flavor but are slightly sweeter, making them ideal for those with dietary restrictions.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, soy-free diets, gluten-free cooking, Paleo cooking
Soy-free, gluten-free, lower sodium, slightly sweeter than soy sauce.
Coconut aminos + rice vinegar
similar taste and texture
Adding rice vinegar to coconut aminos helps balance the natural sweetness and adds acidity that's more similar to traditional soy sauce. This combination works well in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Best for
- Asian dishes, stir-fries, marinades, sauces, balanced flavor
Adds acidity to balance the natural sweetness.
Coconut aminos + salt
similar taste and texture
Adding a pinch of salt to coconut aminos increases the saltiness to more closely match traditional soy sauce. This is helpful when you need the saltiness that soy sauce provides.
- Best for
- when you need more saltiness, general cooking, marinades
Increases saltiness to match soy sauce more closely.
Coconut aminos + garlic powder
enhanced taste, similar texture
Adding garlic powder to coconut aminos enhances the savory depth and umami flavor, making it more similar to traditional soy sauce. This works well in marinades and sauces.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, stir-fries, enhanced flavor
Adds savory depth to enhance umami flavor.
Tips for substituting soy sauce
7 tips- Coconut aminos are naturally sweeter than soy sauce, so reduce other sweeteners in your recipe
- Use coconut aminos in a 1:1 ratio as a direct replacement for soy sauce
- Coconut aminos work best when added at the end of cooking to preserve flavor
- Store coconut aminos in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Coconut aminos are good for Paleo, Whole30, and soy-free diets
- For more authentic Asian flavors, add rice vinegar to balance the sweetness
- Coconut aminos can be used in all the same applications as regular soy sauce
Questions
8 questionsWhat are coconut aminos?
Coconut aminos are a soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce made from coconut sap. They're naturally lower in sodium and provide similar umami flavor with a slightly sweeter taste.
How do I use coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute?
Use coconut aminos in a 1:1 ratio as a direct replacement for soy sauce. They're slightly sweeter, so you may need to reduce other sweeteners in your recipe.
Are coconut aminos healthier than soy sauce?
Coconut aminos are lower in sodium and soy-free, making them a good choice for those with dietary restrictions. However, they're still high in sodium, so use them in moderation.
Can I use coconut aminos in all the same recipes as soy sauce?
Yes, coconut aminos can be used in all the same applications as soy sauce, including stir-fries, marinades, sauces, and dressings. They work particularly well in Asian-inspired dishes.
Why are coconut aminos sweeter than soy sauce?
Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap, which naturally contains sugars. This gives them a slightly sweeter flavor profile compared to the more salty, umami taste of traditional soy sauce.
Are coconut aminos suitable for Paleo diets?
Yes, coconut aminos are Paleo-friendly as they're made from coconut sap and don't contain soy, wheat, or other non-Paleo ingredients. They're a popular choice for Paleo cooking.
How do I store coconut aminos?
Store coconut aminos in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They don't need refrigeration but should be kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I use coconut aminos for Whole30?
Yes, coconut aminos are Whole30-compliant as they're made from coconut sap and don't contain any prohibited ingredients. They're a popular choice for Whole30 cooking.