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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
Servings
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
Notes
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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?
Thank You, Thank You!! I also love soy sauce, but am sadly sensitive to coconut as well as soy. This recipe is so clever, and makes me so happy!
I was actually out of soy sauce the other day and wanted to make up some teriyaki sauce. I just happened to stumble upon this post shortly after you posted it. I had everything in the cupboard to make this, except the fish sauce, so I made it up, sans the fish sauce, and used it in my teriyaki sauce. It turned out just like it would have with the soy sauce. Thanks so much for sharing this.
You do not say how long the Homemade Soy Sauce Alternative will keep , please.
How long does this last in the fridge?
I am loving your recipes wellnessmama and thank u!
I have made bone broth already and I am loving it yasssssss?
Keep on doing what you are doing we appreciate you!
is the fish sauce necessary ? Or is there a substitute for it …. fish allergies here.?
It does add a depth of flavor, but you can try eliminating it to see if you still like the way it tastes 🙂
This is amazing!! I’m Asian so most of the food I grew up with contains soy sauce… And I love the flavour but soy doesn’t seem to play well with me. I feel lethargic and retain water like CRAZY! This post is going to be my life-saver.
I’m so glad! 🙂
My husband cannot have sodium, even the low or less sodium. Very hard to cook Chinese dishes without soy sauce. Is there hope for me? Thank you.
Hi. I have many food allergies and cannot do the above recipe nor any of the commercial products. I’d desperately love to make my own liquid aminos but I can’t find any instructions on how to do this. Can you help?
Bernadette
Thanks for the recipe! I am also wondering how long this will keep in the fridge when using real beef broth? Thank you:)
I would also like to know how long it will stay good in the fridge.
I buy Bragg’s Amino Lipids — yummy, healthy, and so much easier. Available on Amazon.