A sweet soy glaze is a fantastic addition to many dishes, adding a beautiful shine and deep flavor.

But what if you don’t have any sweet soy glaze available, or are looking for something healthier?

What are the best substitutes for sweet soy glaze? The best substitutes for sweet soy glaze include teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, honey-mustard dressing, citrus-flavored vinaigrette, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup. If you want to reduce your sugar intake, try lemon juice and olive oil instead.

Whether you’re looking for something with a little less sugar or a vegan option, this guide has got all of your options covered!

Let’s take a look at the 9 best substitutes for sweet soy glaze and how to use them.

What Is Sweet Soy Glaze?

Sweet soy glaze, also known as kecap manis, is a thick, dark, and sweet sauce that is commonly used in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine.

It is made from a mixture of soy sauce, palm sugar, and various spices, such as garlic and star anise.

Sweet soy glaze has a sweet and slightly salty flavor, and it is often used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or condiment.

Sweet Soy Glaze	Flavor
Color	Dark
Consistency	Thick
Taste	Sweet and slightly salty
Ingredients	Soy sauce, palm sugar, garlic, star anise
Common Uses	Marinade, dipping sauce, or condiment

The 9 Best Substitutes for Sweet Soy Glaze

Sweet soy glaze is a popular Asian condiment, but it can be hard to find.

Fortunately, there are several other options that can give you the same flavor and texture.

Here are nine substitutes for sweet soy glaze that will still add a delicious twist to your dishes:

1 – Tianmian Sauce (Sweet Bean Sauce)

Tianmian sauce, also known as sweet bean sauce, is a savory condiment made with fermented yellow soybeans, wheat flour, and sugar.

This gluten-free sauce has a rich and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with proteins such as beef and chicken.

It’s a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine and can be found in most Asian markets.

As a substitute for sweet soy glaze, tianmian sauce imparts an exquisite flavor while adding a glossy sheen to your dishes.

To achieve the desired consistency, mix it with water or other liquids before applying to food.

Thanks to its unique balance of sweetness and umami notes, tianmian makes an excellent glazing alternative for marinades or sauces.

2 – Soy Sauce and Honey

Soy sauce is one of the world’s oldest condiments, offering a distinctive umami taste beloved by many cultures.

An easy-to-prepare combination of soy sauce and honey offers an exquisite sweet soy glaze alternative.

To prepare this delicious glaze, simply mix equal parts of quality low-sodium soy sauce and honey until fully blended.

This delectable mixture not only provides an unmistakable oriental flavor but also creates a non-stick surface while giving your dishes an appetizing golden hue.

From meat to vegetables, this versatile glaze pairs well with almost any dish — just adjust the ratio of ingredients to suit your taste preferences!

3 – Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is produced by boiling oysters in water until they break down into their natural components: protein and fat.

The resulting liquid is then combined with sugar and other seasonings to create an incredibly flavorful condiment used in many dishes around the world.

In addition to offering a delightful taste profile, oyster sauce is renowned for its glossy texture when applied to food.

As a substitute for sweet soy glaze, this natural ingredient provides all the benefits of the original without relying on synthetic aerosol sprays or added sugars — making it both delicious and healthy!

4 – Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce, an essential component of Chinese cuisine, is renowned for its sweet-salty flavor and thick consistency.

This iconic sauce is a great addition to various dishes, including stir-fries and roasted meats.

Made with fermented soybeans, garlic, chives, and various spices, hoisin offers a complex flavor profile that’s slightly sweet yet savory at the same time.

Hoisin can provide a similar flavor experience with less sodium content.

To use it as a glaze for meats or vegetables, heat the sauce before brushing on your selected item.

This method not only infuses tasty flavors into your food but also imparts natural sweetness without artificial ingredients.

5 – Ponzu with Honey

Ponzu is an incredibly versatile Japanese condiment consisting of citrus juice such as lime or yuzu mixed with rice vinegar and soy sauce.

Its tart yet slightly sweet profile has made it a staple in Asian cuisines worldwide.

When used in combination with honey, ponzu can create an excellent glaze for grilled fish or vegetables.

The acidity of the ponzu will cut through the sweetness of the honey to give your dish an incredible depth of flavor that rivals traditional sweet soy glaze recipes.

To make this simple substitution, mix one part ponzu with one part honey before applying it to your food before or after cooking for the best results.

6 – Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a much-loved ingredient around the world due to its unique flavor characteristics and versatility in both sweet and savory dishes alike.

It’s made from boiled down sap harvested from sugar maple trees which adds earthy sweetness to any recipe along with several essential vitamins and minerals like manganese and zinc which help promote good health when consumed in moderation.

As an alternative to sweet soy glaze recipes, maple syrup can be combined with other ingredients like mustard or garlic powder to add complexity to your dish while providing alluring sweetness that complements both meat and vegetable dishes nicely.

All you need to do is whisk together desired ratios of maple syrup along with other ingredients before brushing onto your desired item prior to cooking or grilling for maximum results!

7 – Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is a delectable pantry staple that enhances the flavor of countless dishes.

This ingredient, made from refined white sugar and molasses, offers a rich caramel-like flavor while providing trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

As an alternative to sweet soy glaze, brown sugar provides a delicious sweetness along with a dark amber color to your dishes.

Simmer equal parts of water and brown sugar in a saucepan until it thickens into a syrup-like consistency.

Once cooled, brush or spoon it over your dish for an irresistible sweet glaze without using traditional soy sauce.

8 – Agave Nectar

Agave nectar is an increasingly popular natural sweetener obtained from the agave plant.

Its mild flavor enhances both sweet and savory dishes without overpowering their flavors.

When used as an alternative to sweet soy glaze, agave nectar creates an incredibly smooth texture and balanced sweetness to any dish.

To do this, simmer equal parts of water and agave nectar for 10 minutes or until it reduces into a syrup-like consistency.

Once cooled, you can coat your favorite dishes with this luscious glaze for a delightful finish worthy of any feast!

9 – Coconut Aminos

Coconut aminos is a gluten-free seasoning sauce made from fermented coconut sap and sea salt that offers an umami-rich flavor similar to soy sauce but without its intense saltiness.

Coconut aminos has become prized among health-conscious eaters looking for healthier alternatives to traditional condiments such as soy sauce or tamari.

As an alternative to sweet soy glaze, coconut aminos provides the perfect balance between savoriness and sweetness.

Preparing this type of glaze is straightforward: mix 2 tablespoons of coconut aminos with 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup until completely blended; then brush or spoon it over your final product for maximum effect!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is sweet soy glaze made of? Sweet soy glaze is made from a mixture of soy sauce, palm sugar, and various spices, such as garlic and star anise.
• What can I replace sweet soy glaze with? There are several substitutes for sweet soy glaze, including tianmian sauce (sweet bean sauce), soy sauce and honey, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, ponzu with honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, agave nectar, and coconut aminos.
• Is sweet soy glaze the same as teriyaki? No, sweet soy glaze is not the same as teriyaki. Teriyaki sauce is typically made from soy sauce, sake, and mirin, while sweet soy glaze is made from soy sauce, palm sugar, and various spices.
• Is hoisin sauce the same as sweet soy glaze? No, hoisin sauce is not the same as sweet soy glaze. Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and various spices, while sweet soy glaze is made from soy sauce, palm sugar, and various spices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sweet soy glaze is a delicious and versatile sauce that is commonly used in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine.

However, if you can’t find sweet soy glaze or simply want to switch things up, there are several substitutes available such as tianmian sauce, soy sauce and honey, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, ponzu with honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, agave nectar, and coconut aminos.

Each substitute has its own unique flavor and consistency, and can be used in a variety of dishes as a marinade, dipping sauce, or condiment.

With so many options available, it’s easy to find a suitable replacement for sweet soy glaze that will add a delicious and unique flavor to your favorite dishes.