Tamari is a superb gluten-free soy sauce various. However what’s tamari? And the way does it differ from soy sauce and coconut aminos by way of manufacturing and taste. Is all tamari gluten-free? Let’s dive in and I’ll clarify.
Once 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 be taught that gluten was certainly in my soy sauce. And in reality, there’s fairly a little bit of it. However after somewhat 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 have been new to me (and so they could also be for you), let’s break down how they’re totally different, beginning with the one you’re probably most acquainted with.
What’s Soy Sauce?
Soy sauce is a condiment incessantly utilized in Chinese language and Japanese delicacies. It’s darkish brown coloration is punctuated with a salty, savory, umami taste and most folk understand 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 mould or yeast tradition.
Apparently sufficient, there isn’t only one kind of soy sauce. In truth, there are lots of of variations of this primary condiment. Within the US, we most incessantly discover a mild soy sauce (the most typical kind), a darkish soy sauce (with added caramel coloration 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 you recognize what soy sauce is, let’s chat about tamari. In probably 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 reminiscent of and 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 in the event you’re celiac like I’m. As all the time, learn your ingredient labels.
As a result of tamari is produced from extra soybeans (and I prefer to suppose, much less “filler”) I discover that it has a bolder, stronger taste than soy sauce. Nevertheless it’s a taste that I’ve come to like.
What are Coconut Aminos?
Coconut aminos are a soy-free various to soy sauce. Constructed from simply two components – coconut tree sap and salt – coconut aminos are in style within the paleo neighborhood and for individuals who are avoiding soy for well being causes.
Coconut aminos are nonetheless darkish in coloration 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 robust in taste as tamari, however are an excellent soy sauce various.
Which is Higher – Soy Sauce, Tamari or Coconut Aminos?
In fact, 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 in the event you don’t have an issue with gluten and also you’d prefer to get pleasure from soy sauce, I’d advocate all the time buying natural soy sauce. Soybeans are one of many prime GMO and crops, so it’s price spending the additional cash on natural.
I get pleasure from each natural tamari and coconut aminos and swap issues up primarily based on what I’m consuming. As a result of I keep away from soy in nearly all different capacities (and guarantee it’s not an added ingredient in bought meals merchandise), I’m effective splurging on natural tamari when having fun with sushi a couple of times a month. I personally love the stronger taste.
However coconut aminos are nothing to brush beneath the rug both and I exploit them incessantly in sauces, marinades or different recipes that will already embrace savory components and salt. Moreover, in the event you’re paleo or following an AIP or Whole30 food plan or avoiding soy for quite a lot of causes, coconut aminos will likely be your most popular selection.
A Few Extra Gluten-Free Tamari Suggestions
- At all times learn ingredient labels to make sure your bottle of tamari is 100% gluten-free
- Do not forget that it’s extraordinarily tough to differentiate between soy sauce, tamari and coconut aminos primarily based on appears alone. Poured right into a glass jar, all of them look the identical.
- If consuming out, keep in mind to not solely request to see the bottle of gluten-free tamari, but additionally confirm that soy sauce or different sauces (reminiscent of ponzu, which can also be produced from soy sauce) weren’t used as a marinade for any components in your meal.
- If consuming sushi, keep in mind to all the time confirm that the rice is gluten-free. Many sushi eating places will use malt vinegar when cooking the rice, which isn’t gluten-free.
- That is the model of and that I personally purchase.
Take pleasure in these Tamari Recipes
If you happen to’d like some recipe inspiration, I’ve bought you lined. I am keen on Asian meals and these are a couple of of my favourite recipes that use tamari. However keep in mind, you possibly can all the time substitute coconut aminos in any of those recipes.
Put up initially revealed January 2018, however up to date to incorporate new info.