• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About

Gusto Meadow

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
×
Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

Japanese Flavors: 5 BEST Tamari Sauce Substitutes

Good replacements for BEST Tamari Sauce include Soy Sauce, Coconut Aminos, Worcestershire Sauce, Fish Sauce, and Braggs Liquid Aminos.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a dark, salty liquid made from fermenting soybeans.

For cooking, Coconut Aminos also works well - adjust the amount to taste.

Craving that rich, umami-packed punch of tamari sauce but just ran out?

Tamari sauce is a superstar in bringing out those deep, savory flavors in dishes.

However, sticking to one condiment is like only listening to one song-exciting at first, but you'll soon want to switch it up.

Lucky for you, the world of flavors is vast and full of surprises.

Think of this as your golden ticket to mixing things up in the kitchen without losing an ounce of yum.

Ready for a flavor-packed ride with tamari substitutes that might just steal the show?

Buckle up, because we're about to dive in.

what is tamari sauce Save for Later!

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Tamari Sauce
    • 1 - Soy Sauce
    • 2 - Coconut Aminos
    • 3 - Worcestershire Sauce
    • 4 - Fish Sauce
    • 5 - Braggs Liquid Aminos
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The 5 Best Substitutes for Tamari Sauce

If you're out of tamari sauce or just looking for a change, there are plenty of substitutes that will work in a pinch.

Here are the five best substitutes for tamari sauce.

1 - Soy Sauce

soy sauce Save for Later!

Soy sauce is a dark, salty liquid made from fermenting soybeans.

It is commonly used in Asian cuisine as a dipping sauce or to add flavor to dishes.

Tamari is a type of soy sauce that is made without wheat, making it gluten-free.

Tamari has a richer and less salty flavor than soy sauce, making it a good alternative for those who are sensitive to salt.

When substituting tamari for soy sauce, you may need to adjust the amount you use to account for the difference in flavor.

For instance, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of soy sauce, you may only need to use one teaspoon of tamari.

You can also add tamari to taste after the dish is cooked.

Experiment with substituting tamari for soy sauce in your favorite recipes to find the perfect balance of flavors.

2 - Coconut Aminos

coconut aminos Save for Later!

Coconut aminos is a sauce made from coconut sap and sea salt.

It has a similar taste to soy sauce but is sweeter and less salty.

Because it is gluten-free and contains no soy, it is a good choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.

It is also a good alternative for those who are trying to avoid soy sauce or tamari.

Coconut aminos can be used in any recipe that calls for soy sauce or tamari.

It can be added to stir-fries, marinades, salad dressings, and soups.

It is also a good dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings.

For the best flavor, be sure to use coconut aminos that are made with quality ingredients.

Look for brands that use organic coconuts and unrefined sea salt.

3 - Worcestershire Sauce

worcestershire sauce Save for Later!

Worcestershire sauce is a popular condiment with a distinctively savory flavor.

It is made by fermenting anchovies, vinegar, and spices.

Tamari is a similar condiment that is made without anchovies and has a slightly sweeter flavor.

While Worcestershire sauce can be used as a substitution for tamari, it is not a perfect match.

The anchovies in Worcestershire sauce will add a salty, fishy flavor to dishes that may not be desired.

If you are looking to substitute Worcestershire sauce for tamari, it is best to do so in dishes where the other flavors will mask the fishiness of the Worcestershire sauce.

Also, you may want to add a bit of sugar to balance out the saltiness of the Worcestershire sauce.

Overall, while Worcestershire sauce can be used as a substitution for tamari, it is not an exact replacement.

4 - Fish Sauce

fish sauce Save for Later!

Fish sauce is a popular ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes and can be a great substitute for tamari.

Unlike tamari, fish sauce is made from fermented fish, usually anchovies.

This fermentation process gives the fish sauce its distinct umami flavor, which can add depth and complexity to a dish.

In addition, fish sauce is also typically lower in sodium than tamari.

As a result, it can be a great way to add flavor to a dish without adding too much salt.

When substituting fish sauce for tamari, starting with less than what the recipe calls for is important.

You can always add more, but it is difficult to remove once it has been added.

Start by substituting one tablespoon of fish sauce for every three tablespoons of tamari called for in the recipe.

Then, adjust to taste.

5 - Braggs Liquid Aminos

braggs liquid aminos Save for Later!

Braggs liquid aminos is a great product that can be used in place of tamari.

Tamari is a type of soy sauce that is made with little or no wheat.

Most store-bought soy sauces have gluten in them, but Bragg's is gluten-free.

This makes it a good choice for those who are celiac or have gluten sensitivity.

Bragg's is also lower in sodium than tamari and has no added sugar.

It's a bit more expensive than tamari, but it's worth it if you're looking for a healthier option.

When substituting Bragg's for tamari, use the same amount called for in the recipe.

You may need to add a little extra water to thin it out; otherwise, it should work just as well.

Give Bragg's a try next time you're looking for a healthy alternative to soy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for BEST Tamari Sauce?

Soy Sauce, Coconut Aminos, Worcestershire Sauce, Fish Sauce, and Braggs Liquid Aminos. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for BEST Tamari Sauce.

What are the closest alternatives?

In most cases, yes. Try Soy Sauce first since the flavor is closest.

Coconut Aminos handles heat and texture differently, so test in small batches.

Will the color or appearance of the dish change?

It can, especially with ingredients that have distinct colors or pigments. The difference is usually minor in mixed dishes but may be more visible in lighter sauces or batters.

How do you adjust seasoning when using a substitute?

Taste as you go.

Substitutes can be saltier, milder, or sweeter than the original.

Add seasoning gradually and adjust at the end rather than matching the original recipe amounts exactly.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

More Substitutes

  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Ground Almond
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Leeks
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Duck Fat
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for San Marzano Tomatoes

Primary Sidebar

Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

Hi, I'm Andrew

Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

Our Story →

Related Posts

  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Beef Shank
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Ground Chicken
  • Satisfy Cravings: 5 BEST Substitutes for Ground Beef
  • 5 Best Substitutes for Peppadews Peppers
  • Umami Boosters: 5 Best Substitutes for Mushroom Powder
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Bell Peppers

Join 5,000+ Home Cooks

Fresh Recipes Weekly

Easy dinner ideas, smart substitutes, and kitchen tips — every Thursday morning.

Subscribe Free →

Dinner Picks

  • Beef stew recipes
    17 Beef Stew Recipes for Cold-Weather Comfort
  • Steak dinner recipes
    22 Easy Steak Dinner Recipes You Can Make at Home
  • Meatloaf recipes
    20 Creative Meatloaf Recipes for Family Dinners
  • Slow cooker beef recipes
    25 Slow Cooker Beef Recipes to Warm You Up

Browse by Topic

  • Ingredient Substitutes340
  • Side Dishes186
  • Comparisons124
  • Taste Guides89
  • Shelf Life72

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Services
  • Disclosure

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2026 GustoMeadow