Fried rice is a popular dish loved by many, but what if you’re looking to skip the soy sauce? Whether due to dietary restrictions or personal preference, making fried rice without soy sauce is not only possible but can also be delicious.Here I’ll explore alternative ingredients and seasonings you can use to create flavorful fried rice without soy sauce.
From savory options like coconut aminos to aromatic choices like olive oil, I’ll guide you through how to make fried rice without soy sauce that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Get ready to elevate your fried rice game with this informative and tasty read!

Is Soy Sauce Necessary For Fried Rice?
Fried rice frequently contains soy sauce. It gives the food a savory, umami taste. It is not, however, absolutely necessary to make dark fried rice.
By adding fried rice soy sauce alternative, you may produce delicious fried rice without soy sauce. You can also add sesame oil, garlic, ginger, or chili paste to your fried rice to change its flavor.
What Is The Substitute For Soy Sauce ?
Tamari
Instead of using soy sauce, you can use the same amount of tamari. Tamari is like an older sister with more taste and less salt for those who prefer their soy smoother. While tamari is often manufactured without wheat, soy sauce may contain it. It can be used in place of soy sauce and is also gluten-free. It can be added to salads, sauces, stir-fries, and fried rice, among other dishes.
Coconut Aminos
Similar in appearance and flavor to soy sauce, coconut aminos is packaged in a bottle. Sea salt and coconut palm sap are fermented to create coconut aminos. You can use that in place of soy sauce in an equal ratio to coconut aminos. However, you might need to add additional salt. Coconut aminos can be used in fried rice cooking.
Fish Sauce
If you want to use fish sauce instead of soy sauce, start by using half as much as the recipe calls for. This is because, like fish, fish sauce can have a high salt content. Season and taste, if necessary. Because it blends in well and brings out all the flavors, fish sauce is a great addition to soup recipes.
Miso Paste
Although miso paste isn’t as smooth as soy sauce, it still has a nice funk, umami, and salty flavor because it’s aged soy. Split the miso in half and stir in the water. In a recipe calling for soy sauce, use two teaspoons of miso instead of one. To allow the miso to blend in, this works best in warm, cooked meals rather than sauces.
Balsamic Vinegar
If soy isn’t the first ingredient in your recipe, you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar. It tastes briny, black, and sour, and it may even enhance the flavor of your cuisine. Add the same quantity, and you may need to add a little extra salt to the dish. This would be a great substitute for soy sauce in recipes calling for it in brines, marinades, and sauces, such salad dressings.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce has salty, umami flavors from vinegar, anchovies, alliums, and seasoning, it can be used in equal amounts with soy sauce. This sauce is perfect for grilling or cooking foods like sautéed meats or fried noodles that need the sauce to melt and cover the food.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce can be substituted for soy sauce in cooked dishes due to its thicker consistency. Because oyster sauce contains sugar, it is sweeter than soy sauce; thus, before tasting the substitute, eliminate any extra sugar from the recipe.
How to Make Fried Rice Without Soy Sauce
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Ginger
- Garlic
- White onion
- Carrot
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Edamame beans
- Eggs
- Cooked rice
- Green onion
- Coconut aminos
- Sesame oil
- Salt, pepper and sriracha
Instruction
Step 1:
Fill a big pan with olive oil and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion, ginger, garlic, and garlic and sauté until the onions become transparent and aromatic.
Step 2:
Saute your broccoli, green beans, edamame beans, onion, and carrots until they are tender.
Step 3:
Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan, leaving a well in the middle. Place the three eggs in the center of the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring periodically with a spatula, until the eggs are light and fluffy and all of the liquid has been gone. Try not to mix the vegetables and eggs. However, if a few stray vegetables are mixed in, that’s fine!
Step 4:
When the eggs are done, mix them with the vegetables, rice, coconut aminos, and sesame oil until fully combined.
Step 5:
Add the sriracha sauce and green onions, then taste for flavor and heat.
Benefits Of Fried Rice With Coconut Aminos
More studies are required to determine the possible effects of coconut amino acids on human health, but many professionals and health advocates think they offer much of the same benefits as the widely recognized coconut. Since coconut aminos are a fermented form of the sap from the coconut palm tree, they lack the nutritious content of other coconut products or fresh, raw coconut. While coconut aminos shouldn’t be considered a main source of nutrition, this sauce will definitely make your food taste better.
The numerous purported advantages of coconut aminos include the following.
Heart Health
Coconut oil been shown in studies to lower cholesterol and promote heart health, mostly by raising HDL, or “good” cholesterol.
Immune Health
Research indicates that goods rich in antioxidants from coconuts mitigate the damaging effects of free radicals on your body, strengthening your immune system and protecting you against illness.
Amino Acids
Glutamate is an amino acid that is found naturally in coconut aminos and soy sauce. Umami flavor is attributed to glutamate.
Reduced Sodium
Compared to soy sauce and other condiments, coconut aminos have a far lower sodium content while still being delicious and salty.
GMO-Free and Free of gluten
Because coconut aminos is free of gluten, genetically modified organisms, and preservatives, it is the product of choice for those who prioritize their health.
Minerals and Vitamins
Although in small concentrations, coconut aminos provide a range of vitamins and minerals. Nutrients that boost the immune system, give energy, and maintain healthy muscles include potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins.
Paleo and Vegan-Friendly
Coconut aminos are compliant with paleo and vegan dietary guidelines, offering a variety of flavor options for those who adhere to these eating regimens.
Characteristics of Antioxidants
Even though coconut aminos aren’t as abundant as those found in other foods, they still contain antioxidants that can combat oxidative stress and potentially reduce the chance of developing chronic illnesses.
Which Is Better: Coconut Aminos Or Soy Sauce?
One of the most often used flavoring sauces and condiments nowadays is soy sauce, especially in Asian cuisines. However, if you’ve been looking for substitutes that are easier on your body and reduce your sodium intake, you’ve definitely heard about coconut aminos.
Coconut Aminos vs Soy Sauce
Coconut Aminos | Soy Sauce | |
Taste | Umami flavor, sweeter, mild. | Umami flavor, rich, saltier. |
Color | Dark brown | Dark brown |
Ingredients | Fermented coconut palm sap, sea salt | Fermented soy beans, roasted wheat, salt, water, mold or yeast culture |
Storage | Keep in a cool dark place, refrigerate after opening | Keep in a cool dark place, refrigerate after opening |
Common Uses | Salad dressings, marinade, stir fry, fried rice, dipping sauce | Salad dressings, barbeque sauce, marinade, stir fry, fried rice, dipping sauce |
Benefits | 72% less sodium, soy-free, gluten-free | Lower sugar content, beneficial isoflavones, probiotics, B6 Vitamin |
All things considered, coconut aminos appear to be an excellent replacement for soy sauce, providing a low-sodium, gluten-free, and soy-free diet alternative. As such, this is a great and simple place to start if you’re seeking to start making healthier dietary choices. You won’t know which is better unless you give it a try because it all depends on personal preference.
Final Words
When it comes to creating a delicious fried rice dish without soy sauce, the possibilities are endless. By exploring alternative flavor enhancers such as oyster sauce, fish sauce, coconut aminos, or even miso paste, you can elevate your fried rice to a whole new level of taste and aroma. Experimenting with different ingredients like fresh herbs, vegetables, or proteins can also add depth and complexity to your dish. Embrace the versatility of fried rice and let your creativity shine in the kitchen as you craft a unique and flavorful soy sauce-free version that will delight your taste buds.