Soy Sauce & Tamari
Bread is an obvious culprit when it comes to gluten-free foods that are off-limits, but many condiments are hiding gluten, too, which means you have to be extra diligent about checking nutrition labels. One condiment that’s a safe option is tamari, soy sauce’s wheat-free cousin. It can be used interchangeably anywhere you’d normally use soy sauce, like in fish marinades, fried rice, peanut sauces, and more. Its umami flavor doesn’t have to stay bound to Asian dishes, either. Pour some into a pot of black beans, or stir a spoonful into chunky soups to perk up all the other flavors. And let’s not forget coconut aminos. Made from the sap of coconuts, it’s yet another gluten-free alternative to keep in your pantry. A bit sweeter than tamari and soy sauce, coconut aminos are still the right choice for many similar applications, especially sauces and stir-fries.
Soy Sauce vs. Tamari
Soy sauce and tamari are both made from fermented soybeans. The main difference is soy sauce has wheat and tamari has very little (or none at all). If you’re eating strictly gluten-free, be sure to confirm with the brand that their tamari is completely wheat-free.
Best Soy Sauce and Tamari
Take a tour of these tamari bottles and choose the one that’s right for you.
San J International Organic Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
This 20-ounce bottle of organic and gluten-free soy sauce will last for a while in your kitchen, making it a staple worth stocking up on. A natural fermentation process gives this tamari a rich flavor to enhance your marinades and stir-fries. You can also add a splash to soups and sauces for added depth.
San J International Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce - Reduced Sodium
Just like the original, this tamari is the gold standard when it comes to condiments, but with less sodium. Formulated to be gluten-free with the same umami flavor of soy sauce, this tamari makes a great addition to your pantry.
San J International Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
Skip the soy sauce and try tamari instead. It’s a gluten-free staple for a range of dishes, and adds robust flavor to recipes like dressings, gravies, or even a pot of black beans.
Organic Liquid Aminos
If you’re leaning toward liquid aminos as a soy sauce alternative, these are three options you won’t want to miss.
Thrive Market Organic Coconut Aminos
Our version of coconut aminos is made from the organic sap of coconut trees, and contains approximately 65 percent less sodium than most soy sauces on the market. It’s easy to swap into recipes wherever you’d normally use soy sauce.
Bragg Liquid Aminos
Coconuts aren’t the only way to make liquid aminos. Bragg opts for soybeans that contain 16 essential and nonessential amino acids for added nutrition. Try it the next time you bring some sushi home. It also works well as a marinade for steak, salmon, or veggies.
Tips for Using Liquid Aminos and Soy Sauce
Using liquid aminos and soy sauce in your cooking is an easy way to increase flavor. Here are some of our favorite recipes and ways to maximize this favorite condiment.
What Are Coconut Aminos?
Coconut aminos have health benefits that are worth exploring. We also have a list of the best recipes to try that feature a splash of this tasty sauce.
Sheet Pan Shrimp With Sesame Broccoli
Make dinner for the whole family on a single tray? Sign us up! On busy weeknights, this is the easiest way to prep a meal. Everyone will love this broccoli and shrimp bake flavored with sesame oil and coconut aminos. If you’re not keeping to a Whole30 diet, steam some rice to serve as a side.
Flank Steak vs. Skirt Steak
These two cuts of meat have big potential in the kitchen, especially when marinating is involved. Head to the blog to see these steaks go head to head, and get recipes like a Peruvian beef stir-fry that flavors a sauce with red wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.