Looking for a dark soy sauce substitute? You’re in luck. Just recently I was in the middle of making my favorite stir-fry recipe when I realized that I was out of dark soy sauce.
I didn’t want to have to go to the store, so I started looking online for a substitute.
I found several different options, but I wasn’t sure which one would be the best replacement. So I then decided to try out some of the most popular substitutes and see for myself which one tasted the closest to dark soy sauce.
So here is a list of some dark soy sauce substitutes that do the job well.
Substitutes for Dark Soy Sauce
- Miso Paste
- Tamari
- Fish Sauce
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Mushroom-Flavored Soy Sauce
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Hoisin Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Light Soy Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
Miso Paste
Although dark soy sauce is a common ingredient in many Asian recipes, it can be difficult to find in stores. Luckily, miso paste makes an excellent substitute.
This fermented soybean paste has a similar flavor to dark soy sauce, with a slightly sweeter and less salty taste.
It is also rich in umami, making it ideal for adding depth of flavor to sauces and marinades.
When using miso paste as a substitute for dark soy sauce, substitute 1 cup of dark soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of miso paste.
In most recipes, you can also substitute light soy sauce for dark soy sauce without any major changes in flavor.
However, if you want to achieve the same deep color as dark soy sauce, you may need to add a small amount of food coloring to your dish.
Tamari
Tamari is a type of Japanese soy sauce that is very similar to regular soy sauce.
The two sauces are made from the same ingredients: soybeans, wheat, and salt.
However, tamari has a slightly different flavor than soy sauce. It is less salty and has a deeper, more complex flavor.
Because of this, tamari makes an excellent substitute for dark soy sauce.
When used in recipes, tamari will add a richness and depth of flavor that regular soy sauce cannot match.
Additionally, tamari is less likely to cause dishes to become too salty.
Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines, and it is often used as a substitute for dark soy sauce.
There are several advantages to using fish sauce as a substitute for dark soy sauce.
First, fish sauce has a lot of salt so it’s great for certain dishes.
Second, fish sauce imparts a unique flavor that can enhance the taste of the dish.
Third, fish sauce is lower in calories than dark soy sauce.
Finally, fish sauce is rich in nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.
When choosing a fish sauce to use as a substitute for dark soy sauce, it is important to select one that is of good quality and has a relatively mild flavor.
Fish sauces vary widely in taste, so it is important to select one that will not overpower the other flavors in the dish.
In general, light-colored fish sauces are milder in flavor than dark-colored fish sauces.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a popular cooking ingredient that can be used as a substitute for dark soy sauce.
There are many benefits to using balsamic vinegar as a substitute for soy sauce.
Balsamic vinegar is lower in sodium than soy sauce, so it is a healthier option for those watching their salt intake.
Additionally, balsamic vinegar has a sweeter taste than soy sauce, so it can add a unique flavor to recipes.
Some things to keep in mind when using balsamic vinegar as a substitute for soy sauce are that it is more acidic than soy sauce, so it may change the flavor of the dish slightly.
It is also important to note that balsamic vinegar is thicker than soy sauce, so it may change the consistency of the dish as well.
Mushroom-Flavored Soy Sauce
Mushroom-flavored soy sauce is a great alternative to dark soy sauce that can be used in many of the same dishes.
This type of soy sauce is made with mushrooms and salt, and it has a similar taste and texture to dark soy sauce.
It is also a suitable replacement for vegan and vegetarian dishes.
When using mushroom-flavored soy sauce as a substitute for dark soy sauce, it is important to keep in mind that it may change the flavor of the dish slightly.
The mushrooms will add an earthy flavor to the dish, so it is best to use this substitute in recipes that already include mushrooms or other earthy ingredients.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a savory, umami-rich condiment that can be used as a substitute for dark soy sauce.
While it doesn’t have the same level of saltiness, Worcestershire sauce does have a deep, complex flavor that makes it a great choice for dishes like stir-fries, marinades, and sauces.
In addition, Worcestershire sauce is less likely to cause the dish to become overly salty.
When substituting Worcestershire sauce for dark soy sauce, you may need to add a little extra salt to the recipe to compensate for the loss of sodium.
Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for dark soy sauce in many recipes.
While it is not an exact replacement, it can provide a similar depth of flavor to dishes.
Hoisin sauce is made from a variety of ingredients, including soybeans, sweet potatoes, honey, and chili peppers.
This gives it a sweeter flavor than dark soy sauce, as well as a slightly spicy kick.
It is often used in Chinese cuisine and can be found in most Asian markets.
When substituting hoisin sauce for dark soy sauce, it is important to keep this sweetness in mind.
The sauce can be used in stir-fries, marinades, and glazes.
It pairs particularly well with chicken and pork dishes.
In some cases, you may need to adjust the other seasonings in your recipe to compensate for the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce makes an excellent substitute for dark soy sauce.
Like dark soy sauce, it is made from fermented soybeans and has a deep, savory flavor.
It is also thick and slightly sweet, making it perfect for glazing meats or stir-frying vegetables.
Best of all, oyster sauce is widely available in supermarkets.
Light Soy Sauce
Light soy sauce is a great option for those who want to reduce their sodium intake. It has all the flavor of regular soy sauce but with 50% less sodium.
This makes it a perfect substitute for dark soy sauce in any recipe. In addition, light soy sauce is also lower in calories and fat than its darker counterpart.
So not only is it healthier, but it is also more waistline-friendly.
Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a common substitution for dark soy sauce.
The two sauces are very similar in taste and appearance, but teriyaki sauce is less salty and has a sweetness that dark soy sauce does not have.
Teriyaki sauce is made with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic, while dark soy sauce is made with soy sauce and caramel color.
Teriyaki sauce is also a good substitution for dark soy sauce in stir fry, marinades, and glazes. It can also be used as a dipping sauce.
The sweetness of the honey in the teriyaki sauce will add a nice contrast to the savory flavors in the dish.
When substituting teriyaki sauce for dark soy sauce, you may need to add a little extra salt to the dish to compensate for the lack of saltiness in the teriyaki sauce.
FAQ
Do dark soy sauce substitutes have the same nutrition as dark soy sauce?
No, dark soy sauce substitutes do not have the same nutrition as dark soy sauce.
Dark soy sauce is high in sodium and calories, while light soy sauce is lower in both of these nutrients.
Teriyaki sauce also has a higher calorie and sugar content than dark soy sauce.
What is the difference between dark soy sauce and light soy sauce?
The main difference between dark soy sauce and light soy sauce is that dark soy sauce is made with fermented soybeans and caramel color, while light soy sauce is made with just soybeans.
Dark soy sauce also has a deeper, more savory flavor, while light soy sauce is lighter and less salty.
Finally, dark soy sauce is higher in calories and sodium than light soy sauce.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a dark soy sauce substitute, there are many options available.
When choosing a dark soy sauce substitute, keep in mind the other flavors in your dish and make adjustments accordingly.
With so many delicious options available, you’re sure to find a dark soy sauce substitute that you love.