10 Substitutes For Dark Soy Sauce

In need of a substitute for dark soy sauce? You’re halfway through cooking and realize you’re out of dark soy sauce—now what? No need to panic! Whether you’re making a stir-fry, marinade, or dipping sauce, there are plenty of easy substitutes that can save the day.

In this guide, we’ll cover what dark soy sauce is and explore ten great alternatives to keep your dish flavorful and balanced.

What is Dark Soy Sauce?

Dark soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its deep color and rich, slightly sweet flavor. It’s thicker and less salty than regular soy sauce, thanks to the addition of molasses or caramel. It’s often used to add color and depth to dishes like fried rice, braised meats, and noodle dishes.

If you’re out of dark soy sauce or need a gluten-free alternative, these ten substitutes will keep your recipe on track.

10 Best Substitutes for Dark Soy Sauce

1. Regular or Light Soy Sauce

The easiest swap! While it’s lighter in color and saltier, you can mix it with a little molasses or brown sugar to get closer to the richness of dark soy sauce.

How to use: Replace 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce plus ½ teaspoon of molasses or brown sugar.

2. Tamari

A great gluten-free alternative, tamari has a deep umami flavor but lacks the sweetness of dark soy sauce. Add a touch of sugar or honey for balance.

How to use: Use a 1:1 ratio and adjust sweetness as needed.

3. Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is thicker and slightly sweet, making it a decent substitute, especially in stir-fries and marinades. However, it does have a seafood taste, so keep that in mind.

How to use: Use ¾ tablespoon of oyster sauce for every 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce.

4. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is thicker and sweeter than dark soy sauce but works well in marinades and glazes. If using in a stir-fry, dilute it with a little water or soy sauce.

How to use: Use a 1:1 ratio or thin with regular soy sauce.

5. Mushroom Soy Sauce

This is an excellent swap if you have it on hand! Mushroom soy sauce has a similar deep color and umami flavor but with an added earthiness.

How to use: Use a 1:1 ratio.

6. Black Bean Sauce

Made from fermented black beans, this sauce has a rich, salty flavor that mimics dark soy sauce’s umami depth. However, it’s thicker, so you may need to thin it out.

How to use: Use ½ tablespoon black bean sauce mixed with ½ tablespoon water or light soy sauce for every 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce.

7. Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis)

A popular Indonesian sauce, kecap manis is thick, sweet, and slightly similar to dark soy sauce. However, it’s much sweeter, so adjust other sugars in your recipe.

How to use: Use a 1:1 ratio, but reduce other sweeteners in your dish.

8. Coconut Aminos

A soy-free, gluten-free option! Coconut aminos are slightly sweet and less salty than soy sauce, but they can work in a pinch.

How to use: Use a 1:1 ratio, but add a little molasses or dark brown sugar to deepen the flavor.

9. Soy Sauce + Molasses

A simple DIY alternative! Mixing regular soy sauce with molasses gives you a similar thickness and deep flavor.

How to use: Combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with ½ teaspoon of molasses.

10. Soy Sauce + Brown Sugar

If you don’t have molasses, brown sugar works too! This combo adds sweetness and dark color to your dish.

How to use: Mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with ½ teaspoon of brown sugar until dissolved.

FAQ about Dark Soy Sauce