The Delicious Soy Sauce Substitute You Can Make In A Pinch

Soy sauce, along with alternatives, seems to be everywhere. A dash can turn the dullest of rice dishes into an instant winner. Be it a bottle sitting in the pantry or the packets that went unused from last month's take out, the condiment is certainly a kitchen staple. But have you ever pinned a recipe, scoured the fridge and pantry to find your stash of soy sauce empty? I have personally skipped grabbing some at the grocery store, assuming I could find it in some nook or cranny of the kitchen, only to be disheartened when searching for the sauce leaves me empty handed. Fret not, inspired salt craver — a simple replacement can be whipped up in no time.  

There are soy sauce substitutions to use if you find yourself in a pinch. Dried mushrooms contain increased guanylate and glutamate compared to their fresh counterparts, enriching their umami flavor. When rehydrated, the shiitake mushroom broth yielded can be used as a soy sauce alternative. Pouring boiling water over dried shiitake mushrooms via French press or heat resistant bowl and adding salt to taste produces a rich, savory soy sauce stand-in.  

Creating a homemade soy sauce alternative comes with a little extra work, but loads of health benefits. Mushrooms contain natural umami flavor that is free of MSG, added chemicals, and preservatives. Vegans especially may rejoice at this option, as many soy sauce substitutions (like Worcestershire sauce and fish sauce) contain animal products. The fungi replacement serves anyone looking to reduce processed foods and avoid animal products.

Given that you are the one adding salt to taste in the mushroom broth, you will be able to control the sodium levels in your procured sauce. How the broth is made from mushrooms ensures the mixture is dense in essential nutrients such as fiber and antioxidants that help prolong the body's overall health. Vitamin B and Beta-Glucan found in mushroom broth can help maintain metabolism health and immune systems.  

Whether swapping out soy sauce for the shiitake alternative is a health choice or last minute ingredient scramble, you may be surprised what a little ingenuity and effort can produce. Mushroom based soy may be the key ingredient to impressing dinner guests, your vegan pals, or general mushroom lovers.