Soy-Free Soy Sauce
We have the ultimate solution for a low-sodium Soy-free Soy Sauce Substitute with this simple homemade recipe – it’s so easy! Not only is it non-GMO and gluten-free, but it also gives your dishes a burst of umami flavor.
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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. Some of our favorite condiment recipes include this Honey Mustard Sauce without the Honey and this homemade Onion Ring Dip. Check out all of our Dips, Sauces, and Spreads for more inspiration.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- If you have dietary restrictions like a soy allergy, or wheat intolerance, or need to lower your salt intake, traditional kikkoman soy sauce may not be good for you. This savory homemade recipe is free from soybeans and other common allergens and has less sodium than store-bought soy sauce or tamari.
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few basic pantry ingredients.
- It can be used in a variety of recipes, from stir-fries to fried rice to sauces. We use it in this pork adobo, and it works well in place of traditional soy sauce.
Ingredients
Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Broth – Be sure to read the label and check for certified gluten-free.
- Balsamic Vinegar – This adds a rich, tangy flavor.
- Filtered Water – Water aids in intensifying the flavors during the reduction process.
- Dark Molasses – Molasses provides a natural sweetness and contributes to the dark color.
- Ground Ginger + Garlic Powder – This contributes warm, spicy notes that adds a complex depth of flavor.
- Salt + Pepper – Always super necessary to bring out the best of your ingredients.
Equipment
- Small Saucepan – Use this to combine the ingredients and reduce the mixture into a sauce.
- Wooden Spoon – Our choice for stirring.
- Small Mason Jar – For storing the sauce in.
- All Caraway pot and pan products are free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials that can leach into your food.
- Made for any kitchen and cooktop.
Instructions
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Step 1
First, combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan.
Then bring the ingredients to a boil over high heat.
Step 2
Next, lower the boil to medium heat and let the mixture simmer until it is reduced by half.
Keep stirring it periodically.
Step 3
Once the mixture has reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool on the counter.
This takes about 15 minutes.
Step 4
Once it has cooled, transfer it to a small mason jar for storage.
Keep it refrigerated and give it a good shake before using.
Substitutions
- Substitute beef broth for a richer taste.
- This could easily be made vegan-friendly by using vegetable stock. Click for this Vegan Soy Sauce Substitute recipe.
- For a twist on the spices, substitute onion powder and swap white pepper for the black peppercorns.
Expert Tip!
Keep a quality powdered bouillon on hand in your pantry. It can be really useful for making broth on the fly to add to recipes.
Recipe Variations
- Add the flavor of anchovies – we recommend an anchovy paste – to spin this into a healthier, low-sodium fish sauce.
- Incorporate a dash of toasted sesame oil for a nutty, aromatic flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Add this to 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.
- Use this sauce as an ingredient or chicken or tofu marinades.
- Try this soy sauce substitute in this pancit bihon recipe with chicken and veggies. So much flavor!
FAQS
While this substitute tries to mimic the flavor of soy sauce, it may not be an exact match in every recipe. However, it can be used as a flavorful alternative in many dishes, including stir-fries, Asian dishes, marinades, dressings, and sauces.
Yes, this is a gluten-free soy sauce substitute, making it suitable for individuals with gluten allergies.
Storage Tips
To Store: Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container such as a mason jar. When stored in the refrigerator, this sauce can typically last for up to a few weeks. However, it’s best to use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or appearance, before using it.
More Homemade Sauce Recipes
**This recipe was originally posted on September 16, 2013. Updated on January 12, 2021, and again on May 11, 2024, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.**
If you’ve tried this soy-free soy sauce substitute, please rate it and let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below. We’re always interested in feedback!
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Soy-Free Soy Sauce Substitute
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
- pinch fine sea salt + 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, stirring occasionally, 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 an airtight glass jar to cool completely.
- Store the jar, tightly sealed, in the fridge for up to two weeks. Shake well before using.
