The BEST Dark Soy Sauce Substitutes You Need To Use (Plus Soy-Free Options)

Cooking with dark soy sauce is a great way to impart flavor and color to many Asian dishes, but sometimes ingredients can be hard to come by, or let’s be real, you don’t want to make a special trip to the store. Been there, done that! But If you’re looking for dark soy sauce substitutes that will still help you achieve the taste and texture of your favorite recipes while avoiding going to the store, here are some tips and alternatives that will rock your dark soy sauce world!

But before we get started. Let’s make sure we fully understand what dark soy sauce tastes like. This will help us find the perfect replacement for your recipe or dish.

What Does Dark Soy Sauce Taste Like?

Dark soy sauce has a deep, rich flavor compared to traditional light or dark soy sauce. Although it tastes similar to its lighter counterparts, it has a slightly sweeter and more complex taste than light or dark soy sauce. It also has a thicker consistency.

This is due to the fact that dark soy sauce is aged for a much longer period of time, allowing for the fermentation process to fully develop the flavors. In addition, some versions of dark soy sauce contain molasses or other sweeteners, which enhance the flavor.

Characteristic flavors of dark soy sauce include an earthy umami taste and a hint of sweetness. The thickness of dark soy sauce also varies depending on the manufacturer and can range from runny to almost syrup-like consistency.

Key Characteristics of Dark Soy Sauce

Here are a few things we should consider when looking for a replacement:

• Rich, Deep Unami Flavor
• Sweeter than Light Soy Sauce
• Can be Thicker Than light Soy Sauce

Dark Soy Sauce Substitutes

These dark soy sauce swaps will work great as long as the application for them works for the recipe. Meaning one of these substitutes will work better for one recipe while another will work better for something else.

For example, when needing a dark soy sauce alternative for a stir fry, it’s better to use coconut aminos or tamari sauce and avoid hoisin sauce. But something like short ribs would work well with hoisin sauce. While Each alternative will have a different consistency as well. Coconut aminos are liquid, while a hoisin sauce is much thicker.

Also, if you happen to have regular soy sauce or even light soy sauce, those will be your best bet in matching the flavor of dark soy sauce. At the bottom of my list, I even share a recipe on how to make light soy sauce into dark soy sauce.

**If you are needing a soy-free option for dark soy sauce, I have some options below. But please always check the labels on the back of products. Every brand is different and may randomly add soy into their products when others don’t

1. Coconut Aminos (Soy-Free)

If you’re looking for a dark soy sauce substitute, coconut aminos are a great option. It has a similar flavor to soy sauce but is sweeter and less salty. Additionally, it is gluten-free and does not contain any GMOs. Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap and sea salt, so it is a good choice if you are trying to avoid soy sauce or have a gluten allergy. This is usually my go to and I encourage you to pick some up at the grocery store if you haven’t tried it!

2. Tamari Sauce

If you’re looking for a dark soy sauce substitute, tamari sauce is a great option. Tamari is similar to soy sauce in terms of flavor, but it is less salty and has a slightly thicker texture. Additionally, tamari is gluten-free and does not contain any GMOs.

What does tamari taste like? There’s no denying the magical taste of tamari sauce: It’s packed with rich umami flavor. Compared to soy sauce, tamari is more mellow, less salty, and slightly thicker in texture. It’s perfect for a dipping sauce or marinade. So if you’re looking for a dark soy sauce alternative that is slightly less salty and has a richer flavor, tamari sauce is a great option.

3. Fish Sauce (Soy-Free)

Fish sauce is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is made from fermented fish and has a strong, umami flavor. While it may not be a perfect substitute for soy sauce, it can add a similar depth of flavor to dishes. There is also shrimp paste which is much stronger than fish sauce. If you have some you could use a very small amount. But remember this will give a strong shrimp forward flavor.

4. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet, and spicy sauce that is often used in Chinese cuisine. It contains soybeans, but does not have the same salty deep flavor as soy sauce. This sauce is great if your recipe needs additional sweetness, as hoisin will add. I will add not to try plum sauce. It might seem like a comparable swap, but I can’t recommend it.

5. Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is made from oysters that have been cooked down and strained. It has a rich, umami flavor that can add depth to dishes. While it may not be a perfect substitute for soy sauce, it can add a similar depth of flavor to the right dishes.

6. Mushroom Soy Sauce

Mushroom soy sauce is made by fermenting mushrooms and soybeans together. It has a rich, umami flavor that can add depth to dishes. While it may not be a perfect substitute for soy sauce, it can add a similar depth of flavor to dishes.

7. Worcestershire Sauce (Soy-Free)

Worcestershire sauce is a condiment made from vinegar, anchovies, molasses, tamarind, and other spices. It has a complex flavor that includes sweetness, sourness, and saltiness. While it may not be a perfect substitute for soy sauce, it can add a similar depth of flavor to a meal.

Quick and Easy Dark Soy Sauce Substitute Recipe

If you happen to have light soy sauce in your house, you can make a mock version of dark soy sauce! It’s super easy and only needs three ingredients, and one is optional! You can also make this recipe low-carb by using your favorite sugar substitute.

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until all sugar and molasses have dissolved.

My Final Thoughts On Substitutes for Dark Soy Sauce

While there are many different types of soy sauce substitutes, the best one for you will depend on what you are looking for in a replacement. If you need a lower-sodium option, tamari sauce may be your best bet. However, if you want something that is gluten-free, coconut aminos would be a better choice. No matter what your needs are, there is sure to be a dark soy sauce substitute that will work for you. Happy cooking!

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