The Good Stuff Simple Swaps – Every Wednesday I share a new Good Stuff Simple Swap, one simple change that helps clean up your everyday eats without overhauling your whole pantry. You can find all the past swaps here!
Soy sauce is one of those pantry staples that shows up everywhere- stir-fries, marinades, dressings, dipping sauces even in our Crockpot Philly Steak & Cheese! We used it for years without thinking twice about it.
But once I started paying more attention to ingredient labels, this was one swap that felt easy to reconsider.
That’s where coconut aminos came in.
The Coconut Aminos We Use
Here’s the brand we keep in our pantry and use regularly:
👉 https://amzn.to/3G6amMA
(affiliate link)
🌱 Why Make the Swap?
Coconut aminos are made from the fermented sap of coconut blossoms rather than soybeans. Flavor-wise, they’re salty and savory with a slightly milder, slightly sweeter taste than traditional soy sauce.
For us, this swap wasn’t about changing how we cook — it was about having another option made from different ingredients that still delivers that familiar umami flavor.
Why coconut aminos work well as a swap:
- Typically lower in sodium than conventional soy sauce
- Soy-free and gluten-free, which can be helpful for some households
- No added MSG or caramel coloring
- Made with a shorter, simpler ingredient list
- Easy to use as a 1:1 swap in most recipes
Many traditional soy sauces are made from soybeans and are highly processed to achieve flavor and shelf stability. Some also include added coloring or flavor enhancers. Coconut aminos offer a different option that still fits seamlessly into everyday cooking.
How We Use Coconut Aminos at Home
We use coconut aminos anywhere we’d normally reach for soy sauce, including:
- Stir-fries
- Marinades
- Salad dressings
- Dipping sauces
- Rice and noodle dishes
It’s one of those swaps where you don’t need to learn new recipes — you just swap the bottle and keep cooking.
Coconut Aminos Simple Swap FAQs
Does coconut aminos taste the same as soy sauce?
Not exactly. It’s slightly less salty and a little milder, but still savory enough that most recipes work without adjustment.
Can I use coconut aminos as a 1:1 replacement?
Yes. In most recipes, coconut aminos can be swapped 1:1 for soy sauce with no changes needed.
Is coconut aminos good for cooking at high heat?
Yes. It works well for sautéing, stir-frying, and marinades just like soy sauce.
Do I need to refrigerate coconut aminos after opening?
Most brands recommend refrigeration after opening to maintain freshness. Always check the label on the bottle you’re using.
Why This Simple Swap Works
This is one of those ingredient swaps that doesn’t require extra prep, special equipment, or changing your routine. It simply gives you another pantry option made with different ingredients — and that’s exactly what I look for in a Simple Swap.
If you’re interested in more easy swaps like this, you can find all of our past Good Stuff Simple Swaps here.
This post contains affiliate links.