Substitutes for Tamari: 8 Best Alternatives +FAQs!

Tamari is one of the best soy sauces, and it pairs well with seafood, chicken, and vegetables. It’s a form of soy sauce created without the use of wheat. It has a fantastic umami flavor that lifts the dish even further. You get to pair it with whatever you like.

Soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, miso paste, coconut aminos, anchovies, balsamic vinegar, and oyster sauce are excellent tamari alternatives.

Let’s look at how you may use this as an alternative to other tamari-friendly foods.

Tamari Substitutes

No. 1 Soy sauce is number one

Finding anything close to Tamari for your meals is more accessible when using standard soy sauce instead of Tamari. For stir-fried meals, stews, and even dip, this will bring an umami flavor and the proper amount of salt.

It also works significantly as a meat marinade. You can make a barbeque sauce out of it by combining garlic, sugar, and ketchup.

No. 2 Sauce made from fish

Fish sauce has a flavor and scent comparable to Tamari, but it’s a little milder. Because Tamari is saltier and more robust, you may need to add more substance if you use fish sauce. In contrast to popular belief, you’ll probably enjoy the fish sauce’s caramel-like flavor without being troubled by the fish smell. As a result, don’t be intimidated the next time you want to utilize something as an alternative.

No. 3 Sodium

The most straightforward substitute is none other than salt when everything else fails.

It’s always on hand in your pantry, saving you a trip to the supermarket. After all, salt is the ideal condiment for any dish. Flavored salt options are available if you want to spice it up a trim.

You can choose from various salts, including garlic salt, onion salt, chili salt, and many others. Even if you don’t receive the umami flavor, it’s still an excellent condiment for meals.

No. 4 Paste made with miso

Miso paste is another traditional Japanese food flavor.

Although it doesn’t taste like Tamari, it imparts a similar umami flavor to various meals, mainly when used in soups like miso soup.

Remember that miso paste is a little thicker than Tamari, so thin it up with a bit of water before using it.

No. 5 Amino acids from coconut

If you prefer a healthy alternative to Tamari, this is an attractive choice. If you’re trying to avoid sodium, Tamari can have a lot of it.

Because the coconut amigos do not contain soybeans, they have a sweeter, less salty flavor. If you’re used to salty Tamari, the sweetness of the coconut aminos will surprise you.

However, if you get into it, you’ll be able to match it with just about anything, similar to how Tamari is used in most recipes. Important tip: Start with a few drops of coconut aminos until you discover the flavor profile you want.

No. 6 Anchovies

If salt and other seasoning options aren’t working, try adding chopped anchovies to your dish. Anchovies offer the perfect umami, fishy, and salty flavor that balances a meal that might use a little more flavor.

Make sure not to add too many anchovies to the dish because it will become overly salty if you do. You can also use it as a topping rather than incorporating it into the dish.

No. 7 Balsamic vinegar

Adding balsamic vinegar to a salad dressing is a popular salad pairing everyone enjoys. Because it is salty and sour, it pairs well with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Balsamic vinegar might save the day if you’re seeking a fantastic compliment for your vegetables or meat. Although it is sourer than Tamari, sugar or honey can sweeten it.

No. 8 Oyster sauce 

Oyster sauce is a more prosperous, sweeter soy sauce and tamari version. If you enjoy stir-fried meals, oyster sauce is a fantastic way to add savory, umami, and sweet flavors to your meal.

It’s often used in most Asian recipes to give umami flavor and a fishy kick. Unlike conventional soy sauce, it lacks the meaty seafood flavor that oyster sauce provides.

FAQs

Is Tamari a better alternative to soy sauce in terms of health?

Because of its many advantages, Tamari is frequently substituted for soy sauce. It’s higher in protein, antioxidants, and flavor, with fewer preservatives and sodium.

Is MSG present in Tamari?

Most tamaris, especially organic tamaris, do not contain MSG, thus choose organic wherever possible. To determine if a product contains MSG, look at the ingredients list.

Does tamari have a unique flavor?

Tamari is a mellower alternative to soy sauce if you want your food to have an excellent flavor profile. Compared to soy sauce, Tamari is lighter because it contains no wheat. It also has a slight sweetness to it, which helps to counteract the saltiness.

Is it necessary to keep Tamari refrigerated after opening?

Tamari should be refrigerated after opening to maintain its quality and improve its effects. It can last up to three months in the refrigerator when properly stored. Also, to extend the shelf life of your product, make sure you tightly cover it after use.

Last Thoughts

Tamari is unique in and of itself. If you don’t have it, try some of the alternatives.