Tamari is a good gluten-free soy sauce various. However what’s tamari? And the way does it differ from soy sauce and coconut aminos when it comes to manufacturing and taste. Is all tamari gluten-free? Let’s dive in and I’ll clarify.

After I went gluten-free a number of years in the past, I nonetheless keep in mind being shocked at how gluten managed to sneak into so many unsuspecting meals. Soups, teas, chewing gum….and sushi? Say what?

As an avid sushi-lover, it broke my coronary heart to study that gluten was certainly in my soy sauce. And in reality, there’s fairly a little bit of it. However after a bit on-line sleuthing I quickly found tamari and coconut aminos – my sushi saviors and “go-to’s” for Asian-inspired meals.

However as these meals merchandise had been new to me (they usually could also be for you), let’s break down how they’re completely different, beginning with the one you’re seemingly most aware of.

What’s Soy Sauce?

Soy sauce is a condiment ceaselessly utilized in Chinese language and Japanese delicacies. It’s darkish brown colour is punctuated with a salty, savory, umami taste and most people realize it from consuming sushi, although it’s utilized in quite a few Asian sauces and marinades as nicely.

The flavour of soy sauce comes from fermented soybeans, together with roasted grains (wheat), salt, water and a mildew or yeast tradition.

Apparently sufficient, there isn’t only one kind of soy sauce. In truth, there are a whole bunch of variations of this primary condiment. Within the US, we most ceaselessly discover a mild soy sauce (the commonest kind), a darkish soy sauce (with added caramel colour or molasses to thicken and sweeten it) and a low-sodium soy sauce (which makes use of much less salt within the manufacturing course of).

What’s Tamari?

So now that what soy sauce is, let’s chat about tamari. In essentially the most primary sense, tamari is soy sauce made with out the roasted grains (wheat). Sadly, nothing is ever fairly that straightforward.

Whereas most tamari merchandise within the US from main manufacturers similar to San-J and Eden Natural are 100% gluten-free, you do want to observe labels as some tamari sauce manufacturers may use simply “much less wheat” – which might nonetheless be enormously problematic if you happen to’re celiac like I’m. As at all times, learn your ingredient labels.

As a result of tamari is comprised of extra soybeans (and I wish to suppose, much less “filler”) I discover that it has a bolder, stronger taste than soy sauce. But it surely’s a taste that I’ve come to like.

What are Coconut Aminos?

Coconut aminos are a soy-free various to soy sauce. Constituted of simply two elements – coconut tree sap and salt – coconut aminos are standard within the paleo group and for individuals who are avoiding soy for well being causes.

Coconut aminos are nonetheless darkish in colour and have that salty, umami taste, although comprise far much less sodium and have a extra delicate, barely sweeter and maybe extra diluted taste.

They’re positively not as sturdy in taste as tamari, however are an awesome soy sauce various.

Which is Higher – Soy Sauce, Tamari or Coconut Aminos?

After all, the reply to that is extremely particular person and nuanced. As a celiac, I merely can’t eat soy sauce anymore, in order that’s off the desk for me. However if you happen to don’t have an issue with gluten and also you’d wish to take pleasure in soy sauce, I’d advocate at all times buying natural soy sauce. Soybeans are one of many high GMO and pesticide-laden crops, so it’s value spending the additional cash on natural.

I take pleasure in each natural tamari and coconut aminos and swap issues up based mostly on what I’m consuming. As a result of I keep away from soy in virtually all different capacities (and guarantee it’s not an added ingredient in bought meals merchandise), I’m wonderful splurging on natural tamari when having fun with sushi a few times a month. I personally love the stronger taste.

However coconut aminos are nothing to brush underneath the rug both and I exploit them ceaselessly in sauces, marinades or different recipes that will already embody savory elements and salt. Moreover, if you happen to’re paleo or following an AIP or Whole30 weight loss plan or avoiding soy for a wide range of causes, coconut aminos will likely be your most well-liked alternative.

Get pleasure from these Tamari Recipes

When you’d like some recipe inspiration, I’ve obtained you lined. I like Asian meals and these are just a few of my favourite recipes that use tamari. However keep in mind, you possibly can at all times substitute coconut aminos in any of those recipes.

Publish initially printed January 2018, however up to date to incorporate new info.