Replacement for Soy Sauce

[junchiong]

Hi,

I would like to make dishes like Teriyaki but have to do without Soy Sauce and sugar.

Does anyone have any tip on what to use? Of course the taste and colour cannot be exactly the same, but it has to be possible to do something?

[Doug M]

Welcome junchiong:

Before we can recommend a replacement, maybe you can tell us what it is about soy sauce that prevents you from usng it? Salt? Alergies to soy?

If it is salt there are very good low-sodium varieties. There are many other sauces which are similar but depending on the reason may also not be what you seek as most have a lot of salt or sugar.

[junchiong]

Hi,

Thanks for your answer Doug. It is allergies towards soy that prevents the use of soy sauce. And for a couple of months my children will be on a non-sugar diet....

[Doug M]

Soy sauce without soy.... I don't know how it may taste but you are not alone in your search since many people avoid soy for alergies or dietary reasons. I found someone who even makes their own and shares information about it. Read this page for details (http://www.vegsource.com/talk/beginner/messages/135028.html). An extract from that page follows:

BRYANNA’S SOY-FREE SAUCE (WHEAT-FREE AND SOY-FREE ALTERNATIVE TO SOY SAUCE OR TAMARI) makes 1 and 3/4 c.
IMPORTANT: To replace some of the complex qualities that a good fermented soy sauce or tamari supplies, try adding wine, broth, and/or mushroom broth or concentrate to the dish, in addition to using the soy sauce substitute that follows.
1 c. water, vegetarian broth, or mushroom soaking water
2 T. Marmite or other yeast extract (Vegemite, Vegex)* see below for where to find yeast extract outside of the UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, and South Africa
2 T. salt
1/2 c. HOT water, vegetarian broth, or mushroom soaking liquid
2 T. soy-free gravy browner
Dissolve the Marmite and salt in the hot liquid, then mix the rest of the ingredients in and store in a covered jar in the refrigerator. This will keep for several weeks.
LOW-SALT VERSION: Just leave out the salt—but this doesn’t keep very long.
Others may have better solutions but keep in mind expecting a replacement for soy in soy sauce is like replacing coco in chocolate. Carob is ok but not the same. Just have realistic expectations.

[junchiong]

Thanks!

Your answer was very good.

[Chrissy]

I also am unable to eat soy sauce so was looking for a substitute and ran across this site. Anyway I found a recipe that the owner says is better then soy sauce. I havent tried it yet but will soon!!

Soy Sauce Substitute

Ingredients
240 ml/8 fl oz Molasses
90 ml/3 fl oz Balsamic Vinegar
Sugar to taste (Try fruit sugar or Stevia if the allergy is to refined sugar)

Mix all ingredients until well blended.
Good Luck!!!