Home / Pantry & Sauces / Soy sauce
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Best substitute for 1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp tamari
Tamari — 1:1; usually gluten-free.
tbsp
Amounts below are for 1 tbsp soy sauce
4 substitutes for soy sauce
| Substitute | Use this much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tamari | 1 tbsp tamari | 1:1; usually gluten-free. |
| Coconut aminos | 1 tbsp coconut aminos | Lower sodium, slightly sweet. |
| Liquid aminos | 1 tbsp liquid aminos | 1:1; soy-based. |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce | Stronger; use half plus a little water. |
Soy sauce adds salty, savory umami. Whether you need gluten-free or lower-sodium, there's a close stand-in for nearly every diet.
Tips
- Tamari is the easiest 1:1 gluten-free swap.
- Coconut aminos cut sodium by roughly two-thirds.
FAQ
- Is tamari the same as soy sauce?
- Nearly - tamari is richer and usually gluten-free, and swaps 1:1.
- Low-sodium soy sauce alternative?
- Coconut aminos have far less sodium and work 1:1.