To all my friends with soy allergies, you can enjoy the taste of soy sauce again! You won’t believe how much this soy free soy sauce tastes like the real thing.
Since developing a bunch of food allergies, I’ve been pretty good about finding substitutions for all my old favorites. Healthy “nice” cream has become my thing, and I’m pretty much a wheat-free pro. One thing that’s been tricky, however, is soy sauce. I’m a big fan of Asian cuisine, and I’ve had to give a lot of that up since most of my favorite dishes come with a soy-based sauce. I still enjoy sushi, but I miss the salty dippingness (yea… that’s a word now) that soy sauce adds.
Well, I went on a mission to create a soy-sauce alternative, and I’m pleased to say I’ve done it! Low and behold, Soy Free Soy Sauce!
Is that angels I hear singing? I think so! This stuff takes no time at all to make and tastes just like the regular stuff. All you have to do is throw the ingredients in a pot and let it all boil down. Instant perfection.
I used my newly created sauce to create my Healthy Chicken and Cashews. Ooo ahhhh. So delicious!
And then the true test: as a dipping sauce for sushi. The outcome. A solid win for all fish kind!
I used a beef stock to make it, but I’m sure a no-beef boullion (affiliate link) will work just as well for all my vegetarian/vegan friends.
I’ve heard coconut aminos are a good soy sauce sub, too, so that’s next on my to-try list.
Now all I need is to find a substitution for popcorn, and I’m set!


- 2 cups beef stock (vegetarians can try no-beef bouillon)
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp molasses
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger
- pinch of black pepper
- pinch of garlic powder
- pinch of onion powder
- Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
- Boil uncovered until reduced to 1/2 cup (watch to make sure it doesn't boil over!).
- Store in the fridge and shake before each use.
What’s your favorite dish with soy sauce?

Super interesting! I’m a big liquid aminos person. It is made from soy but it is gluten ffree.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Coaching, Margaritas, and Candied Bacon: Weekend Highs and Lows
There are so many great gluten-free options. Soy is such a tricky little devil.
Just found out I’m allergic to soy really need help finding meals to make that also a free
Just found out I’m allergic to soy having a hard time making meals everything has soy in it if anybody can help with some recipes would really appreciate it
I also found out that I have very bad soy allergy. If you could pass on any recipes I would be very grateful. Or you can email me at our2cs@aol.comhouse
Thank you
Hi how long would this sauce last in the fridge?
About a week!
Coconut Aminos, are a Natural option! 🙂
Just not for those who have trouble digesting coconut. I follow AIP. I don’t eat soy and can’t eat coconut. I have tried coconut aminos several times and get a headache every time. I’m really looking forward to trying this recipe! Thanks
Coconut aminos are way too sweet for me..sadly not the tangy soy sauce flavor I love but can’t have soy now so I do want to try this recipe.
I hope you like it!
No soy soy sauce?! I NEED to give it a try!!
Yes you do!
I use coconut aminos (Also soy free) but they are crazy expensive to buy I’ll have to try making my own!
Renee recently posted…The Yoga Feast #Cusefit #CuseFitYoga
This is definitely very inexpensive!
OMG love this!! I was buying coconut aminos, but that stuff really isn’t good for the wallet. This is simple, cheap AND homemade. Win all the way around for sure!
Kat recently posted…[Gluten-Free,Vegan & Paleo] Cranberry Cacao Nib Pumpkin Bars
Woohoo!! I hope you like it!
ooh creative what a great option and easy to make in a hurry. Thanks for linking up today!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…10 Healthy Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides
Very easy to make. Thanks for the link up 🙂
OMG!! Since being on the Elimination Diet and noticing a difference in how I feel without soy, it is also the one big thing I’ve been missing! Thanks so much for this recipe. I am so going to try it!!!!
Megan recently posted…Vegan and Gluten-Free Creamy Mushroom Soup – Elimination Diet Recipe
Woohoo! Glad I could help! I hope you like it!
Oh man, must try making this! I usually use Tamari, but I can’t seem to remember to pick it up at the store. We eat a ton of homemade sushi and stir-fry, so if I can get my husband to eat this instead of the regular stuff, it’ll be a miracle! 🙂 Have you tried popped amaranth or sorghum? I am pretty sure both can be popped like popcorn. It definitely tastes a bit different and is really tiny pieces, but it might do the trick!
I haven’t tried popped amaranth or sorghum, but I’m going to now! Thank you!
Oh this is great! I don’t eat a ton of Asian dishes but I do enjoy soy sauce and would be sad if I couldn’t have it due to allergies! Your beef dish looks soo good!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Weekly Meal Plan for 11/15/15
Thanks, Janelle!
This kinda made me drool. Just sayin’… 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Meatless Monday: Butternut Pear Soup
Woohoo! Mission accomplished 🙂
Yummy idea, I usually use liquid aminos in place of soy sauce. It’s really good. This looks like a good alternative. Thanks!
Ivanna recently posted…Plum Deluxe Tea Review
I’ll definitely have to give liquid aminos a try.
I love soy sauce and wasabi on my sushi! (I have to have the low-sodium version, because otherwise I get vicious headaches).
I have no idea what could replace popcorn. That’s a tough one 🙁
Jenn recently posted…week in review: 11.8 â 11.14
Yes – too salty can leaving you feeling dehydrated for days!
That was a creative idea for a soy sauce substitute. Does Tamari work too or are you allergic to that too?
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…7 Best Fitness Trackers Under $100
No tamari unfortunately 🙁
So excited to try this!! It looks amazing 🙂 Such a great recipe idea!!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple recently posted…Gym Bag Essentials to Keep You Healthy During Cold & Flu Season
Woohoo! Thanks!
Nicole you’re such a genius! I know that gluten free soy sauces are out there, but I never thought to do what you’ve done and make my own. I love sushi too and going to Chinese restaurants with family is always tough…I’ll have to give this a try 🙂
Cayanne Marcus recently posted…What You Should be Doing During the Last 10 Minutes of Your Workout
Awe you make me blush :).
What a great idea! I buy Tamari soy sauce, but I like the idea of yours–seems like it might be kind of sweet and good for dipping.
BTW, why would you want a soy-free sauce? Just curious.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Book club review and linkup: My Life on the Road: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon by Bart Yasso
I’m allergic to soy, so I wanted something that tastes just like soy sauce… sans the soy! haha
So creative and inspiring! Sounds like a great substitute. I’m glad you get your salty dip sauce back 🙂
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Key West in Fall
Me, too!
Nicole this is awesome! Sounds like a great idea for a substitute.
jill conyers recently posted…Healthy Living Jumpstart 2016!
Thank you 🙂
Love how creative you are! We stick with coconut aminos or bragg liquid aminos for the gluten free version of soy sauce. Tamari is also gluten free and tastes pretty awesome, I actually had no idea you could create the same flavor profile, I can’t wait to play around with a vegetarian version 🙂
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup (#SundaySupper)
Thanks, Sam! I know a lot of people swear by Tamari for its gluten-free goodness – if only it was soy-free too… but I’m pretty sure it’s 100% soy so I don’t know how they’d do that haha.
What a great alternative! My BF’s father can’t eat soy sauce so this would interest him!
Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #35
Awesome! I hope he likes it.
This is so cool!!! I eat soy but I want to make this instead! 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…BBQ Quinoa Meatloaf [Recipe]
haha YASSS!
Omg this post is making me want sushi so badly, which I haven’t been able to have since I’m pregnant. Only a couple of more weeks and then I can enjoy it again!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Facing Reality
Oh no! Sorry to feed the craving! Soon! Soon!
What a neat substitution! I’m an avid user of soy sauce but my hubby isn’t as keen on it. Maybe he would like this option.
Becki S recently posted…Healthy For the Holidays Series Intro & a Home Work Out
It tastes pretty similar, so if he doesn’t like soy sauce, he may not like this. But worth a shot!
Oh wow, yea, hard to make asian dishes without soy sauce! Nice work! I’ve heard about the coconut aminos, but I’ve never seen those…
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…The Rock N Roll Las Vegas Experience: The Expo and 5K Recap
I bet I could find them in NYC, but everyone is saying they’re very expensive…
Totally commented on your IG asking the brand 😉 You should SELL THIS!
GiGi Eats recently posted…WTF DO YOU WANT?!
Oooo I should!
How long will this last in the fridge or freezer?
It lasts in the fridge for about 2 weeks. I haven’t frozen it, but I’d guess 6-8 weeks.
I’m making now….haven’t reduced anything before. So about how long does it take to get it to 1/2 a cup AND how long will it keep in the fridge? Im hoping it works well for my dishes requiring soy. Just an effort to get my family on a healthier path. 😊
It varies depending on the size of your pan and heat, but it should only take 5-10 minutes once it’s boiling. It should be good in the fridge for about a week. I hope you like it!
At last! I didn’t think a soy-free soy sauce exists and I’ve been searching all over for one. Thank you! I can’t wait to try and make this. My 3-year old son has many allergies, including soy and it’s been challenging to find recipes to make. Thank you so much!!
You’re most welcome! I hope you enjoy it!
This is genius! I need to give it a try!
Annmarie recently posted…Gluten Free Salted Caramel Apple Toast
I had NO idea you could make your own soy sauce! This is the coolest thing ever.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Chocolate Avocado Cookies [Recipe]
Is the molasses necessary? I can’t do soy, coconut or sugar . . . This would be perfect, if you think I could leave it out!
You can certainly try leaving it out or replacing it with honey if you can have honey! Let me know how it turns out either way!
Wow! Your recipe of soy sauce is so easy to make, and so healthy too. I have to go down to the kitchen and try to make one!
Before I did not think of making soy sauce so easy, your recipe of soy sauce is so easy to do. Thanks you and it is also delicious
The taste is very different, I did it easily, which I had never thought about before
eatfrysmith recently posted…Top 10 Best Smoker Thermometer Reviews 2019
Soy sauce is my family’s favorite dot, making delicious sauce will make the meal more wonderful, today I have a new sauce. Thanks for your sharing
habitat recently posted…Best Charcoal Grills Reviews [2019] – Top Picks & Guide
Great recipe! Thanks for sharing them
Yeah! Super excited to try this. I can’t have soy sauce or coconut aminos. I thought ‘soy sauce’ was lost to me forever. I have this on the stove now and plan to use it to make homemade beef jerky. So thankful to have an alternative.
So glad! Let me know what you think!
Thanks for the great recipe. I didnt have Soy Sauce as I was in the middle of a recipe and this tasted just like it!
Anthony Allen recently posted…Top 10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners Reviews & Guide 2019
I’m trying this today, thanks so much. Just a note to others who mentioned salmon and honey – those aren’t vegan. To all good health!
Anthony Allen recently posted…The Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum for Algae
What a tasty dish!!!. Thanks for sharing. I think your dish is very delicious. I will make this recipe for my family and my friend. I hope you have more recipe like this.