How to Make a Soy Sauce Alternative

I absolutely love soy sauce… it has a delicious flavor and it is often used in stir frys and marinades. It is also a source of gluten and soy, so I’ve been experimenting with alternatives for years.

After much trial and error, and many dishes tasting like vinegar or the wrong blend of spices, I’ve finally settled on two soy sauce alternatives that I think are comparable or better than the “real” thing. I use these in stir frys, on sushi or in marinades, dressings, and soups.

How to Make a Soy Sauce Alternative

If you prefer a DIY option, this recipe is great. It combines the benefits of bone broth (use beef bones) with spices, molasses, and fish sauce for a healthier soy sauce alternative that tastes very similar.

This method is simple to make, but a little time intensive, so if you want an easier option, scroll down for a great store-bought alternative (that you can grab for free).

Homemade Soy Sauce Alternative Recipe

Homemade soy sauce with beef bone broth, vinegar, spices, and fish sauce is a very close tasting (and much healthier) alternative to store-bought soy sauce.

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Total Time 14 minutes mins

Calories 43kcal

Author Katie Wells

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Servings

1 cup

1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp molasses
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 pinch ground ginger
• 1 tsp fish sauce

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients except fish sauce in a small pan and bring to a simmer.
• Simmer for 8-9 minutes or until reduced by about half.
• Taste to make sure you’ve reached the desired flavor and saltiness. Add more salt if needed.
• Remove from heat and add fish sauce.
• Stir well and let cool.
• Store in the refrigerator and use in place of soy sauce as desired.
• Enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Soy Sauce Alternative Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 TBSP)

Calories 43 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 10mg3%

Sodium 321mg14%

Carbohydrates 5.8g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1.6g2%

Protein 6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

Adjust the salt level to meet your preferences and dietary needs. 

Coconut Aminos Soy Sauce Alternative

If the DIY version isn’t your thing, there is another great alternative: Coconut aminos.

Coconut aminos are made from aged and sun dried organic coconut sap blended with sea salt. When the coconut tree is tapped it produces a highly nutrient-rich “sap” that exudes from the coconut blossoms. This sap is raw, very low glycemic, an abundant source of 17 amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and has a nearly neutral pH.

Our family has been using coconut aminos for years because of the amazing flavor. When I first discovered it, it was almost impossible to find and expensive. I had to order directly from the company or on Amazon and pay $8+ a bottle! Coconut aminos are now much more popular and available in many places, including at much cheaper prices online!

Do you like soy sauce as much as me? Ever tried a healthier alternative?