Avoiding soy? You can use coconut aminos instead! Soy-free coconut aminos are a healthier alternative to soy sauce that taste amazing!
Are you trying to avoid soy and looking for an alternative to soy sauce? Coconut aminos are here to help! They bring all the savory flavor of soy sauce but contain no soy. Not only is coconut aminos low on the glycemic index, but it also has less sodium than soy sauce and comes packed with amino acids.
Soy is everything and it is very difficult to avoid it. When a recipe calls for soy sauce I use coco aminos instead. I love the taste of coconut aminos! It’s very similar to soy sauce and works well as a replacement.
What Are Coconut Aminos?
Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap and natural sea salt. They contain 17 amino acids and a small number of B vitamins. You can use it in your favorite salad dressings, sauces, marinades and for homemade stir fries. The consistency is great, and it’s a wholesome alternative.
With only two ingredients—aged coconut blossom nectar and sea salt—this might be the one sauce suitable for everyone from Paleo eaters to vegans, to gluten-free foodies. For once, everyone agrees: it tastes amazing on everything from fried rice to Chinese chicken salad!
How To Use Coconut Aminos
You can substitute coconut aminos with soy sauce in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes. I use coconut aminos in my salad dressings, stir fries, and as a condiment for dishes like sushi. Here are some of my favorite recipes using coconut aminos:
- Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Asian Style Pork Cabbage Wraps
- Paleo Chicken Pad Thia
- Creamy Teriyaki Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Ginger Chicken Stir Fry
- Paleo Drunken Noodles
- Tuna Poke Avocado Boats
- Paleo Sushi Rolls with coconut aminos
- Asian Noodles (Paleo)
- Paleo Pineapple Kalua Pork
- Sesame Ginger Chicken
- Paleo Egg Rolls
- Asian-Style Short Ribs
- Sweet & Sour Chicken
- Orange Ginger Beef Stir Fry
- Asian Avocado Salad
- Sweet & Sour Sauce
Where to buy coconut aminos
If you read over the recipe and think “gosh, I don’t have time to make coconut aminos” – that’s ok! You can find organic coconut aminos at most natural food stores and online grocery retailers like Amazon and Thrive Market. Make sure to keep an eye out for organic and all-natural ingredients (and as few ingredients as possible). I’ve done all the hard work for you already and identified the best coconut aminos to buy.
FAQ
Yes! You can use coconut liquid aminos on both paleo and whole30 programs. Since soy isn’t allowed on those diet plans, coconut aminos are the perfect substitute to make your favorite dishes compatible for those plans.
I have a copycat coconut aminos recipe that works as a great substitute for liquid aminos. This recipe was inspired from Real Simple Good’s recipe. Find my version of the recipe below.
You can find organic coconut aminos at most natural food stores and online grocery retailers like amazon and Thrive Market.
DIY Coconut Aminos Substitute
Easy homemade coconut aminos substitute you can make at home with ingredients you have in your pantry! This recipe is paleo and whole30 friendly and uses only natural ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups organic beef broth
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional – but adds great flavor) or use soy sauce if fish sauce isn’t available
- 1 teaspoon organic tomato paste
- 2 teaspoon organic molasses or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pour all the ingredients in a small saucepan and stir together. Turn the heat on medium high heat and bring the sauce to a boil. Once the sauce begins to boil, turn the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce reaches to a concentrate.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool. Season to taste with salt and pepper as needed. Store the homemade coconut aminos in a jar or air-tight container in the refrigerator for 10-14 days.
- How to use: Use in a 1:1 ration in place of soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Notes
This recipe makes 2 cups of liquid aminos substitute. Use in place of soy sauce or coconut aminos in a 1:1 ratio.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 20
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: .5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Originally published on October 21st, 2013 and updated with new images on April 18th, 2022.
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