🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Substitute

Discover the best gluten-free soy sauce substitutes including tamari, coconut aminos, and liquid aminos. Learn proper ratios and cooking tips for safe, delicious gluten-free cooking.

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Quick Answer

The best gluten-free soy sauce substitutes are tamari (1:1 ratio), coconut aminos (1:1 ratio), and liquid aminos (1:1 ratio). Tamari is the closest flavor match, while coconut aminos are soy-free and naturally gluten-free.

Best Substitutes

Tamari

1:1

Tamari is the best gluten-free substitute for soy sauce. Made from soybeans only (no wheat), it provides the same umami flavor and saltiness as traditional soy sauce while being naturally gluten-free.

Best for:

stir-friesmarinadessaucessushiteriyakigeneral cooking

Closest flavor match, naturally gluten-free, made from soybeans only

Coconut Aminos

1:1

Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap and are naturally gluten-free and soy-free. They provide a similar umami flavor but are slightly sweeter and lower in sodium than soy sauce.

Best for:

stir-friesmarinadessaucessoy-free dietsPaleo cooking

Soy-free and gluten-free, slightly sweeter, lower sodium

Liquid Aminos

1:1

Liquid aminos are made from soybeans and are naturally gluten-free. They contain all essential amino acids and provide a similar flavor profile to soy sauce without the wheat component.

Best for:

stir-friesmarinadessaucessalad dressingsgeneral cooking

Contains all essential amino acids, gluten-free, similar flavor

Bragg Liquid Aminos

1:1

Bragg Liquid Aminos is a popular brand of liquid aminos that's naturally gluten-free. It provides a similar flavor to soy sauce and contains all essential amino acids.

Best for:

stir-friesmarinadessaucessalad dressingsgeneral cooking

Popular brand of liquid aminos, gluten-free, contains amino acids

Fish Sauce

1:1

Fish sauce is naturally gluten-free and provides intense umami flavor. It's much stronger than soy sauce, so use it sparingly. Not suitable for vegetarians.

Best for:

Thai cookingVietnamese dishessoupsmarinadesstir-fries

Naturally gluten-free, stronger flavor, not suitable for vegetarians

Worcestershire Sauce

1:1

Some Worcestershire sauce brands are gluten-free, but always check the label. It provides complex umami flavor but has a different taste profile with anchovies and tamarind.

Best for:

meat marinadessaucesgraviesWestern-style cooking

Check label for gluten-free varieties, complex flavor

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Always check labels to ensure products are certified gluten-free
  • 💡Tamari is the closest flavor match to traditional soy sauce
  • 💡Coconut aminos are ideal for those avoiding both soy and gluten
  • 💡Gluten-free soy sauce substitutes work best when added gradually to taste
  • 💡Store gluten-free substitutes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
  • 💡For authentic Asian flavors, tamari is the best choice
  • 💡Gluten-free substitutes can be used in all the same applications as regular soy sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tamari gluten-free?

Yes, tamari is naturally gluten-free as it's made from soybeans only, without wheat. It's the closest substitute to traditional soy sauce for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What's the difference between tamari and soy sauce?

Tamari is made from soybeans only (no wheat), making it gluten-free, while traditional soy sauce contains both soybeans and wheat. Tamari has a slightly thicker consistency and more complex flavor.

Are coconut aminos gluten-free?

Yes, coconut aminos are naturally gluten-free as they're made from coconut sap. They're also soy-free, making them ideal for those with multiple food sensitivities.

Can I use liquid aminos instead of soy sauce?

Yes, liquid aminos are an excellent gluten-free substitute for soy sauce. They contain all essential amino acids and provide a similar flavor profile without the wheat component.

What's the best gluten-free soy sauce substitute for Chinese cooking?

For authentic Chinese cooking, tamari is the best gluten-free substitute. It provides the closest flavor profile to traditional soy sauce while being naturally gluten-free.

Are all Worcestershire sauces gluten-free?

No, not all Worcestershire sauces are gluten-free. Always check the label to ensure the brand you're using is certified gluten-free, as some contain malt vinegar or other gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I make gluten-free soy sauce at home?

You can make a basic gluten-free soy sauce substitute by mixing tamari with a small amount of rice vinegar and sugar. However, the complex fermented flavor of traditional soy sauce is difficult to replicate at home.

Summary

Find the best gluten-free soy sauce substitutes including tamari, coconut aminos, and liquid aminos. Learn proper ratios and cooking tips for safe, delicious gluten-free cooking.