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7 Amazing Eel Sauce Substitutes for Sushi Lovers

Eel sauce is amazing, but we get it — sometimes you need a fast alternative. Whether you’re out or just looking to shake things up, substitutes can save your sushi night.

We’ve had those moments prepping sushi at home, staring at an empty bottle like, “Now what?”

Turns out, there are plenty of easy swaps, and some might already be in your pantry. From familiar condiments to creative blends, these options bring flavor without skipping a beat.

If you’re curious what works best, we’ve got ideas lined up to help you get rolling (literally).

7 Easy Substitutes for Eel Sauce

Here are seven excellent substitutes for eel sauce that will help you satisfy your sushi cravings:

1 – Teriyaki Sauce

It all started when I ran out of eel sauce and grabbed teriyaki sauce instead. Turns out, teriyaki sauce works like a charm. It’s sweet, salty, and sticky enough to mimic eel sauce’s vibe.

Use it straight from the bottle or boil it down for a thicker texture. The sweetness level might be slightly higher, so you can balance it by adding a splash of soy sauce. Replace eel sauce 1:1 with teriyaki sauce, and you’re good to go.

Teriyaki sauce is super easy to find. Most pantries already have it stocked, making it an insanely convenient option. If teriyaki sauce interests you, check out teriyaki sauce substitutes for even more swaps and ideas.

2 – Soy Sauce with Honey

Some recipes insist on eel sauce, but we’ve got a hack. Mix soy sauce with honey, and boom—you’ve got yourself a sweet and salty eel sauce alternative. It’s ridiculously simple and tastes almost identical.

Use one part honey to two parts soy sauce. Adjust the ratio if you like it sweeter or less salty. Heat the mix for a silky texture that sticks to your sushi or glazes your favorite dish perfectly.

This combo works because soy sauce brings umami, and honey balances it with sweetness. Most of us already have these in the pantry, so there’s no need to stress about making a store run. If you’re intrigued, check out soy sauce substitutes for even more ideas using soy sauce.

3 – Hoisin Sauce

Did you know you can swap hoisin sauce with soy sauce and peanut butter? Mix two parts soy sauce with one part peanut butter. It’s rich and salty with a hint of sweetness—a great match for hoisin’s bold flavor.

Add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil for extra depth. Adjust the thickness by whisking in warm water until smooth. This combo nails the balance of salty, sweet, and umami.

It’s simple and fits perfectly in stir-fries, marinades, or even as a dipping sauce. Most of us have these staples on hand, so it’s a no-brainer. If hoisin sauce substitutes excite you, check out other creative swaps for hoisin sauce to keep experimenting.

4 – Oyster Sauce

The first step to mastering substitutions is knowing soy sauce can replace oyster sauce in a pinch. Mix three parts soy sauce with one part sugar. It’s savory, salty, and sweet—very close to oyster sauce. Adjust the sugar level based on how sweet you like it. For a richer flavor, use dark soy sauce instead of regular.

This swap works best for stir-fries, glazes, and marinades. Use it at a 1:1 ratio. It’s not identical to oyster sauce, but it’s close enough to save your dish. Most of us already have soy sauce in the pantry, so this is super convenient.

If you’re curious about other substitutes, check out how to replace oyster sauce for even more ideas.

5 – Sweet Soy Glaze

This one substitute will save your recipe. Sweet soy glaze is a surprisingly good stand-in for oyster sauce. It’s thick, shiny, and sweet with just the right amount of saltiness to work in most dishes.

Use it at a 1:1 ratio when you need that rich, savory flavor. It adds a slightly sweeter vibe, so balance things out depending on the dish. Sweet soy glaze shines in stir-fries and marinades.

We like it because it’s versatile and easy to grab if you already have it around. It’s a reliable pick if you’re scrambling for ideas mid-cooking. Plus, it’s less fishy, which can be a bonus for some of us.

6 – Ponzu Sauce

You’ll never believe how easy it is to use ponzu sauce instead of oyster sauce. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and has a citrusy kick that stands out. The soy and vinegar base delivers a savory, umami-packed punch that mimics oyster sauce in so many dishes.

Use it at a 1:1 ratio for stir-fries, sauces, or marinades. It’s thinner than oyster sauce but blends effortlessly into recipes. If you want more thickness, you can reduce it on the stove.

Ponzu sauce gives dishes a zesty twist while staying balanced and flavorful. It’s also less salty compared to other options. For more ideas on how to replace ponzu in other recipes, check out this guide to ponzu sauce substitutes.

7 – Tamari with Brown Sugar

This one substitute will save your recipe and might even surprise you with its simplicity. Tamari with brown sugar is a quick fix that works well in place of oyster sauce. Mix two parts tamari with one part brown sugar. The tamari brings a savory, mildly salty taste that mirrors soy sauce, while the brown sugar adds sweetness to balance the flavor.

It’s thicker than ponzu but thinner than oyster sauce, making it versatile for stir-fries or marinades. You can tweak the sugar to make it sweeter or reduce it for less sweetness. Use it as a 1:1 substitute. It also leans gluten-free since tamari usually skips wheat.

For more ideas on switching tamari for other sauces, check the tamari sauce substitutes guide. This swap is a no-brainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use teriyaki sauce as a direct replacement for eel sauce?

Yes, teriyaki sauce offers a similar sweet and savory flavor, though it may be slightly less thick than eel sauce.

How do I make a quick eel sauce substitute at home?

Mix soy sauce with honey and a splash of mirin or rice vinegar for a quick and easy alternative.

Is hoisin sauce a good substitute for eel sauce?

Hoisin sauce has a thicker consistency and a slightly stronger flavor, but it works well in many dishes that call for eel sauce.

What’s the difference between sweet soy glaze and eel sauce?

Sweet soy glaze is slightly sweeter and more syrupy than eel sauce but can be used in similar ways.

Is ponzu sauce a good eel sauce replacement for sushi?

Ponzu sauce is more citrusy and less sweet than eel sauce, so it works best if you prefer a tangy twist.

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