Out of Soy-free soy sauce, one case
Soy-free soy sauce substitute
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut aminos
Same amount as the soy-free soy sauce
The best soy-free soy sauce substitutes are coconut aminos (1:1 ratio), Worcestershire sauce (1:1 ratio), and fish sauce (1:1 ratio). Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap and provide similar umami flavor without any soy products.
- 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-free soy sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut aminosstir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Worcestershire saucemeat marinades | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Fish sauceThai cooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Mushroom saucevegetarian cooking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Oyster sauceChinese stir-fries | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Homemade soy-free saucecomplete control over ingredients | Same amountWorks | 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 soy allergies or sensitivities.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, soy-free diets, gluten-free cooking, Paleo cooking
Made from coconut sap, naturally soy-free and gluten-free.
Worcestershire sauce
different taste, similar texture
Worcestershire sauce provides complex umami flavor similar to soy sauce but is made from anchovies, tamarind, and spices. It's naturally soy-free but not suitable for vegetarians due to the anchovies.
- Best for
- meat marinades, sauces, gravies, stir-fries, Western-style cooking
Complex fermented sauce with anchovies, tamarind, and spices.
Fish sauce
different taste, similar texture
Fish sauce is naturally soy-free and provides intense umami flavor. It's much stronger than soy sauce, so use it sparingly. It's not suitable for vegetarians as it's made from fermented fish.
- Best for
- Thai cooking, Vietnamese dishes, soups, marinades, stir-fries
Fermented fish sauce, naturally soy-free, very strong flavor.
Mushroom sauce
different taste and texture
Mushroom sauce is made from mushrooms and is naturally soy-free and vegetarian-friendly. It provides rich umami flavor similar to soy sauce and works well in many plant-based dishes.
- Best for
- vegetarian cooking, stir-fries, sauces, marinades, soy-free diets
Plant-based, rich umami flavor, may be thicker than soy sauce.
Oyster sauce
different taste and texture
Oyster sauce is made from oyster extracts and is naturally soy-free. It provides rich umami flavor with natural sweetness, though it contains shellfish and may not be suitable for all dietary restrictions.
- Best for
- Chinese stir-fries, marinades, glazes, vegetable dishes
Made from oyster extracts, naturally soy-free, contains shellfish.
Homemade soy-free sauce
similar taste and texture
Make your own soy-free sauce by combining plant-based ingredients like nutritional yeast, miso paste (if tolerated), and herbs. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and flavor profile.
- Best for
- complete control over ingredients, customized flavor, soy-free cooking
Make your own with plant-based ingredients and flavor enhancers.
Tips for substituting soy-free soy sauce
7 tips- Always check labels to ensure products are certified soy-free
- Coconut aminos are the best choice for those avoiding soy and gluten
- Soy-free substitutes work best when combined with other flavor enhancers
- Use herbs, spices, and aromatics to boost flavor without adding soy
- Store soy-free substitutes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Soy-free substitutes can be used in all the same applications as regular soy sauce
- For authentic Asian flavors, coconut aminos work best for soy-free cooking
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the best soy-free substitute for soy sauce?
Coconut aminos are the best soy-free substitute for soy sauce. They're made from coconut sap, naturally soy-free and gluten-free, and provide similar umami flavor with a slightly sweeter taste.
Are coconut aminos soy-free?
Yes, coconut aminos are naturally soy-free as they're made from coconut sap, not soybeans. They're also gluten-free and lower in sodium than regular soy sauce.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce as a soy-free substitute?
Yes, Worcestershire sauce is naturally soy-free and can work as a substitute in some recipes. However, it has a different flavor profile with anchovies and tamarind, so it may not be suitable for all Asian dishes.
Is fish sauce soy-free?
Yes, fish sauce is naturally soy-free as it's made from fermented fish. However, it's much stronger than soy sauce and not suitable for vegetarians.
What's the best soy-free substitute for Asian cooking?
For Asian cooking, coconut aminos are the best soy-free substitute. They provide the closest flavor profile to traditional soy sauce while being naturally soy-free and gluten-free.
Can I use mushroom sauce as a soy-free substitute?
Yes, mushroom sauce can work as a soy-free substitute for soy sauce. It provides rich umami flavor with naturally lower sodium content, though the flavor profile is different.
How do I make a soy-free soy sauce at home?
Mix 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon of miso paste (if tolerated), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add herbs and spices to taste.
Are all Worcestershire sauces soy-free?
Most Worcestershire sauces are soy-free, but always check the label to ensure the brand you're using doesn't contain any soy-based ingredients or additives.