Out of Tamari, one case
Soy-free tamari substitute
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut aminos
Same amount as the tamari
The best soy-free tamari substitutes are coconut aminos (1:1), Worcestershire sauce (1:1), or fish sauce (1:1). Coconut aminos is also gluten-free, making it good for those avoiding both soy and gluten.
- Best for —
- soy-free diets
One casethe full tamari card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tamari |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut aminossoy-free diets | Same amount |
| 2 | Worcestershire saucemarinades | Same amount |
| 3 | Fish saucestir-fries | Same amount |
| 4 | Oyster saucestir-fries | Same amount |
| 5 | Mushroom saucestir-fries | Same amount |
| 6 | Vegetable broth + saltsoups | 1 cup broth + 1 tsp salt per 1 tbsp tamari |
| 7 | Liquid smoke + saltbarbecue sauces | 1 tsp liquid smoke + 1 tsp salt + 2 tbsp water per 1 tbsp tamari |
| 8 | Anchovy paste + watermarinades | 1 tsp anchovy paste + 2 tbsp water per 1 tbsp 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 soy-free and gluten-free, making it good for those with soy allergies or sensitivities. It's slightly sweeter than tamari but works well in most applications.
- Best for
- soy-free diets, gluten-free cooking, stir-fries, marinades, dressings, vegan cooking, allergy-friendly recipes
Soy-free and gluten-free alternative with similar umami flavor.
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, Western-style cooking
- 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 and is naturally soy-free. 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, Thai and Vietnamese dishes
- Prep
- Use less than the full amount and taste as you go. Start with half the amount.
Strong umami flavor, naturally soy-free.
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.
Mushroom sauce
earthy, similar umami · similar texture
Mushroom sauce provides umami flavor similar to tamari without soy. It's made from mushrooms and provides earthy, savory depth that works well in many dishes. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
- Best for
- stir-fries, sauces, marinades, vegetarian cooking, when you want earthy umami
Umami-rich alternative made from mushrooms.
Vegetable broth + salt
basic, salty
A simple combination of vegetable broth and salt can provide some of the savory depth of tamari. This is a basic substitute that works in a pinch but lacks the complexity of tamari.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, when you need a simple substitute, vegetarian cooking
- Texture
- thinner
- Prep
- Mix vegetable broth with salt to taste, adjusting the salt level to match your preference.
Simple alternative using vegetable broth and salt.
Liquid smoke + salt
smoky, salty · similar texture
Liquid smoke combined with salt and water can provide some of the depth of tamari, especially in barbecue applications. This works best when you want a smoky flavor profile.
- Best for
- barbecue sauces, marinades, when you want smoky flavor, meat dishes
- Prep
- Mix liquid smoke with salt and water, adjusting proportions to taste.
Smoky alternative for specific applications.
Anchovy paste + water
intense, fishy · similar texture
Anchovy paste diluted with water provides intense umami flavor similar to tamari. It's much stronger than tamari, so use sparingly and adjust to taste. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, when you want intense umami, meat dishes
- Prep
- Mix anchovy paste with water until smooth and the consistency of tamari.
Umami-rich alternative with anchovy base.
How it behaves in this recipe
Soy-free tamari substitutes work best when you need to maintain the umami depth and savory flavor of dishes while avoiding soy. The best substitute depends on whether you also need to avoid gluten or animal products.
Tips for substituting tamari
15 tips- Coconut aminos is the safest choice for those avoiding soy
- Always check labels for hidden soy sources in processed sauces
- Worcestershire sauce works well in Western-style cooking and meat dishes
- Fish sauce adds intense umami but use sparingly due to its strength
- Mushroom sauce provides earthy umami without soy or animal products
- Store soy-free alternatives in a cool, dark place for best shelf life
- When in doubt, use coconut aminos as it's both soy-free and gluten-free
- Oyster sauce is naturally soy-free but contains shellfish
- Vegetable broth and salt is a simple but basic substitute
- Liquid smoke works well when you want smoky flavor in your dishes
- Anchovy paste provides intense umami but is very strong
- For the most authentic flavor, use coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce
- Coconut aminos works well in both sweet and savory applications
- Fish sauce is good for authentic Asian flavors without soy
- Mushroom sauce is ideal for vegetarian and vegan cooking
Notes on tamari
- Create a custom umami blend by combining coconut aminos, mushroom powder, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce
- Use dried mushroom broth as a base and add coconut aminos 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 soy-free flavor enhancers for the most complex, satisfying taste
- For authentic Asian flavor, use fish sauce or oyster sauce
- For health-conscious cooking, use coconut aminos
- For intense umami, use anchovy paste but start with less and adjust to taste
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best soy-free substitute for tamari?
Coconut aminos is the best soy-free substitute for tamari. It's also gluten-free and provides similar umami flavor, making it good for those with soy allergies or sensitivities.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, Worcestershire sauce is a good soy-free substitute for tamari. It has a different flavor profile but provides complex umami depth. It contains anchovies, so it's not suitable for vegetarians.
Is tamari soy-free?
No, tamari is made from soybeans, so it's not soy-free. It's gluten-free but contains soy.
What's the difference between tamari and coconut aminos?
Tamari is made from soybeans and is gluten-free. Coconut aminos is made from coconut sap and is both soy-free and gluten-free. Coconut aminos is slightly sweeter than tamari.
Can I use fish sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, fish sauce is a good soy-free substitute for tamari. It's much stronger and fishier than tamari, so use sparingly and adjust to taste. It's not suitable for vegetarians.
What soy-free tamari substitute works best for stir-fries?
Coconut aminos or fish sauce work best for stir-fries. Coconut aminos provides similar flavor, while fish sauce adds intense umami.
Can I use mushroom sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, mushroom sauce is a good soy-free substitute for tamari. It provides earthy umami flavor and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Is oyster sauce soy-free?
Yes, oyster sauce is naturally soy-free and provides sweet and savory umami flavor. However, it contains shellfish and is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
What's the best soy-free tamari substitute for marinades?
Coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce work best for marinades. Both provide similar umami flavor and are soy-free.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of tamari?
Yes, vegetable broth with salt can be used as a basic substitute for tamari, but it lacks the complexity and umami depth of tamari.