10 Best Tamari Substitutes for Delicious Recipes

Tamari is a type of Japanese soy sauce that has become popular in recent years due to its unique flavor and versatility. It's often used as an ingredient in marinades, dressings, sauces, and stir-fries.

But if you don't have tamari on hand or are looking for something with a different flavor profile, there are plenty of alternatives available.

In this article, we'll explore 10 great substitutes for tamari so you can create delicious recipes without compromising on taste. By the end of this post, you should have plenty of ideas about what you can use instead of tamari when cooking delicious meals at home!

Jump to:

• What is Tamari?
• Best Tamari Substitutes
• Tips on Substituting Tamari
• Tamari Substitute FAQs
• What Is the Best Substitute for Tamari?
• Recipe

What is Tamari?

Tamari is a type of Japanese soy sauce made from fermented soybeans. It has a deep, rich flavor that is more intense than regular soy sauce and can be used to enhance the taste of many dishes.

Tamari is also gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Where Is Tamari Used?

Tamari can be used in many different ways in cooking. It's often used as a marinade for meats, fish, and vegetables before grilling or roasting them.

Additionally, tamari can be added to soups and stews to add depth of flavor without adding too much saltiness. Finally, tamari makes an excellent dipping sauce when mixed with other ingredients such as sesame oil or garlic paste.

Best Tamari Substitutes

If you don’t have tamari on hand or are looking for something with similar characteristics, there are several great substitutes available.

1. Coconut Aminos

This gluten-free alternative is made from coconut sap and sea salt and has a slightly sweet taste that works well in many dishes. Its thinner consistency makes it less suitable for dipping sauces but perfect for marinades and dressings.

To use coconut aminos as a substitute for tamari, I usually use 1:1 ratio. Coconut aminos can be a great substitute for tamari in many recipes, but it's important to keep in mind the slightly sweeter taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Best for meat and vegetable marinades, salad dressings, and stir-fries.

2. Worcestershire Sauce

This classic condiment contains anchovies, vinegar, molasses, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and spices. This combination of wonderful flavors give it its distinct tangy flavor profile, making it ideal for adding umami notes to soups or sauces without overpowering them like tamari might do.

Worcestershire sauce has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with a thin consistency, while tamari has a salty, savory flavor with a thick consistency. If you are substituting Worcestershire sauce for tamari in a recipe, you may need to adjust the amounts of other ingredients to balance the flavors. 

What I usually do is cut back a little on the sugar and honey as well as start with half the amount of Worcestershire sauce as the amount of tamari called for in the recipe.

Best for marinades, stir-fries, and sauces.

3. Soy Sauce

The most obvious substitute when you don’t have tamari on hand is regular soy sauce. Soy sauce comes from fermented soybeans rather than wheat like tamari does. 

If you’re avoiding gluten, this won't work as an option either way since it's still much milder than tamari. If this isn’t an issue, use the same amount of soy sauce as tamari in recipes.

Best for stir-fries, dipping sauces, salad dressings, marinades, soups and stews.

4. Liquid Aminos

Made from non-GMO soybeans, liquid aminos offer a similar flavor profile to both tamari and soy sauce. However, they contain no added sugars or preservatives so they're healthier too! 

Liquid aminos can be used in the same amount as tamari in recipes. This means if the recipe calls for one tablespoon of tamari, you can use one tablespoon of liquid aminos.

If you feel the liquid aminos taste is too overpowering, you can add a little water or another liquid to balance the flavors. Start with the same amount of liquid aminos as the tamari, taste the dish, and adjust accordingly.

Best for stir-fries, marinades, salad dressings, and soups.

5. Miso Paste

Miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and rice koji, a type of fungus, giving it its unique earthy flavor which pairs perfectly with fish and vegetables alike. 

Its thicker texture means that miso paste needs diluting before use otherwise, the flavors will be too intense. However, once diluted properly, miso paste makes an excellent replacement for tamari in any dish!

Miso paste has a stronger flavor than tamari, so I use about half the amount of miso paste as the amount of tamari called for in the recipe.

Best for soups, stews, salad dressings, and marinades.

6. Fish Sauce

Fish sauce may not sound appealing at first glance, but trust us when we say that this pungent condiment adds amazing depth and complexity to any dish! Thanks to its combination of anchovy extract and salt, it’s the perfect stand-in when you run out of tamari.

When using fish sauce as a substitute for tamari, it's important to keep in mind that it has a much stronger and saltier flavor than tamari. So, I recommend using it in small amounts and adjusting to taste as you go.

Best for marinades, dressings, and dishes with Thai, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian flavor profiles.

7. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a sweet yet savory ingredient to have in your pantry. It also brings a delicious umami punch that comes from the fermented soybeans and other ingredients.

Depending on the brand you buy, it may also contain honey or molasses, which add an extra touch of sweetness. Just be sure to use it in smaller amounts and adjust as you go to ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

Best for stir-fries, marinades, and glaze for meats or vegetables.

8. Oyster Sauce

Another popular Chinese condiment, oyster sauce packs a rich umami flavor that comes from the oysters combined with sugar and cornstarch, which gives it a thick, glaze-like texture and subtle sweetness.

When using oyster sauce, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. It's quite concentrated, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste as you go.

Best for marinades and stir fry recipes.

9. Maggi Seasoning

A Swiss invention, Maggi seasoning was created to enhance the natural flavors of many different types of food. It provides just the right amount of saltiness to bring out all the deliciousness that's already present in each bite.

Since Maggi seasoning has much saltier and has a different flavor profile, I use it sparingly and add it little by little until I reach the delicious depth of flavor to meat, fish, or vegetable dish.

Best for marinades, soups, and stews.

10. Balsamic Vinegar

Last but certainly not least, balsamic vinegar is a great substitute for tamari when seeking out non-soy-based alternatives. It has a sweet and tart flavor that pairs well with savory dishes, providing the acidity needed for balance in recipes.

Additionally, tamari provides a strong umami flavor while balsamic adds sweetness along with some sourness from its acidic nature. This means you may need to add additional seasonings like onion salt or garlic salt to make up for any lost flavors when using balsamic as your substitute.

Best for ​​roasted vegetables, salads, or marinades.

Tips on Substituting Tamari

As a seasoned home cook, I have discovered that tamari can be a versatile and delicious substitute in many recipes. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:

1. Consider the saltiness

Tamari is generally less salty than soy sauce, so you might need to adjust the amount you use in your recipe accordingly. Start with a smaller quantity and then taste and adjust as needed. 

Keep in mind that different brands of tamari can have varying salt levels, so it's always good to taste-test before committing.

2. Be mindful of the gluten content

Traditional soy sauce often contains wheat, whereas tamari is typically gluten-free. If you are substituting tamari for soy sauce in a gluten-free recipe, make sure the tamari you use is labeled gluten-free. 

It's also important to remember this if you're cooking for someone with a gluten intolerance or allergy.

3. Watch out for strong flavors

Tamari has a richer and more complex flavor compared to regular soy sauce. Be cautious when substituting tamari in recipes that call for other strong flavors, as it could potentially overpower them. 

To maintain balance in your dish, consider using less tamari or reducing the intensity of other ingredients.

4. Adjust the thickness

Tamari tends to be slightly thicker and less watery than regular soy sauce. If you're using tamari in a recipe that relies on the liquid volume of soy sauce, you may need to add a bit of water or other liquids to achieve the desired consistency.

5. Experiment with different types

There are several varieties of tamari, ranging from light to dark and mild to bold. Experimenting with different types can help you find the one that best complements your dish. 

Light tamari works well in subtle recipes or as a dipping sauce, while darker, bolder varieties can enhance robust, flavorful dishes.

Tamari Substitute FAQs

1. Is there a gluten-free substitute for tamari?

If you're looking for an alternative to tamari that is still gluten-free, consider coconut aminos, Bragg’s liquid aminos, gluten-free soy sauce, and fish sauce. The taste and saltiness of these substitutes may vary, so it's important to adjust the amount used in a recipe to achieve the desired flavor balance.

2. What is the difference between tamari and soy sauce? 

Both tamari and soy sauce originated in Asia and are made from fermented soybeans. The primary difference between tamari and soy sauce lies in their ingredients.

Tamari is made primarily from soybeans, with little to no wheat content, while traditional soy sauce is made from a combination of soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. 

When choosing between tamari and soy sauce, consider the specific flavor, texture, and dietary requirements of your dish to make the best choice. 

3. Are there any low-sodium tamari substitutes?

For those with dietary restrictions, there are low-sodium substitutes for tamari that you can use to maintain a similar flavor profile while reducing your salt intake. 

Instead of regular tamari, you can use Low-sodium soy sauce, Coconut aminos, Low-sodium liquid aminos, or Homemade low-sodium tamari.  As a simpler approach, you can dilute regular tamari with water or low-sodium broth to reduce its salt content.

4. Is tamari sauce the same as teriyaki sauce?

No, tamari sauce and teriyaki sauce are not the same. While they are both used in Asian cuisine and have a soy-based component, there are significant differences between the two.

Tamari is a standalone condiment, while teriyaki sauce is a combination of ingredients that includes a soy-based component, sweeteners, and other flavorings.

What Is the Best Substitute for Tamari?

From coconut aminos and soy sauce to hoisin sauce and miso paste, each of these substitutes has its own unique flavor profile that can be used in recipes. Remember that when looking for a tamari alternative, some dishes may require trial and error to get the desired flavor. 

Ultimately, understanding the different types of tamari substitutes available as well as their flavors and textures will help you create delicious meals without compromising on taste or texture.

If you're looking for a delicious, healthy alternative to tamari, our website provides comprehensive recipes and cooking guides as well as helpful buying advice. Join us today to discover the perfect air fryer-friendly substitute!

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