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.
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 actually, there’s fairly a little bit of it. However after just a little 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 (and so they could also be for you), let’s break down how they’re totally different, beginning with the one you’re doubtless most acquainted with.
What’s Soy Sauce?
Soy sauce is a condiment regularly utilized in Chinese language and Japanese delicacies. It’s darkish brown shade is punctuated with a salty, savory, umami taste and most people comprehend it from consuming sushi, although it’s utilized in quite a few Asian sauces and marinades as properly.
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 sort of soy sauce. The truth is, there are lots of of variations of this primary condiment. Within the US, we most regularly discover a gentle soy sauce (the most typical sort), a darkish soy sauce (with added caramel shade 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 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 resembling San-J and Eden Natural are 100% gluten-free, you do want to observe labels as some tamari sauce manufacturers might 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 produced from extra soybeans (and I prefer to assume, much less “filler”) I discover that it has a bolder, stronger taste than soy sauce. However it’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 substances – coconut tree sap and salt – coconut aminos are in style within the paleo group and for many who are avoiding soy for well being causes.
Coconut aminos are nonetheless darkish in shade 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 undoubtedly not as sturdy in taste as tamari, however are a fantastic 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 prefer to get pleasure from soy sauce, I’d suggest 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 get pleasure from 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 tremendous 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 take advantage of them regularly in sauces, marinades or different recipes that will already embrace savory substances and salt. Moreover, if you happen to’re paleo or following an AIP or Whole30 eating regimen or avoiding soy for a wide range of causes, coconut aminos will likely be your most popular selection.
A Few Extra Gluten-Free Tamari Ideas
- 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 tell apart between soy sauce, tamari and coconut aminos based mostly on seems to be 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 in addition confirm that soy sauce or different sauces (resembling ponzu, which can also be produced from soy sauce) weren’t used as a marinade for any substances in your meal.
- If consuming sushi, keep in mind to at all times 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 tamari and coconut aminos that I personally purchase.
Get pleasure from these Tamari Recipes
In case you’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’ll be able to at all times substitute coconut aminos in any of those recipes.
Publish initially revealed January 2018, however up to date to incorporate new data.
