We’ve all been mid-stir fry, only to realize the light soy sauce is nowhere to be found. No big deal, we’ve got you covered! We rounded up six simple swaps to keep your cooking on track.
After plenty of experimenting (and likely some accidental over-salting), we nailed down substitutes that actually work. Some of these alternatives are pantry regulars that can step in without missing a beat.
Whether you’re throwing together a quick fried rice or slow-cooking something flavorful, these swaps will do the job. We’ve tested them ourselves, so you don’t have to.
Check out these easy substitutes for the next time you’re caught without your trusty light soy sauce. You’ll never need to pause the stir-fry again!
6 Easy Substitutes for Light Soy Sauce
Here are six great substitutes for light soy sauce in a pinch:
1 – Tamari
What if I told you that tamari could step in for light soy sauce like it was made for the job? Tamari is typically thicker and less salty, making it a smooth swap in many dishes. It’s also gluten-free, which is a bonus for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Use tamari in the same 1:1 ratio as light soy sauce. Its flavor leans a little richer and deeper, so it’s great in marinades and stir-fries. We’ve noticed it blends well without overpowering ingredients.
Need more options for tamari? Check out this guide to tamari substitutes for more ideas that can handle your light soy sauce needs.
2 – Coconut Aminos
For a soy-free option, give coconut aminos a try. It’s made from the fermented sap of coconut blossoms and has become popular as an alternative to soy sauce. The flavor is slightly sweeter and less salty than light soy sauce, but it still adds plenty of umami.
Use coconut aminos at a 1:1 ratio in your recipes. It works great in marinades, dressings, sauces, and more. You may need to adjust for saltiness if you’re used to using light soy sauce, but overall it’s a fantastic substitute.
For more ideas on using coconut aminos, check out our coconut aminos substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
3 – Liquid Aminos
You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap liquid aminos for light soy sauce. It’s gluten-free and packs a mild, salty kick that works in most recipes—really straightforward.
Use liquid aminos in a 1:1 ratio for light soy sauce. It’s slightly less salty, so you might need to adjust. The texture is thinner, making it great for marinades, stir-fries, and dressings.
It’s soy-based though, so it’s not for those avoiding soy entirely. Still, it’s a simple, reliable fix for light soy sauce shortages.
If you’re curious about more soy-free or gluten-free alternatives, check out this guide to the best liquid aminos substitutes for more details.
4 – Dark Soy Sauce (Diluted)
Even light soy sauce’s sibling can pinch-hit when necessary. Mix dark soy sauce with water in a 1:1 ratio to mimic the flavor of light soy sauce. The color will be darker, but its texture and flavor are very similar.
Dark soy sauce has a deeper, richer flavor than light soy sauce, so it’s great for adding depth to dishes like stir-fries and marinades. You may need to adjust for saltiness or dilution depending on your needs, but overall it’s a solid substitute.
For more ideas on using dark soy sauce, check out our dark soy sauce substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
5 – Fish Sauce with Water
If you’ve ever been stuck without light soy sauce, fish sauce mixed with water is a smart hack. Use a 1:2 ratio of fish sauce to water to tone down its bold, salty kick. The combination gives you that umami vibe with a touch of saltiness, closer to light soy sauce.
It’s great for stir-fries, soups, and marinades. Fish sauce has a stronger aroma, so go easy if you’re not used to it. Adjust the ratio to balance the salt if needed.
Need more ideas? Check out these fish sauce substitutes for extra tips.
6 – Worcestershire Sauce
For a quick fix, try Worcestershire sauce. It’s not the most similar in flavor to light soy sauce, but with a little adjustment, it can work. Use half Worcestershire sauce and half water in your recipe to replicate the saltiness of light soy sauce.
Its savory kick adds depth to dishes like stir-fries and marinades. Overall, it’s an easy substitute that you may already have in your pantry.
For more ideas on using Worcestershire sauce, check out our Worcestershire substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.