GF soy sauce is an excellent alternative to regular soy sauce without a noticeable difference in flavor. It’s safe for gluten-intolerant people due to its unique fermentation process.
Gluten-free soy sauce contains no gluten (wheat) and is an excellent substitute for those with an allergy or intolerance to gluten and celiac disease. You can use it in everyday cooking, such as dips, marinades, seasoning, and finishing sauce.
Table of contents
What Is Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
As its name suggests, gluten-free soy sauce contains no trace of gluten. It’s the alternative for GF diets to regular soy sauce, as most brands contain wheat as one of their primary ingredients.
Soy sauce is made by inoculating rice with koji spores and mixing it with steamed soybeans and salt.
What Does It Taste Like
It has the same umami-rich savory flavor as regular soy sauce.
How To Use
You can use it like you use regular soy sauce. Use it to season foods, as a dipping sauce for dumplings and sushi, and in a marinade.
Where To Buy
Due to the increasing demand for gluten-free products, you can easily find GF soy sauces in supermarkets, not just Asian grocery stores. You can find bottles in the Asian aisle in major grocery stores, including Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, or large local retailers. You can also purchase it online. Check the label for the wheat-free label.
You can also find GF low-sodium soy sauce.
How To Choose The Best
Read the label to check for “certified gluten-free” and if the soy sauce is brewed with four simple ingredients – water, soybeans, rice, and salt. It should not contain additives or preservatives.
For gluten-free soy sauce brands, Kikkoman gluten-free soy sauce is the most widely available GF soy sauce worldwide. Another recommendation is San-J’s No Soy Tamari.
How to Store
Before Opening
Store unopened bottles at room temperature. Store in a pantry or dark place and avoid direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
After Opening
When soy sauce comes in contact with air, it oxidizes, darkens in color, and gradually loses its aroma. To prevent this, make sure to close opened bottles properly.
There’s an ongoing debate about whether opened bottles should be refrigerated or stored at room temperature. It’s a shelf-stable product as it’s high in sodium and won’t spoil. While some experts suggest keeping premium bottles in the fridge, it’s ultimately up to you.
Substitutes
There is no GF soy sauce alternative, as it’s a unique fermented food product with the perfect balance of saltiness and umami flavor.
However, for those who are allergic to soy and gluten, there are gluten-free soy-free alternatives. You can use the same amount of coconut aminos or Bragg liquid aminos as a substitute. Coconut aminos is a dark liquid condiment made from the fermented sap of a coconut palm tree and sea salt. It does not have a similar flavor profile but gives you a little salty-savory taste.
Recipes Using Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
- Gluten-Free Baked Chicken Katsu グルテンフリー揚げないチキンカツ
- Poke Bowl
- Honey Soy Glazed Spatchcock Chicken
For more delicious gluten-free recipes, click here. Note that you can simply swap regular soy sauce for GF soy sauce without a noticeable change in flavor.
FAQs
What’s the difference between GF soy sauce and Tamari?
The main difference between GF soy sauce and Tamari is the wheat content.
- GF Soy Sauce:
- A regular soy sauce that has had gluten removed during processing
- It may taste similar to traditional soy sauce but without the wheat component
- Suitable for those with gluten intolerances or celiac disease
- Tamari:
- A type of soy sauce originating from Japan
- Traditionally made with little to no wheat, it can be naturally gluten-free, but check the label beforehand. You can find gluten-free tamari soy sauce.
- It has a milder, richer flavor compared to regular soy sauce
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on dietary needs and the desired flavor for a specific dish. GF soy sauce is for those who need to avoid gluten, while Tamari is valued for its unique taste and can also be gluten-free.
How can I swap regular soy sauce for GF soy sauce?
You can replace regular soy sauce with GF soy sauce in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes. However, some GF soy sauces may have a slightly different sodium content than regular soy sauce. After making the substitution, taste your dish to ensure it has the desired flavor.
Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.