Out of Sweet soy sauce, one case
Sweet soy sauce substitute for sweet and savory dishes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Hoisin sauce
Same amount as the sweet soy sauce
The best sweet soy sauce substitutes are hoisin sauce (1:1 ratio), teriyaki sauce (1:1 ratio), or regular soy sauce with brown sugar (1:1 soy sauce + 1 tsp brown sugar per tbsp). Sweet soy sauce combines umami with sweetness for glazes and marinades.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- marinades
One casethe full soy sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sweet soy sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoisin saucemarinades | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Teriyaki saucemarinades | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Soy sauce + brown sugarmarinades | Same amountSoy sauce + 1 tsp brown sugar per tbspWorks | Works |
| 4 | Tamari + honeygluten-free cooking | Same amountTamari + 1 tsp honey per tbspWorks | Works |
| 5 | Coconut aminos + maple syrupsoy-free diets | Same amountCoconut aminos + 1 tsp maple syrup per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Oyster sauceChinese stir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
Hoisin sauce
enhanced taste, similar texture
Hoisin sauce is much sweeter than sweet soy sauce but provides similar thickness and color. It's good for glazes and marinades where you want extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Best for
- marinades, glazes, sweet and sour dishes, Chinese cooking, barbecue
Very sweet and thick, good for glazes and marinades.
Teriyaki sauce
similar taste and texture
Teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce with sugar and mirin, creating a sweet and savory flavor similar to sweet soy sauce. It's good for marinades and glazes.
- Best for
- marinades, glazes, stir-fries, grilled dishes, Japanese cooking
Sweet and savory, similar flavor profile to sweet soy sauce.
Soy sauce + brown sugar
similar taste and texture
Mix regular soy sauce with brown sugar to create a sweet and savory combination that mimics sweet soy sauce. This is the most accessible substitute using common pantry ingredients.
- Best for
- marinades, glazes, sauces, stir-fries, general cooking
Simple combination that adds sweetness to regular soy sauce.
Tamari + honey
similar taste and texture
Combine tamari with honey for a gluten-free sweet soy sauce substitute. The honey adds natural sweetness while the tamari provides the umami base flavor.
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, marinades, glazes, stir-fries, sauces
Gluten-free option with natural sweetness.
Coconut aminos + maple syrup
different taste, similar texture
For those avoiding soy and gluten, coconut aminos combined with maple syrup provides a sweet and savory profile similar to sweet soy sauce while meeting dietary restrictions.
- Best for
- soy-free diets, gluten-free cooking, Paleo cooking, marinades, glazes
Soy-free and gluten-free with natural sweetness.
Oyster sauce
similar taste and texture
Oyster sauce is naturally sweet and has a thick consistency similar to sweet soy sauce. It provides rich umami flavor with natural sweetness, making it an excellent substitute.
- Best for
- Chinese stir-fries, marinades, glazes, vegetable dishes
Naturally sweet and thick, similar consistency to sweet soy sauce.
Tips for substituting sweet soy sauce
7 tips- Sweet soy sauce is used primarily for glazes, marinades, and sweet and savory dishes
- Add sweet soy sauce substitutes gradually to achieve the desired sweetness level
- Sweet soy sauce works best in braised dishes, glazes, and marinades
- For authentic Asian cooking, hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce work best
- Sweet soy sauce substitutes should be added earlier in cooking to develop flavor
- Store homemade sweet soy sauce substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Sweet soy sauce is often used in combination with regular soy sauce in recipes
Questions
7 questionsWhat is sweet soy sauce?
Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) is a thick, sweet Indonesian soy sauce made with palm sugar or cane sugar. It's used for glazes, marinades, and sweet and savory dishes.
Is hoisin sauce a good substitute for sweet soy sauce?
Yes, hoisin sauce is an excellent substitute for sweet soy sauce. It's very sweet and thick, making it good for glazes and marinades. Use it in a 1:1 ratio.
Can I use teriyaki sauce instead of sweet soy sauce?
Yes, teriyaki sauce works well as a substitute for sweet soy sauce. It has a similar sweet and savory flavor profile and is good for marinades and glazes.
How do I make sweet soy sauce at home?
Mix 1 cup of regular soy sauce with ½ cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of molasses. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until thickened. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What's the best sweet soy sauce substitute for Indonesian cooking?
For authentic Indonesian cooking, hoisin sauce is the closest substitute. You can also make a homemade version by combining soy sauce with palm sugar or brown sugar.
Can I use regular soy sauce with sugar as a substitute?
Yes, mixing regular soy sauce with brown sugar or honey is a simple and effective substitute for sweet soy sauce. Use 1 teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon of soy sauce.
Is oyster sauce a good substitute for sweet soy sauce?
Oyster sauce can work as a substitute for sweet soy sauce as it's naturally sweet and thick. However, it has a different flavor profile with shellfish, so it may not be suitable for all recipes.