If you’re looking for an alternative to sweet soy sauce, you’ve come to the right place.
I know how it feels to be in the middle of cooking a dish and realize you’re out of an ingredient.
You don’t want to run to the store for just one thing, so it’s helpful to have a list of substitutes on hand.
This blog post will list 11 substitutes that will give you the same flavor profile. We’ll also provide the ratios you need to use when making a substitution and some examples of how we’ve used these substitutes in our own cooking.
Let’s get started!
Substitutes For Sweet Soy Sauce
- Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar
- Oyster Sauce
- Soy Sauce and Honey
- Coconut Aminos
- Barbecue Sauce
- Tamari Sauce
- Double Black Soy Sauce
- Double Black Soy Sauce
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Hoisin Sauce
- Dark Soy Sauce
- Shoyin Sauce
- Fish Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Tianmian Sauce
Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar
Soy sauce and brown sugar mix is a great substitute for sweet soy sauce. The two ingredients have a better flavor and texture than soy sauce alone.
Soy sauce is very salty, so adding brown sugar to the mix helps to balance out the flavors.
It is a good replacement for sweet soy sauce in stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. It’s also a good choice for glazing meat or poultry.
This substitute is much easier to make than sweet soy sauce. Simply combine soy sauce and brown sugar in a 1:1 ratio. Use this mixture in any recipe that calls for sweet soy sauce.
It’s especially good in stir-fries, marinades, and glazes. And a great way to add flavor to your food without adding any extra calories.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is a great substitute for sweet soy sauce. It is less sweet and has a more salty, earthy, and caramel-like flavor.
You can add sugar to it to make it sweeter, but it will still be less sweet than soy sauce.
Oyster sauce is best used in savory dishes where you want a little sweetness, but not too much. It is also good in stir-fries and other dishes where you want to add a little depth of flavor.
It is best used when stir-frying or as a dipping sauce. It can also be used to marinate meat or add flavor to soups and stews. While it is not necessarily healthier than sweet soy sauce, it does have a few benefits.
Oyster sauce is lower in calories and sodium, and it is also gluten-free. As a result, it is a good choice for those who are trying to watch their weight or blood pressure.
Ultimately, whether you use oyster sauce or sweet soy sauce is a matter of personal preference. If you want a less sweet option, then oyster sauce is a good choice.
However, if you prefer the classic flavor of sweet soy sauce, then there is no need to switch.
Soy Sauce and Honey
If you’re out of sweet soy sauce and need a replacement, don’t worry – soy sauce and honey is a great substitute!
This combination has a similar salty-sweet flavor, making it perfect for dipping or marinating.
In addition, this substitute has the added benefit of being healthier than traditional sweet soy sauce, as honey is a natural sweetener with fewer calories.
So next time you’re in a pinch, reach for the soy sauce and honey – your dish will thank you!
Coconut Aminos
Coconut aminos is a great substitute for sweet soy sauce because it has a similar sweet-salty umami flavor. It also has the same color and texture.
Coconut aminos is gluten-free, whereas soy sauce contains gluten. It is also less salty than soy sauce.
It can be used in any dish where you would use soy sauce or sweet soy sauce. It is especially good in Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fries and noodle dishes.
It is also a good choice for those who are trying to watch their sodium intake. Simply substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce or sweet soy sauce in a one-to-one ratio.
Coconut aminos is a great choice for those who are looking for a gluten-free, less salty alternative to soy sauce or sweet soy sauce. It can be used in the same way as soy sauce or sweet soy sauce.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a great substitute for sweet soy sauce. It has a similar flavor profile, but is less salty and has a slightly sweeter taste.
Barbecue sauce can be used in any dish where you would normally use sweet soy sauce, such as stir-fries, marinades, or dipping sauces.
One benefit of using it as a substitute is that it is easier to find in most supermarkets. Another benefit is that it is usually cheaper than soy sauce.
To make your own sweet barbecue sauce, simply mix 1 part ketchup with 1 part brown sugar and 1 part apple cider vinegar. This ratio can be adjusted to taste.
For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder. Store the sauce in a jar in the fridge and it will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Tamari Sauce
Tamari sauce is a great substitute for sweet soy sauce. It is a Chinese soy-based sauce that is thicker than soy sauce.
Tamari is also gluten-free, which makes it a great choice for people with gluten allergies. It can be used in any recipe that calls for soy sauce, and it can also be used as a dipping sauce or marinade.
When choosing Tamari sauce as a substitute for sweet soy sauce, keep in mind that it will have a slightly different flavor than the dish you are trying to recreate.
However, the benefits of using Tamari sauce outweigh the potential drawbacks, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy alternative to sweet soy sauce.
Double Black Soy Sauce
Double black soy sauce is a great substitution for sweet soy sauce. It has a deep, bold flavor that can really elevate a dish. Plus, it’s packed with umami, so it can really round out the flavors in a recipe. What’s not to love?
Of course, there are some things to keep in mind when using this substitution. First of all, Double black soy sauce is much saltier than sweet soy sauce, so you’ll need to use it sparingly. It’s also very concentrated, so it’s important to thin it out with water before using it.
Finally, because Double black soy sauce is so strongly flavored, it’s best used in dishes where it will be well-balanced by other ingredients.
That said, Double black soy sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. So whether you’re looking for something new to try or you just don’t have any sweet soy sauce on hand, give Double black soy sauce a go! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Liquid Aminos
Liquid aminos is a great substitute for sweet soy sauce. You can use it in a recipe that calls for soy sauce, or you can use it as a replacement for tamari or teriyaki sauce.
It is made from soybeans, so it has a similar flavor to soy sauce. However, it is also gluten-free and has a slightly sweeter flavor. Liquid aminos is also lower in sodium than soy sauce.
It is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine. It is often used in stir-fries, marinades, and salad dressings. Liquid aminos can also be used as a dipping sauce or added to soups and stews.
If you are looking for a soy sauce alternative, liquid aminos is a good option.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a common pantry staple in many households. But what exactly is it? It is a fermented condiment made from anchovies, vinegar, molasses, tamarind, onion, garlic, and spices.
It has a complex, savory flavor that can enhance many dishes and can be used as a 1:1 replacement for sweet soy sauce in most recipes.
Hoisin Sauce
If you’re out of sweet soy sauce and in desperate need of a Hoisin sauce substitution, never fear!
Hoisin sauce is a thick and dark sauce that is made of a variety of ingredients, including soybeans, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is commonly used as a glaze or marinade, and it can also be used as a dipping sauce.
Hoisin sauce is a great substitution for sweet soy sauce because it has a similar sweetness and thickness. When substituting it for sweet soy sauce, use a 1:1 ratio. That is, for every 1 tablespoon of Hoisin sauce, substitute 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce.
If you’re looking for a recipe that uses Hoisin sauce as a replacement for sweet soy sauce, try this Hoisin Glazed Salmon recipe. It’s sure to be a hit with the whole family! Bon appetit!
Dark Soy Sauce
Dark soy sauce is a fermented soybean paste that is common in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a thick, syrupy texture and a deep, rich flavor.
Dark soy sauce is typically used as a flavoring agent or colorant, and it is not as commonly used as a table condiment. However, it can be used as a substitute for sweet soy sauce in certain recipes.
Know that it is less sweet than sweet soy sauce, but it can also be used to add color to a dish without imparting too much flavor.
When substituting dark soy sauce for sweet soy sauce, it is important to use a ratio of 1:1. This will ensure that the dish has the correct balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Shoyin Sauce
Shoyin sauce is a great substitute for sweet soy sauce. It’s perfect for when you want to add a little sweetness to your dish without using sugar.
Plus, it’s healthier than soy sauce because it’s made with fermented wheat rather than soybeans.
To make Shoyin sauce, simply mix together equal parts water, mirin, and tamari or soy sauce. Then, add a small amount of brown sugar or honey to taste.
This versatile sauce can be used in stir-fries, soups, marinades, and more. Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a delicious way to add sweetness to your savory dishes!
Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines, and it can be used as a substitute for sweet soy sauce in a variety of recipes. It is made from fermented fish, and it has a salty, umami flavor.
When substituting it for sweet soy sauce, it is important to use a lower ratio of fish sauce to soy sauce. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of sweet soy sauce, you would only need to use 1/4 cup of fish sauce.
Fish sauce is also a good substitute for oyster sauce or hoisin sauce. It can be added to stir-fries, marinades, and sauces to add depth of flavor. It can also be used as a dipping sauce or condiment.
When using fish sauce as a replacement for sweet soy sauce, keep in mind that it is very salty, so you may need to adjust the other seasonings in your recipe accordingly.
Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a fantastic substitute for sweet soy sauce. It’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of recipes, and it has a delicious flavor that complements many different dishes. It is also relatively easy to make, so you can always have some on hand when you need it.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using Teriyaki sauce as a substitute for sweet soy sauce.
First, it is typically much sweeter than soy sauce, so you’ll need to adjust the ratio of Teriyaki to soy sauce accordingly.
Second, Teriyaki sauce doesn’t have the same umami flavor as soy sauce, so it’s best used in dishes where the sweet/savory balance is more important than the depth of flavor.
With these guidelines in mind, Teriyaki sauce is an excellent substitute for sweet soy sauce in many different recipes.
Tianmian Sauce
Tianmian sauce, also known as sweet bean sauce, is a dark brown sauce made from fermented soybeans. It has a sweet, slightly smoky flavor that is perfect for marinades, stir-fries, and dipping sauces.
Tianmian sauce can be found in most Asian supermarkets, and it is a great substitute for sweet soy sauce. The two sauces are similar in color and flavor, but tianmian sauce is slightly sweeter and less salty than soy sauce.
When substituting tianmian sauce for sweet soy sauce, use a 1:1 ratio. This delicious sauce can also be used in a variety of recipes, such as sweet and sour chicken or beef stir-fry.
So next time you are looking for a substitute for sweet soy sauce, reach for Tianmian sauce!
Final Words
If you’re out of sweet soy sauce, it’s an opportunity to get creative and make your own. All you need is some soy sauce, sugar or honey, and water.
With a little creativity, you can easily find a substitute for sweet soy sauce that will taste just as delicious in your dish. So don’t be afraid to experiment!