Liquid aminos are a popular condiment option for supplementing protein in vegan dishes and for adding flavor. If you don’t have any on hand and can’t go out to get some, here are some of your best options for liquid aminos substitutes.
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Your best bet: Coconut aminos
You will get a similar salty and umami flavor profile from coconut aminos. The flavor is mild and a little sweet similar to that of liquid aminos. Contrary to what the name might lead you to expect, coconut aminos seasoning does not have a coconut flavor.
In addition to tasting a lot like liquid aminos, the coconut aminos liquid seasoning looks like it and can be used in the same kinds of dishes. Instead of soybeans, coconut aminos seasoning is made from fermented coconut palm sap and salt. It makes an excellent soy sauce substitute in fried rice and stir-fries. It can work as an alternative to table salt and is used in everything from salad dressings to marinades.
Coconut aminos liquid seasoning is not as easily found as liquid aminos though you should be able to buy it from most health food stores.
A decent second choice: Tamari
Tamari has the same caramelized, salty flavor that you get from liquid aminos, which makes it an excellent substitute. Like liquid aminos, tamari is usually gluten-free so it is an ideal substitute for anyone wishing to avoid gluten.
Tamari is a soy sauce variant that differs from regular soy sauce in that it contains no wheat. A higher volume of soy is used in its production, which gives it a richer flavor and thicker consistency. Tamari is an excellent condiment for soups and dumplings. It will offer a richer flavor than liquid aminos, which makes it an upgrade if you need to add more flavor to your food. Tamari is relatively easy to find and is available in the Asian sections of many larger grocery stores in the US.
The downside of tamari is that it is soy-based so if you are looking for a liquid aminos alternative so that you can avoid soy, this is not it.
In a pinch: Soy sauce
Soy sauce is the oldest of the liquid soy-based condiments on this list. It has a more potent version of the savory flavor that you want from liquid aminos. It is also noticeably saltier, so one option is to dilute it with water to cut the flavor. You can also try adding a pinch of sugar to give it a subtle sweetness. Soy sauce is made from salted soybeans and wheat that are fermented together with a kind of mold.
Like liquid aminos, it works as a table condiment or as one of the ingredients in a marinade. It is an effective liquid aminos alternative in fried rice and other similar dishes. Soy sauce is one of the easiest substitutes for liquid aminos to find. In fact, you may have an easier time finding soy sauce than liquid aminos. There is also a wide range of price points for soy sauce, so it can be purchased at lower prices than most of the substitutes on this list.
Other alternatives
Fish sauce gives you the umami you want from liquid aminos so it may be able to work as a substitute in some dishes. Note that it is not vegan, but it is made without soy. So it may be a good option if you have a soy allergy.