10 Best Sweet Soy Glaze Substitutes|Surprisingly Easy to use

When it comes to Asian cuisine, soy sauce is a key ingredient. It’s used in many different dishes, and there are different variations of soy sauce depending on the country or region.

Sweet soy glaze is a popular type of soy sauce that is commonly used in cooking. But what if you don’t have any sweet soy glaze on hand? Even I get a lot of email questions from people who are looking for substitutions for ingredients they don’t have.

Like me, you love cooking with Asian-inspired flavors but sometimes don’t have all the ingredients you need on hand.

Today I’m answering one about what to do when you don’t have sweet soy glaze. Surprisingly, there are a few great Sweet Soy Glaze substitutes like regular sweet soy sauce, teriyaki, and hoisin many more– I have used them when I don’t have it.

So put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!

What is sweet soy glaze? What is sweet soy glaze made of?

The sweet soy glaze is a popular condiment in Asian cuisine. It is made by cooking soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar together until the sugar dissolves. The resulting syrup is then used to coat meat or vegetables before cooking.

The sweet soy glaze has a rich, sweet flavor with a slightly salty undertone. The texture is sticky and viscous. It can be utilized as a marinade, basting sauce, or dipping sauce.

Sweet soy glaze is often used in stir-fries and grilled dishes. It can also be used to glaze ham or pork.

If you are looking for a recipe that uses sweet soy glaze, try this Sweet Soy Glazed Salmon. The salmon is first marinated in a mixture of sweet soy glaze, rice vinegar, and honey. It is then grilled until cooked through.

The resulting fish is tender, flaky, and full of flavor. For a complete meal, prepared with steamed rice and vegetables.

What can You use instead of sweet soy glaze? 

You can use Sweet Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Glaze, Hoisin Sauce, Mirin, Ponzu, Honey Soy Glaze, Sticky Sauce, Unagi /Eel Sauce, Barbeque Sauce with sugar, etc. instead of sweet soy glaze.

What is a good substitute for sweet soy glaze?

1. SWEET SOY SAUCE – Best Sweet Soy Glaze Substitute

Sweet soy sauce is a thick, dark brown sauce made from soybeans, wheat, sugar, and salt. It has a sweet, umami flavor and is used in many Asian cuisines.

Texture-wise, sweet soy sauce is similar to molasses or honey. It is thick and sticky, with a slightly syrupy consistency. The flavor is sweet and savory, with notes of caramel and chocolate.

you can use sweet soy sauce as one of the best sweet soy glaze substitutes

Sweet soy sauce can be utilized as a dipping sauce for meats or vegetables or also to marinade or glaze for grilled or roasted recipes. It is also commonly used in stir-fries and noodle dishes.

Some brands of sweet soy sauce are Kikkoman Sweet Soy Sauce, Lee Kum Kee Sweet Soy Sauce, and Sempio Sweet Soy Sauce. If you don’t find sweet soy sauce try out these alternatives instead.

2. Teriyaki GLAZE- similar to sweet soy glaze

Teriyaki glaze is a type of sauce that is often used in Japanese cuisine. It is made by combining soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar and then reducing the mixture until it becomes a thick syrup.

Teriyaki GLAZE is a good substitute for Soy Glaze
Teriyaki GLAZE

Teriyaki glaze has a sweet and savory flavor with a slightly sticky texture. The sugar in the glaze will caramelize when heated, creating a beautiful golden brown color on the food to which it is applied.

There are many ways to use teriyaki glaze. It can be brushed on meat or fish before cooking for adding extra flavor and shine or used as a dipping sauce. It can also be utilized to flavor rice or noodles. Teriyaki glaze can also be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables.

If you’re searching for a fast and simple way to add flavor to your food, teriyaki glaze is a great option. It is simple to make and can be used in many different ways.

Must try it the next time you are looking for a new way to flavor your food!

For a quick and easy teriyaki sauce, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl. This sauce can be utilized as a marinade or dipping sauce for chicken, beef, or seafood.

Whether you like a thinner sauce, add water or chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.

Read More- What is the difference between Teriyaki and Korean BBQ sauce

3. HOISIN SAUCE -sweet soy glaze alternative

If you’re searching for a tasty and versatile sauce, then hoisin sauce is a great option for you. Here is why…

Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark-colored Chinese condiment made from soybeans, garlic, chili peppers, and various other spices. It has a sweet and salty flavor with a slightly spicy kick. The texture is smooth and spreads easily.

HOISIN SAUCE is a good substitute for Soy Glaze
HOISIN SAUCE

Hoisin sauce can be utilized in numerous different ways.

It is commonly used as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls, meats, or as a stir-fry sauce. It can also be utilized to marinade meats such as chicken or pork. Hoisin sauce can also be used to add flavor to stir-fries or noodles dishes.

Try it the next time you’re cooking up a meal.

4. MIRIN- sweet soy glaze replacement

To make a sweet soy glaze, simply substitute mirin for the sweet soy sauce. Mirin is a Japanese cooking wine that is similar to rice wine.

MIRIN is a good substitute for Soy Glaze
MIRIN

Mirin has a sweet taste with hints of caramel and vanilla and a syrupy texture. It can be added to other liquids to thin it out or used as-is. The sweetness comes from the glutinous rice that is used to make it. The alcohol content of mirin is around 14%, which is lower than most wines.

There’re two types of mirin: Hon mirin and Shio mirin. Hon mirin is the more traditional type and has a higher alcohol content. Shio mirin is a newer type of mirin that has a lower alcohol content and is often used in marinades.

The ratio of soy to mirin should be 3:1, so for every 3 tablespoons of soy glaze, use 1 tablespoon of mirin. You can modify the quantity of sugar to taste.

Simply simmer the mixture until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Use it to glaze grilled or roasted meats or as a dipping sauce to add flavor to dishes, as well as to marinate meat or vegetables.

Mirin can be found in most Asian markets or online. Mirin contains alcohol so if you’re not want to use it try some non-alcoholic alternatives similar to mirin.

5. PONZU with honey

Ponzu is a Japanese citrus-based sauce that can be used as a substitute for sweet soy glaze. It has a thin, watery consistency and can range in color from light brown to amber.

Ponzu is a Japanese citrus-based sauce that can be used as a substitute for sweet soy glaze. I
PONZU with honey

Ponzu is made by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin (rice wine), and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), and yuzu which gives it a tart flavor and citrus notes. Ponzu can be found in Asian markets or online.

The tart and tangy and sweet hint of the umami flavor of ponzu makes it a multipurpose condiment that can be used in various dishes.

Additionally, it pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, fish, and vegetables. Ponzu can also be used as a marinade or dipping sauce.

Read More- Try Ideal Ponzu sauce substitutes

6. Honey soy glaze

Honey soy glaze is an excellent substitute for sweet soy glaze. It has a similar sweetness but with a more complex flavor.

Honey soy glaze is also thinner than sweet soy glaze, so it will coat your food more evenly.

7. Sticky sauce

The sticky sauce is a type of sauce that is thick and sticky in texture. It is a versatile condiment that is often used as a condiment or dips for various food items like fried foods, such as chicken or shrimp.

The taste of sticky sauce can vary depending on the ingredients used, but it is typically sweet and slightly spicy. Common ingredients in sticky sauce include honey, soy sauce, vinegar, chili pepper, and garlic.

It can also be utilized as a glaze for baked goods, such as pork or chicken. Additionally, the sticky sauce can be used as a topping for various dishes, such as rice or noodles.

Recipes:

In a small bowl, whisk together the sticky sauce and sweet soy glaze. Set aside.

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl. Add the cornstarch, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat.

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat. Next, add the chicken and cook till browned and cooked, about 5 minutes.

Add the sticky sauce and sweet soy glaze and cook, stirring, until heated through. Serve with rice or noodles. Enjoy!

8. UNAGI /EEL SAUCE

Unagi, or eel sauce, is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce made from grilled or smoked eel.

It’s commonly used in Japanese cuisine as a glaze or dipping sauce for sushi and sashimi or mixed into rice for a flavorful dish, but it can also be used as a marinade or sauce for other dishes such as grilled meats or vegetables.

The taste of unagi sauce is similar to teriyaki sauce, with a slightly smoky flavor from the grill or smoker. The texture is thick and syrupy, making it perfect for coating or glazing food.

If you’re looking for a new sauce to try, unagi sauce is a great option. Try it and notice how you like it!

Read More- Hoisin sauce Vs Eel

unagi or eel sauce is a popular sweet soy glaze alternative

How to Use:

In a small bowl, whisk together the eel or unagi sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat. Add the chicken and then cook for about 3 mins per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Release the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Add the broccoli and peppers to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Replace the chicken with the skillet and add the eel or unagi sauce mixture. Cook for about 1 minute or until heated through.

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

9. BARBEQUE SAUCE with Sugar

For a sweet soy glaze, you can substitute bbq sauce with honey or sugar. This will give your dish a delicious sweetness that is perfect for any occasion.

How do you make sweet soy glaze at home?

To make a sweet soy glaze, you will need:

-1/2 cup soy sauce

-1/2 cup brown sugar

-1/4 cup rice vinegar

-1 tablespoon honey

-1 teaspoon sesame oil

-1 clove of garlic, minced

Instructions:

In a little saucepan, mix all of the ingredients and stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Once the sugar has liquefied, increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then release from the heat and let cool.

The glaze can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To use, simply brush the glaze over meats or vegetables before cooking, or use it as a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to use soy glaze

Soy glaze is a delicious way to add flavor to your food.

It is perfect for grilled meats, fish, and vegetables. Soy glaze is made with soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.

It is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To use soy glaze, simply brush it on your food before cooking. Grill or broil your food as usual and enjoy the added flavor of soy glaze.

Best kikkoman sweet soy glaze recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup Kikkoman Sweet Soy Sauce

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions:

In a little saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, water, sugar, vegetable oil, and ginger. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and cool slightly. Pour it into a pot or container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

To use, brush glaze over meat or poultry during the last few minutes of cooking. Or, toss with cooked noodles or vegetables. Makes about 1 cup.

This is a fantastic recipe for those who like a little sweetness in their soy sauce.

The Kikkoman Sweet Soy Glaze is perfect for brushing over meat or poultry during the last few minutes of cooking or for tossing with cooked noodles or vegetables. This recipe makes about 1 cup of glaze.

FAQs related to sweet soy glaze and its substitute

Q1. Is hoisin sauce the same as sweet soy glaze?

Hoisin sauce and sweet soy glaze are both thick, dark brown sauces that are used as condiments or as bases for other dishes.

They are both sweet and slightly salty, with a strong umami flavor.

However, hoisin sauce is typically made with Chinese Five-Spice powder, whereas sweet soy glaze is not. Hoisin sauce also has a more pungent flavor than sweet soy glaze.

Q2. Is soy glaze the same as soy sauce?

No, soy glaze is not the same as soy sauce. Soy glaze is a sweetened version of soy sauce that is used as a marinade or dipping sauce.

Q3. Is sweet soy glaze the same as teriyaki?

No, they are not the same. Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique in which food is grilled or broiled with a glaze of soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes mirin (rice wine).

Sweet soy glaze is simply a mixture of soy sauce and sugar. It doesn’t have the same complex flavor as teriyaki because it doesn’t contain mirin or any other seasonings.

Q4. Where to buy sticky soy sauce? 

If you’re looking for sticky soy sauce, your best bet is to head to an Asian grocery store. You might also be able to find it at a well-stocked supermarket, but the selection will probably be more limited.

Once you’ve found a source, make sure to check the label carefully before purchasing; some brands of soy sauce can be quite high in salt and other additives.

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