Out of Tamari, one case
Tamari vs soy sauce
One option, with the exact amount
Use Soy sauce
Same amount as the tamari
Use slightly less or add water
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. Use soy sauce as a 1:1 substitute for tamari, but use slightly less or add water to balance saltiness.
- 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
The one option
| # | Substitute | Instead of tamari |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soy saucestir-fries | Same amountUse slightly less or add water |
Soy sauce
similar but saltier
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. This is the most readily available substitute.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, dressings, general cooking, when tamari is unavailable
- 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.
Tamari for soy sauce
richer, more complex
Tamari can be used as a substitute for soy sauce, providing richer, more complex flavor. It's naturally gluten-free and has a slightly thicker consistency. You may need to use slightly more to achieve the same saltiness level.
- Amount
- Same amount
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, when you want richer flavor, stir-fries, marinades, sauces, dressings
- Texture
- slightly thicker
- Prep
- Use directly as a 1:1 substitute, or use slightly more to match saltiness.
Gluten-free alternative with richer flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Tamari and soy sauce are both umami-rich sauces made from soybeans, but they have key differences in ingredients, flavor, and dietary suitability. The best choice depends on your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Tips for substituting tamari
15 tips- Tamari is naturally gluten-free, making it good for those with gluten sensitivities
- Soy sauce contains wheat, so it's not suitable for gluten-free diets
- Tamari has a richer, more complex flavor than regular soy sauce
- Soy sauce is saltier than tamari, so adjust quantities accordingly
- Tamari has a slightly thicker consistency than regular soy sauce
- Both work well in stir-fries, marinades, and dressings
- Tamari is made from 100% soybeans without wheat
- Soy sauce is made from soybeans and wheat
- Tamari works excellently in marinades, dressings, and dipping sauces
- Soy sauce is more widely available and typically less expensive
- Tamari is good for adding umami depth to vegetarian and vegan dishes
- Both store well in cool, dark places and have long shelf lives
- Tamari pairs well with ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in Asian cooking
- Soy sauce is more commonly used in Chinese cooking
- Tamari is more commonly used in Japanese cooking
Notes on tamari
- For gluten-free cooking, use tamari instead of soy sauce
- For richer flavor, use tamari instead of soy sauce
- For wider availability, use soy sauce instead of tamari
- For cost savings, use soy sauce instead of tamari
- For authentic Japanese flavor, use tamari
- For authentic Chinese flavor, use soy sauce
- For health-conscious cooking, use tamari
- For traditional recipes, use the sauce specified in the recipe
Questions
10 questionsWhat'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, while soy sauce is saltier and more widely available.
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.
Can I use tamari instead of soy sauce?
Yes, tamari can be used as a substitute for soy sauce. It provides richer, more complex flavor and is naturally gluten-free. You may need to use slightly more to achieve the same saltiness level.
Is tamari gluten-free?
Yes, tamari is naturally gluten-free as it's made from 100% soybeans without wheat, unlike traditional soy sauce which contains wheat.
Is soy sauce gluten-free?
No, traditional soy sauce contains wheat and is not gluten-free. However, gluten-free soy sauce is available in some stores.
Which is healthier, tamari or 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. Both are high in sodium, so moderation is key.
What's the best substitute for tamari?
The best substitute for tamari is soy sauce, though it's saltier and contains wheat. For gluten-free options, use liquid aminos or coconut aminos.
What's the best substitute for soy sauce?
The best substitute for soy sauce is tamari, which provides richer flavor and is gluten-free. For gluten-free options, use liquid aminos or gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I use tamari for sushi?
Yes, tamari is excellent for sushi and sashimi. It's commonly used as a dipping sauce and provides rich, complex flavor that complements raw fish well.
Can I use soy sauce for sushi?
Yes, soy sauce can be used for sushi, though tamari is more traditional and provides richer flavor. Both work well as dipping sauces for sushi and sashimi.