Are you someone who loves Thai cuisine but has a soy allergy or simply wants to avoid soy sauce?
You’re not alone. Many Thai dishes traditionally contain soy sauce, making it difficult for those with dietary restrictions to enjoy them.
But fear not, there are plenty of delicious Thai recipes that don’t require soy sauce.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best soy-free Thai recipes that are just as flavorful and satisfying as their soy-containing counterparts.
From pad Thai to fried rice, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow recipes that will leave your taste buds happy and your stomach satisfied.
So let’s dive in and discover the world of soy-free Thai cooking!
What Thai Recipes Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
1. Vegan Thai Noodles: This recipe is a soy-free take on traditional pad Thai. The noodles are soaked in water and then briefly stir-fried with an array of colorful veggies that are either spiralized, grated, or thinly sliced. The sauce is made with raw honey, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, Thai curry paste, and veggie broth. To ramp up the umami flavor, you can add a bit of kombu sea vegetable and dried mushrooms in hot water.
2. Non-Traditional Chicken or Shrimp Pad Thai: This pad Thai recipe is made without soy sauce or fish sauce. Instead, it’s made with balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, lime juice, and hot sauce. The chicken or shrimp is sautéed with veggies like red bell pepper, carrots, and bean sprouts. The dish is topped with cilantro and green onions for added flavor.
3. Flavorful Fried Rice: This fried rice recipe doesn’t require soy sauce to get a super flavorful taste. It’s a versatile recipe that works well with any vegetables you need to use up. You can add egg for some protein or keep it vegan by omitting the egg. The dish is seasoned with savory toasted sesame oil and sweet chili sauce for added flavor.
Introduction To Soy-Free Thai Cooking
Thai cuisine is known for its bold and vibrant flavors, often achieved through the use of various spices, herbs, and seasonings. However, many traditional Thai recipes contain soy sauce, which can be problematic for those with soy allergies or who are looking to avoid soy for other reasons. The good news is that there are plenty of delicious Thai dishes that don’t require soy sauce. By using alternative ingredients and creative substitutions, you can still enjoy the rich and complex flavors of Thai cuisine without compromising your dietary needs or preferences.
One important thing to note is that while soy sauce may not be a common ingredient in Thai cooking, it’s still important to pay attention to other potential sources of soy in your ingredients. For example, many Thai dishes contain tofu or tempeh, which are both made from soybeans. If you’re avoiding soy entirely, make sure to read labels carefully and ask questions about the ingredients used in any dishes you order or prepare at home.
When it comes to making soy-free Thai dishes at home, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for noodle dishes like pad Thai or stir-fries with lots of veggies and protein, there are ways to achieve the same bold flavors without relying on soy sauce. By experimenting with alternative sauces and seasonings like coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and Thai curry paste, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that are both healthy and flavorful.
In the following sections, we’ll explore some of our favorite soy-free Thai recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for bold and delicious flavors. From vegan pad Thai to flavorful fried rice, these dishes showcase the best of Thai cuisine while still being mindful of dietary restrictions and preferences.
Popular Thai Dishes With Soy Sauce
While there are many Thai dishes that don’t contain soy sauce, there are also many popular Thai dishes that do. Here are some examples:
1. Pad Thai: This dish is one of the most well-known Thai dishes and is typically made with rice noodles, vegetables, peanuts, and a sweet and savory sauce. Soy sauce is often used as one of the ingredients in the sauce, but it can be substituted with fish sauce or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
2. Green Curry: This curry dish is made with green curry paste, coconut milk, and an array of vegetables and protein. Soy sauce is often used to add saltiness and depth of flavor to the dish, but it can be omitted or substituted with fish sauce for a soy-free version.
3. Stir-Fry Dishes: Many stir-fry dishes in Thai cuisine use soy sauce as a base for the sauce. However, it’s possible to make soy-free versions by using alternative seasonings like fish sauce or coconut aminos.
4. Drunken Noodles: This spicy noodle dish is typically made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and protein like chicken or shrimp. Soy sauce is often used in the sauce for this dish, but it can be substituted with fish sauce or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
5. Tom Yum Soup: This hot and sour soup is typically made with shrimp or chicken, mushrooms, lemongrass, lime juice, and chili peppers. While soy sauce isn’t typically used in this soup, it’s important to check with the restaurant or chef to make sure there are no hidden sources of soy in the broth or seasoning.
Soy Sauce Alternatives In Thai Cooking
Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in Thai cooking, but if you have a soy allergy or are trying to avoid it, there are still plenty of options to create delicious Thai dishes. Here are some soy sauce alternatives that work well in Thai cooking:
1. Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce is a popular alternative to soy sauce in Thai cuisine. It’s made from oysters and has a slightly sweet and salty flavor. It’s less salty than soy sauce, so you may need to add additional salt to your dish. Oyster sauce is great for stir-fries and as a marinade for meats.
2. Sweet Dark Soy Sauce: Sweet dark soy sauce is similar to sweet soy sauce, but with a darker color and a more intense flavor. It’s perfect for braised dishes and as a dipping sauce for dumplings.
3. Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is a traditional ingredient in Thai cooking and is often used in place of soy sauce. It’s made from fermented fish and has a salty, savory flavor. It’s great for seasoning soups, curries, and stir-fries.
4. Coconut Aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free alternative to soy sauce made from coconut sap. They have a similar flavor profile to soy sauce but with less sodium. They’re great for marinades, dressings, and dipping sauces.
5. Tamari Sauce: Tamari sauce is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce made from fermented soybeans. It has a rich, savory flavor and is great for stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.
6. Mushroom Sauce: Mushroom sauce is made from mushrooms and has a rich umami flavor similar to soy sauce. It’s perfect for stir-fries and as a dipping sauce for dumplings.
7. Tamarind Paste: Tamarind paste is made from the fruit of the tamarind tree and has a tangy, sour flavor similar to soy sauce. It’s great for seasoning soups, curries, and stir-fries.
With these alternatives, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Thai cuisine without using soy sauce. Experiment with different flavors and find the ones that work best for you!
Soy-Free Pad Thai Recipe
If you’re looking for a soy-free pad Thai recipe, try this recipe that uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Coconut aminos is a soy-free and gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that has a slightly sweeter taste. To make this pad Thai recipe, you’ll need rice stick noodles, ketchup, fish sauce, sugar, crushed red pepper, peanut oil, peeled shrimp (or chicken or tofu), eggs, bean sprouts, green onions, garlic, chopped dry-roasted peanuts, and lime wedges.
First, soak the noodles in hot water until tender. While the noodles are hydrating, whisk together the ketchup, fish sauce, sugar, and crushed pepper in a small bowl. Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp until just cooked through. Remove the shrimp and keep warm. Add the eggs to the skillet and sauté until soft-scrambled. Then add the sprouts, green onions, and garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the noodles, ketchup mixture, and shrimp back into the skillet and cook for 3 minutes or until heated through. Top each serving with chopped peanuts and garnish with lime wedges. This soy-free pad Thai recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pad Thai that still has all the flavors you love.
Soy-Free Green Curry Recipe
If you’re looking for a soy-free take on the classic Thai green curry, this recipe is perfect for you. It’s packed with flavor and easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 shallot, chopped
– 1 inch ginger, peeled and chopped
– 2 green chilies, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 tbsp coconut aminos
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tbsp coconut oil
– 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
– 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 small red cabbage, chopped
– 6 tenderstem broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup baby corn, halved
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk
– 2 pak choi, chopped
– 1 cup mangetout
– 2 spring onions, sliced
– 1/2 cup edamame
Instructions:
1. Add the lemongrass, garlic, shallot, ginger, green chilies, coriander leaves, lime juice, coconut aminos, and water to a food processor. Blend until a paste forms.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the butternut squash, sweet potato, red cabbage, tenderstem broccoli, and baby corn. Cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the green curry paste to the pan and stir well.
4. Pour in the can of coconut milk and add the pak choi, mangetout, spring onions, and edamame. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
5. Serve with rice and enjoy your delicious soy-free green curry!
This recipe is perfect for vegans or anyone who wants to avoid soy sauce. You can also customize it by adding your favorite veggies or protein sources like tofu or shrimp. Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful Thai dish without any soy sauce!
Soy-Free Tom Yum Soup Recipe
Tom Yum soup is a popular Thai soup that is known for its hot and sour flavor. Traditionally, the soup is made with fish sauce, which is not suitable for vegans or those with soy allergies. However, this soy-free Tom Yum soup recipe offers a delicious alternative that is both vegan and soy-free.
Ingredients:
– 2 stalks of lemongrass
– 4 kaffir lime leaves
– 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
– 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
– 1 tablespoon of Thai red curry paste
– 4 cups of vegetable stock
– 1 can of chopped tomatoes
– 1 can of coconut cream
– 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar
– 1 cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms
– 1 block of soft tofu, sliced into cubes
– Juice from 2 limes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the lemongrass stalks in half and add them to an herb infuser along with the kaffir lime leaves.
2. In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, minced ginger, and Thai red curry paste. Sauté until the onions are softened.
3. Add the vegetable stock, chopped tomatoes, coconut cream, and herb infuser to the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse their flavors.
4. Remove the herb infuser from the pot and add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, coconut sugar, and tofu. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
This soy-free Tom Yum soup recipe offers all the delicious flavors of traditional Tom Yum soup without any soy products. It’s a great option for vegans or those with soy allergies who want to enjoy this classic Thai dish.
