Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that has a rich umami flavor and a slightly thicker, less salty profile compared to regular soy sauce and is typically gluten-free. Tamari is commonly used in marinades, dressings, dipping sauces, and stir-fries. If you don’t have tamari on hand, several substitutes can provide the savory depth and versatility tamari brings to your recipes.
What Is Tamari?
Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that comes from the process of fermenting soybeans to make miso. During the fermentation process, koji is mixed with soybeans, salt, and water to create a mash called moromi.
This moromi is left to age for several months, allowing its flavor, color, and aroma to fully develop. After aging, the moromi is pressed to extract the liquid, which is then bottled as tamari. This process gives tamari its rich umami flavor, smooth texture, and slightly salty profile.
5 Substitutes for Tamari
1. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the most accessible substitute for tamari and works in nearly all the same applications. While soy sauce is saltier and thinner, its umami flavor is similar, making it an easy replacement in stir-fries, soups, and marinades.
For a closer match to tamari’s milder saltiness, low-sodium soy sauce is the best choice. Regular soy sauce can slightly alter the balance of a dish if used in equal amounts, so consider using a bit less and tasting as you go.
2. Coconut Aminos
Coconut aminos is a gluten-free and soy-free option made from fermented coconut sap. It’s a great alternative to tamari for those with dietary restrictions. It’s milder and sweeter than tamari, with less salty intensity, but still delivers a pleasant savory note that complements a variety of dishes.
While it lacks the full-bodied depth of tamari, coconut aminos work well in recipes like dressings and marinades, or as a finishing touch in stir-fries.
3. Liquid Aminos
Liquid aminos is derived from soy protein and offers a lighter and slightly sweeter alternative to tamari. It is gluten-free and shares a similar umami profile, though its flavor is less robust and its consistency thinner.
Liquid aminos is a versatile substitute and can be used in soups, stir-fries, or even as a seasoning for roasted vegetables or grains. Because they are milder than tamari, you may need to adjust quantities slightly or pair them with another ingredient like miso for added depth.
4. Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a strong umami-packed condiment that can replace tamari in small amounts. Its salty and pungent flavor adds complexity to dishes but lacks the smoothness and subtle sweetness of tamari. Use fish sauce sparingly in soups, stews, or marinades, as its intensity can overpower a dish.
It’s best suited for recipes where its liquid consistency blends well with other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor without drawing too much attention to itself.
5. Maggi Seasoning Sauce
Maggi seasoning sauce is a highly concentrated and bold-flavored alternative to tamari. Its herbal undertones and intense umami make it an effective substitute in small amounts, though it’s saltier and less sweet than tamari.
Maggi’s thin consistency works well in soups, sauces, and marinades. If using Maggi seasoning sauce, it’s best to use slightly less than the amount of tamari specified in your recipe. This will allow you to balance the flavors without overpowering the dish.