Soy Sauce Substitute – Low Sodium, Gluten-Free Alternative
This easy, homemade recipe for low sodium Soy Sauce Substitute is the BEST. Healthy and gluten-free. Use it for adding extra flavor when stir-frying, in healthy fried rice recipes, or in sauces.
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Making your own sauces, salad dressings, and dips is an easy step to healthier eating by avoiding preservatives and additives in the manufactured versions. My favs include this Honey Mustard Dip without the Honey or this healthier homemade Onion Ring Dip.
Soy sauce is such a popular condiment. It is listed in numerous recipes and packs a nice salty punch to many dishes. But if you have a soy allergy, wheat intolerance, or need to lower your salt intake then traditional soy sauce may not be good for you.
Wondering if you can make your own soy sauce substitute that is soy-free? The answer is yes!
This recipe is what can be used in place of soy sauce, especially if you are looking for a low sodium and gluten-free option.
I will be completely honest that it doesn’t taste exactly like your typical soy sauce, but it comes close.
It’s not so great on its own, as say a dipping sauce, but when added to stir-fries and sauces, it still will add those umami flavors.
Ingredients for this Recipe:
A few pantry items are all that are needed to make this easy recipe.
- chicken broth – read the label to ensure it is gluten-free
- balsamic vinegar
- filtered water
- dark molasses
- ground ginger, garlic powder, and pepper
How to Make a Soy Sauce Substitute
When I say easy, I mean it!
First, combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring them to a boil.
Next, lower the boil to medium heat and let the mixture simmer until it is reduced by half. Keep stirring it periodically.
Once the mixture has reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool on the counter. This takes about 15 minutes.
Once it has cooled, transfer it to a small mason jar for storage.
Keep it refrigerated and give it a good shake before using.
Serving Suggestions and Substitutions:
- Add this to a stir fry or healthy fried rice recipes in place of soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, coconut aminos, bragg liquid aminos, or maggi seasoning. It could also double as a tamarind or tamari substitute.
- This could easily be made vegan-friendly by using vegetable stock. Click for this Vegan Soy Sauce Substitute recipe.
- Substitute beef broth for a richer taste. Tip! Keep bouillon on hand in the pantry. It can be really useful for making broth on the fly.
- Add the flavor of anchovies – I recommend the anchovy paste – to turn this into a healthier low-sodium fish sauce.
- For a twist on the spices, you could add 1/4 tsp of onion powder or swap white pepper for the black peppercorns.
MORE HOMEMADE SAUCE RECIPES:
- Spicy Dipping Sauce
- Vegan Alfredo Sauce
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce
- Walnut ‘Bolognese’ Spaghetti Sauce – Vegan & Gluten Free
- White BBQ Sauce
**This recipe was originally posted on September 16, 2013, and updated on January 12, 2021, and updated again on December 29, 2021, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**
If you’ve tried my Soy Sauce alternative, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Soy Sauce Substitute – Low Sodium, Gluten-Free Alternative
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chicken stock *low sodium and gluten free
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tbsp molasses
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a small saucepan, give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium and simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the liquid is reduced to one cup. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and store covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Shake well before using.
Notes
Serving Suggestions and Substitutions:
- Store in the fridge in the sealed jar for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before using.
- Add this to a stir fry or healthy fried rice recipes in place of soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, coconut aminos, bragg liquid aminos, or maggi seasoning. It could also double as a tamarind or tamari substitute.
- This could easily be made vegan-friendly by using vegetable stock. Click for this Vegan Soy Sauce Substitute recipe.
- Substitute beef broth for a richer taste. Tip! Keep bouillon on hand in the pantry. It can be really useful for making broth on the fly.
- Add the flavor of anchovies – I recommend the anchovy paste – to turn this into a healthier low-sodium fish sauce.
- For a twist on the spices, you could add 1/4 tsp of onion powder or swap white pepper for the black peppercorns.