If you’re an Asian food enthusiast, you might be used to using soy sauce. Dark soy sauce is a variety of soy sauce that has a thicker, more intense flavor than light soy sauce. It is made from a mixture of fermented soybeans, roasted wheat, salt, and Aspergillus oryzae.
There are two types of soy sauce: light and dark. The dark variety has a thicker, more intense flavor. This is because it contains less water and more fermented soybeans.
Dark soy sauce can be used in marinades, stir-fries, and soups. It’s also a common ingredient in Asian dipping sauces.
If you don’t have any dark soy sauce on hand and you need it for a recipe, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutes that can be used in a pinch.
When substituting dark soy sauce, look for substitutes that will provide a similar level of sweetness and saltiness. Here are 9 of the best substitutes for dark soy sauce:
Table of Contents
9 Best Dark Soy Sauce Substitutes
1. Light Soy Sauce
If you need a dark soy sauce substitute, light soy sauce is your best bet. It has a similar salty flavor and can be used in the same way. The main difference is that light soy sauce is thinner and has a less intense flavor.
If you don’t want to obtain the darker hue from dark soy sauce, light soy sauce is a fantastic choice. Substitutes dark soy sauce with light soy sauce in a 1:1 ratio.
2. Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is another great substitute for dark soy sauce. It has a similar sweet and savory flavor, with a slightly thicker consistency. Teriyaki sauce is made from soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and ginger.
You can use it in dishes like stir-fries, marinades, and glazes. Substitute dark soy sauce with an equal amount of teriyaki sauce.
3. Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a Chinese condiment that’s made from soybeans, garlic, chili peppers, and sugar. It’s got a sweet and savory flavor that’s similar to dark soy sauce, making it a great substitute in stir-fries and marinades.
Hoisin sauce contains some ingredients that are not present in dark soy sauce, hence, it imparts a slightly different flavor to dishes. Therefore, adjust the quantity of the sauce according to your taste and recipe.
4. Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is another Asian condiment that’s made from oysters, soy sauce, and sugar. It has a similar salty-sweet flavor profile as dark soy sauce, making it a good stand-in for those who are looking for an umami-packed flavor.
This sauce also has an oyster flavor to it. If you don’t enjoy the taste of oysters, you may not want to use this substitute.
Oyster sauce complements dishes that include fish, shellfish, vegetables, and rice. It can be used as a marinade, stir-fry sauce, or dipping sauce. You can add the same quantity of Oyster sauce to your recipe as you would add dark soy sauce.
5. Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a British condiment that’s made from vinegar, anchovies, molasses, tamarind, and spices. It has a sour, salty, and sweet flavor that makes it a good substitute for dark soy sauce.
However, in comparisons to dark soy sauce, you will find that this sauce has a more watery texture and less sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce can be used in marinades, soups, and sauces. Use same quantity of Worcestershire sauce to replace dark soy sauce in your recipe.
6. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a type of vinegar that’s made from grape juice and wine vinegar. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with a syrupy consistency.
While it doesn’t have the same salty flavor as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar can be used as a dark soy sauce substitute in certain dishes. It can be used in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.
Use balsamic vinegar as a marinade for meats or vegetables. You can also use it to make a glaze or dressing. When substituting, use half of amount of balsamic vinegar as you would dark soy sauce.
7. Mushroom Flavored Soy Sauce
Mushroom flavored soy sauce is a variety of soy sauce that’s made with mushrooms and other seasonings. It has a savory flavor with umami notes, making it a good substitute for dark soy sauce.
This type of soy sauce can be used in the same way as regular soy sauce. It can be used in stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. Use an equal amount of mushroom flavored soy sauce to replace dark soy sauce in your recipe but your dish will have a slight mushroom flavor.
8. Tamari Sauce
Tamari sauce is a type of soy sauce that’s made without wheat and is gluten-free. It has a similar salty flavor as soy sauce, making it a good substitute in dishes.
It has a flavor and color profile midway between light and dark soy sauce. If you want to eat gluten-free, this deep black soy sauce substitute might be ideal for you.
You can use tamari sauce as a marinade or stir-fry sauce. When using tamari sauce in place of dark soy sauce, use the same quantity.
9. Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a Southeast Asian condiment that’s made from fermented fish. It has a salty and fishy flavor that can be used as a dark soy sauce substitute.
If you don’t mind the fishy flavor, fish sauce can be used in marinades, salads, and soups. When substituting, use half the amount of fish sauce as you would dark soy sauce.
There are many different ways that you can replace dark soy sauce in your cooking. These substitutes will provide you with a similar flavor profile, although there may be some slight variations. Choose the substitute that best suits your dish and taste preferences.
Related Questions:
What Does Dark Soy Sauce Taste Like?
If you’ve never had dark soy sauce before, you might be wondering what it tastes like. Dark soy sauce is similar to regular soy sauce, but it is thicker and has a slightly sweeter flavor. It is also less salty than regular soy sauce.
What’s the Difference Between Regular Soy Sauce and Dark Soy Sauce?
The main difference between regular soy sauce and dark soy sauce is the color. Regular soy sauce is light brown, while dark soy sauce is deep brown. The other difference is that dark soy sauce has a slightly sweeter flavor and is less salty than regular soy sauce.
Dark soy sauce is thicker than regular soy sauce, so it is often used as a glaze or marinade. It is also used in stir-fries and noodle dishes.
How Do You Make Dark Soy Sauce?
Dark soy sauce is made by adding sugar and molasses to regular soy sauce. This gives it a sweeter flavor and a thicker consistency. It is less salty than regular soy sauce and has a deep brown color.
How Do You Make Light Soy Sauce From Dark Soy Sauce?
Dark soy sauce is a thicker, more flavorful version of soy sauce. It is made by fermenting soybeans and wheat with molasses and salt. You can make light soy sauce from dark soy sauce by diluting it with water or broth.
Conclusion
There are many different substitutes that you can use for dark soy sauce. The best substitute will depend on the dish that you’re making and your personal taste preferences.
Teriyaki sauce, balsamic vinegar, hosin sauce, fish sauce, and tamari sauce are all good substitutes for dark soy sauce. Experiment with different substitutes to find the one that you like the best.
I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. I will do my best to answer them.
