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Best Substitutes for Soy Sauce

Most soy sauce contains wheat, which surprises a lot of gluten-free cooks. The swaps are easy · the adjustments are about salt and sweetness.

The substitutes, with ratios

Tamari (1:1)

Best for: Gluten-free everything · nearly identical flavor

Confirm the label says gluten-free.

Coconut aminos (1:1, then add salt to taste)

Best for: Soy-free and paleo cooking

Sweeter and ~65% less sodium · dishes may need a pinch of salt.

GF Worcestershire + splash of water (½ the amount)

Best for: Marinades and stews in a pinch

Watch out

Regular soy sauce, teriyaki, and hoisin all commonly contain wheat. For celiac-safe stir-fries, tamari plus a certified-GF hoisin (or homemade) is the reliable combination.

Adapt a recipe free with RecipeFix → · Gluten-Free Recipe Converter · Low-Sodium Recipe Converter

Frequently asked questions

Is tamari the same as soy sauce?

Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce brewed with little or no wheat · flavor is nearly identical, slightly rounder. Check for a certified gluten-free label, since a few tamaris still include wheat.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Tamari is the closest match, at 1:1. Gluten-free everything · nearly identical flavor. Confirm the label says gluten-free.

What is a good replacement for soy sauce?

Tamari (1:1) if you want the closest result, or Coconut aminos (1:1, then add salt to taste) for soy-free and paleo cooking. Which one is right depends on what the soy sauce was doing in the dish.

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