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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
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!
Notes
Nutrition
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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?
Try using MISO as a Soy Sauce alternative, much healthier, this one is made in the USA.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQ7T97A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=a31550c91700bd1e3a262630f88cc405&language=en_US
Thanks bit I am gluten free and this has barley which is not gluten free thanks..
But balsamic vinegar is msg an msg that has been separated from the chain is toxic only natural msg is safe, milk, cheese , tomato and certain vegetables
My mom has had Celiac Disease for nearly twelve years and as far as we know after much research and testing to see if my mom experiences discomfort from some ingredients we have found that balsamic vinegar is NOT gluten free. It is distilled from wheat. So for those who have Celiac Disease, even the slightest hint of gluten, wheat, and barley causes discomfort from the intestines swelling and over time if not carefully watched, continuous eating of gluten can cause stomach cancer. So while this recipe may be great for those who choose to be gluten free, those who have no choice due to intolerance should stay away from most vinegars. This post is not meant maliciously but just to inform! Hope this helps 🙂
If it is distilled from wheat, it is not really balsamic, which is true of most of what is sold in the USA. Balsamic should be made 100% from wine. I was in the wine industry for years in Italy selling wine related items.
Look for a higher quality more expensive balsamic. They do cost, unfortunately. Most have some sugar added, unless you pay $100 a bottle or more. Balsamico originated in Modena, it is trademarked and was a family tradition and part of the wedding trousseau.
It is distilled from whine. In most cases balsamic vinegar is ok but like usual read the label. Your mother may just have hyper sensitivity towards acidic foods or your purchasing a cheap brand. I am a celiac sufferer (diagnosed through biopsy) and i can’t say i have any problems from normal vinegar the distillation process pretty much kills the gluten same with whisky, but thoose that are “Hyper alergic” and can’t even sniff bread should stay clear of course
I just had a heart attack recently and I’m on a low sodium diet. My wife and I love Sushi. What can I buy and bring into a sushi restaurant that is the equivalent of soy sauce?
Coconut aminos?
Hi – this is not something I would use very often. How much does it make? How long can you keep it in the fridge? Thank you!
I use coconut aminos, but i dont find them to be as rich and umami as soy, so i use 1 tbs fish sauce (red boat is the only one i use) and 3tbs coconut aminos to make 1/4 cup. The fish sauce adds salt and umami. Together it is much closer to soy sauce.
Balsamic vinegar has lot’s natural free glutamate aka MSG.A poster above mentioned being addicted to the salty taste, but it could be the MSG. Umami is very high in MSG as well.
I use coconut secret coconut aminos. So Yummy! ORGANIC, GLUTEN FREE, NON GMO, NO MSG AND VEGAN.
How long will this keep? I’m concerned because of the bone broth. Are the vinegars, salt and spices enough to preserve it for the long haul?
This recipe sounds perfect. I happen to have 12 jars of bone broth in my freezer. It’ll be a perfect way to incorporate it. I’ve used coconut aminos for quite some time but it’s pricey and lacks a bit if that saltiness. Thank you for all of your great recipes!