Out of Tamari, one case
Tamari substitute, in depth
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Soy sauce
Same amount as the tamari
The best tamari substitutes are soy sauce (1:1), coconut aminos (1:1), liquid aminos (1:1), or Worcestershire sauce (1:1). For gluten-free options, use coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce. For soy-free options, use Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce.
- The tweak —
- Use directly as a 1:1 substitute, or dilute with a small amount of water if too salty.
- Best for —
- stir-fries
One casethe full tamari card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tamari |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soy saucestir-fries | Same amount |
| 2 | Coconut aminosgluten-free cooking | Same amount |
| 3 | Liquid aminosgluten-free cooking | Same amount |
| 4 | Worcestershire saucemarinades | Same amount |
| 5 | Fish saucestir-fries | Same amount |
| 6 | Miso paste + watersoups | 1 tsp miso + 2-3 tbsp water per 1 tbsp tamari |
| 7 | Oyster saucestir-fries | Same amount |
| 8 | Bragg liquid aminosgluten-free cooking | Same amount |
Soy sauce
similar but saltier
Soy sauce is the most readily available substitute for tamari. It has a similar umami flavor but is saltier and contains wheat, making it unsuitable for gluten-free diets. Use slightly less soy sauce or add a bit of water to balance the saltiness.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, dressings, general cooking, Asian dishes
- Texture
- thinner
- Prep
- Use directly as a 1:1 substitute, or dilute with a small amount of water if too salty.
Most common substitute, slightly saltier than tamari.
Coconut aminos
sweeter, similar umami · similar texture
Coconut aminos is made from coconut sap and provides a similar umami flavor to tamari. It's naturally gluten-free and soy-free, making it good for those with dietary restrictions. It's slightly sweeter than tamari but works well in most applications.
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, soy-free diets, stir-fries, marinades, dressings, vegan cooking
Gluten-free and soy-free alternative with similar umami flavor.
Liquid aminos
very similar · similar texture
Liquid aminos is made from soybeans without wheat, making it very similar to tamari in both flavor and texture. It's gluten-free and provides the same umami depth as tamari, making it an excellent substitute.
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, stir-fries, marinades, sauces, dressings, health-conscious cooking
Gluten-free alternative made from soybeans, very similar to tamari.
Worcestershire sauce
different but complex · similar texture
Worcestershire sauce provides complex umami flavor similar to tamari. It contains anchovies and tamarind, giving it a rich, savory depth that works well in many dishes. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, stir-fries, meat dishes, when you want complex flavor
- Prep
- Use directly as a 1:1 substitute, but be aware of the different flavor profile.
Complex flavor profile with umami depth, contains anchovies.
Fish sauce
much stronger, fishy · similar texture
Fish sauce provides intense umami flavor similar to tamari. It's much stronger and fishier than tamari, so use sparingly and adjust to taste. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- Best for
- stir-fries, sauces, Asian cooking, when you want strong umami, soups
- Prep
- Use less than the full amount and taste as you go. Start with half the amount.
Strong umami flavor, much stronger than tamari.
Miso paste + water
similar umami, slightly different
Miso paste diluted with water creates a similar umami flavor to tamari. Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor, red miso for stronger flavor. This provides the fermented depth that tamari is known for.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, marinades, when you want authentic Japanese flavor, gluten-free cooking
- Texture
- thicker, needs dilution
- Prep
- Mix miso paste with warm water until smooth and the consistency of tamari.
Fermented soybean paste diluted with water for similar umami flavor.
Oyster sauce
sweeter, similar umami
Oyster sauce provides sweet and savory umami flavor similar to tamari. It has a thicker consistency and works well in stir-fries and glazes. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- Best for
- stir-fries, glazes, marinades, noodles, vegetables, Asian cooking
- Texture
- thicker
- Prep
- Use directly as a 1:1 substitute, but be aware of the sweeter taste.
Sweet and savory, thicker consistency than tamari.
Bragg liquid aminos
very similar · similar texture
Bragg Liquid Aminos is made from soybeans without wheat, making it very similar to tamari. It's gluten-free and provides the same umami depth as tamari, making it an excellent substitute for health-conscious cooks.
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, health-conscious cooking, stir-fries, marinades, dressings
Gluten-free alternative made from soybeans, very similar to tamari.
How it behaves in this recipe
Tamari substitutes work best when you need to maintain the umami depth and savory flavor of dishes. The best substitute depends on dietary restrictions, cuisine type, and cooking method.
Tips for substituting tamari
15 tips- Tamari is naturally gluten-free, making it good for those with gluten sensitivities
- It has a richer, more complex flavor than regular soy sauce
- Use tamari in smaller quantities than soy sauce as it's more concentrated
- Tamari works excellently in marinades, dressings, and dipping sauces
- It's good for adding umami depth to vegetarian and vegan dishes
- Store tamari in a cool, dark place and it will keep for years
- Tamari has a slightly thicker consistency than regular soy sauce
- It's made from 100% soybeans without wheat, unlike traditional soy sauce
- Use tamari as a finishing sauce for sushi and sashimi
- It pairs well with ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in Asian cooking
- For the closest flavor match, use liquid aminos or gluten-free soy sauce
- Coconut aminos is the best choice for soy-free and gluten-free diets
- Worcestershire sauce works well in Western-style cooking and meat dishes
- Fish sauce is good for authentic Asian flavors but use sparingly
- Miso paste provides the most authentic Japanese flavor profile
Notes on tamari
- Create a custom umami blend by combining soy sauce, mushroom powder, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce
- Use dried mushroom broth as a base and add soy sauce for concentrated mushroom flavor
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for natural glutamic acid in Mediterranean dishes
- Use seaweed flakes for natural umami in Asian dishes
- Combine multiple flavor enhancers for the most complex, satisfying taste
- For authentic Japanese flavor, use miso paste diluted with water
- For health-conscious cooking, use Bragg Liquid Aminos or coconut aminos
- For intense umami, use fish sauce but start with less and adjust to taste
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best substitute for tamari?
The best substitute depends on your dietary needs. For general use, soy sauce works well. For gluten-free diets, use liquid aminos or coconut aminos. For soy-free diets, use Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce.
Can I use soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, soy sauce can be used as a substitute for tamari, but it's saltier and contains wheat. Use slightly less soy sauce or add a bit of water to balance the saltiness.
What's the best gluten-free substitute for tamari?
Liquid aminos or coconut aminos are the best gluten-free substitutes for tamari. Both provide similar umami flavor without gluten.
What's the best soy-free substitute for tamari?
Coconut aminos is the best soy-free substitute for tamari. It provides similar umami flavor without soy and is also gluten-free.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, Worcestershire sauce can be used as a substitute, but it has a different flavor profile and contains anchovies, so it's not suitable for vegetarians.
What's the difference between tamari and soy sauce?
Tamari is made from 100% soybeans without wheat, while soy sauce contains wheat. Tamari has a richer, more complex flavor and is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use fish sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, but fish sauce is much stronger and fishier than tamari. Use less than the full amount and adjust to taste. It's not suitable for vegetarians.
How do I substitute miso paste for tamari?
Mix 1 teaspoon of miso paste with 2-3 tablespoons of warm water to create a tamari-like consistency. Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor.
Is tamari healthier than soy sauce?
Tamari is often considered healthier as it's naturally gluten-free and has a richer flavor, so you typically use less of it.
Can I use coconut aminos for tamari?
Yes, coconut aminos is an excellent substitute for tamari. It's gluten-free, soy-free, and provides similar umami flavor, though it's slightly sweeter.