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5 Dark Soy Sauce Substitutes

Dark soy sauce adds rich, dark color and a touch of sweetness to dishes, typically used in small amounts to enhance the appearance of recipes like marinades stir-fries and braises. While dark soy sauce isn’t usually the main source of flavor in a recipe, it deepens the color and subtly boosts the overall taste profile.

If you need a substitute, several options can replicate the dark color, mild sweetness, and umami flavor.

A bottle of dark soy sauce being poured into a bowl.

What is Dark Soy Sauce and Where Can I Find It?

Dark soy sauce is a type of soy sauce with a thicker texture, deep color, and mild sweetness. Made by aging soybeans with wheat and adding a bit of molasses or caramel, it becomes darker and richer than regular soy sauce. Dark soy sauce can be found in Asian grocery stores and in the international foods section of many supermarkets.

5 Substitutes for Dark Soy Sauce

1. Regular Soy Sauce with Molasses

Mixing regular soy sauce with molasses creates an easy substitute that mirrors the color and sweetness of dark soy sauce. Combine one tablespoon of regular soy sauce with half a teaspoon of molasses to achieve a darker, similar consistency, color and flavor.

Regular soy sauce is widely available, and the addition of molasses helps replicate the deeper color and subtle sweetness that dark soy sauce provides.

Recipes: Use this mix in stir-fries, marinades, and braises where a darker color is important.


2. Tamari

Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce with a naturally darker color and a less salty profile than regular soy sauce, making it an excellent substitute for dark soy sauce. While it doesn’t have the same sweetness of dark soy, tamari’s depth of flavor and dark color allow it to blend well as a substitute in many recipes.

Tamari is widely available in grocery stores, especially in the gluten-free section. It provides a similar dark appearance and rich flavor.

Recipes: Use tamari in stir-fries, sauces, and braises to add color without adding too much saltiness.


3. Mushroom Soy Sauce

Mushroom soy sauce is a variety of dark soy sauce infused with mushroom extract that offers a similar dark color and added umami flavor. Its consistency, color, and flavor make it an excellent match for dark soy sauce, adding a slightly darker color and a bit of earthy depth.

Mushroom soy sauce is available in Asian grocery stores and online. It brings a slightly darker hue and works well in dishes that benefit from a little extra umami.

Recipes: Use mushroom soy sauce in noodle dishes, stir-fries, and braised recipes for a rich color and mild earthy taste.


4. Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce provides a dark color and thick consistency, making it a practical replacement for dark soy sauce in recipes where color is key. Although it has a mild seafood flavor, this flavor usually blends well in many recipes that call for dark soy sauce.

Oyster sauce is commonly found in the Asian section of grocery stores. Its thickness and deep color make it a reliable substitute in stir-fries and glazes.

Recipes: Use oyster sauce in stir-fries, braises, and as a glaze for meats or tofu to enhance color and texture.


5. Hoisin Sauce with a Splash of Soy Sauce

Hoisin sauce, combined with a splash of soy sauce, creates a dark, sweet, and slightly salty substitute that closely matches the color of dark soy sauce. Hoisin has a thick consistency and mild sweetness that make it an effective alternative.

Hoisin sauce is readily available in the Asian foods section of most grocery stores. This combination works best in recipes that benefit from added color and a bit of sweetness.

Recipes: Use hoisin and soy sauce in marinades, glazes, and dipping sauces where a dark color is desired.