Looking for alternatives to light soy sauce? You’ve come to the right place.
Whether you want to avoid soy in your meals or are simply out of light soy sauce, there are plenty of flavorful replacements.
In this article, we’ll explore five delicious alternatives for light soy sauce.
What is Light Soy Sauce?
Light soy sauce is a variety of soy sauce that is pale in color and has a delicately salty flavour.
It is frequently used as an ingredient in Asian cuisine due to its versatility and versatility.
This type of soy sauce has been brewed compared to the dark soy sauce which has been fermented, giving it a much more intense flavour and dark colour by comparison.
Light soy sauce is most commonly used as an all-purpose seasoning in Chinese dishes such as stir-fries, noodles, and dumplings.
It also makes an excellent marinade for meats or seafood since the addition of the sweetness helps tenderize while adding flavour.
Light soy sauces are best when used in combination with other sauces and seasonings such as sesame oil, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger.
When shopping for light soy sauce, note that some bottles may contain chemical flavouring or caramel colouring — always check labels for additives before purchasing or opt to go for a healthier option such as a naturally brewed brand from a reputable supplier (e.g., Kikkoman).
In addition to providing great flavour to your dishes, using natural brands will ensure you get all the nutritional benefits associated with genuine light soy sauces since they will be free from artificial colours or flavours.
5 Best Light Soy Sauce Substitutes to Consider
When selecting a light soy sauce substitute, the key is to choose a product that will give you the desired flavor and texture with the least amount of salt.
Although there are many options available, each one provides unique results for different uses.
Here are 5 alternatives to light soy sauce that we highly recommend:
1 – Tamari Sauce
Tamari sauce is a widely available alternative to light soy sauce.
It is usually the same flavor, but sometimes the sodium levels can vary.
It’s deeper in color and somewhat thicker, which makes it great for stir-fries and other recipes where a thinner soy sauce may be too runny.
The main difference you may notice between tamari and light soy sauce is that tamari has a slightly sweeter taste, while light soy sauce has a more salty flavor.
If you’re looking for that traditional flavor of light soy without the ubiquitous sodium levels, then tamari may be the solution.
2 – Coconut Aminos
Coconut aminos is a great substitute for light soy sauce because it tastes like soy sauce but is gluten-free and has much less sodium.
It’s also a good choice if you are looking for a flavorful, healthy alternative to soy sauce.
It is made from aged coconut blossom nectar, which gives it a slightly sweet flavor that complements many Asian-inspired dishes.
Plus, it’s easy to find in most health food stores and online.
It has a similar consistency to light soy sauce, but has a slightly thicker texture than regular soy sauce.
When substituting for light soy sauce, keep in mind that its sweet flavor will add some sweetness to dishes calling for light soy sauce.
To get the most out of coconut aminos as a substitute for light soy sauce, you can mix 1 part of coconut aminos with 1 part water before use as instructed by Oh My Veggies.
This helps reduce the sweetness of the coconut aminos while producing an even more enjoyable flavor profile than normal light soy sauces by balancing out the saltiness with sweetness and adding depth of flavor that cannot be found in regular light soy sauces alone.
3 – Miso Paste
Miso paste, a salty, fermented Japanese condiment, is a great alternative to light soy sauce.
It can add flavor with fewer calories and salt than soy sauce would.
Plus, it can be used to make a variety of sauces and marinades.
To substitute for light soy sauce in your cooking, simply use one part miso paste for every four parts of light soy sauce called for.
Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››
When using this substitute in recipes that require high heat or a long cooking time, use less as it can be overly intense if used in excessive amounts.
Note that miso paste will not give the same type of savory depth to your dishes as light soy sauce would; instead, it will impart an underlying sweetness and nuttiness to the flavor profile.
Because its flavor is quite strong on its own and unique compared to light soy sauce, you may wish to use additional seasonings such as garlic and ginger when cooking with miso paste.
4 – Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a popular alternative for light soy sauce.
It has a combination of flavors, including anchovies, garlic, molasses, sugar, and spices like chili peppers and tamarind.
Worcestershire sauce lends a hint of sweetness and tanginess to dishes – but it does contain anchovies, so it’s not vegetarian-friendly.
As an alternative to Worcestershire sauce in recipes that require a touch of sweetness and umami from the sea without anchovies, try fish sauce or vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce.
5 – Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark brown-colored condiment from Southeast Asia.
It is made from soybeans and sweetened with sugar, vinegar and garlic.
Its flavor is sweet and aromatic, yet slightly salty.
It can be used as a marinade or basting sauce and serves as an excellent base for stir-fries or entrées.
When substituting Hoisin sauce for light soy sauce in a dish, use the same amount listed in the ingredient list and add more to taste if desired.
Be sure to store any unused Hoisin Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect substitute for light soy sauce can be a tricky task if you don’t know what to look for.
We recommend starting with these five substitutes as they all deliver an amazing flavor that works well with a variety of dishes.
Light soy sauce is salty and has a slightly sweet undertone that is ideal for sauces, marinades, and soups.
You may have to experiment a bit depending on your individual taste preferences and dietary needs, but we’re sure that at least one of these substitutes will be able to provide you with the delicious Asian flavors you are aiming to achieve.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some of these ingredients have more sodium content than others, so make sure you keep track of your salt intake before replacing light soy sauce with any of them.
While light soy sauce does provide some unique flavor profiles and benefits, it can easily be replaced by other substitutes without compromising too much on flavor or texture.
5 Best Light Soy Sauce Substitutes to Consider
Ingredients
- 1 – Tamari Sauce
- 2 – Coconut Aminos
- 3 – Miso Paste
- 4 – Worcestershire Sauce
- 5 – Hoisin Sauce
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!