Substitute for Tauco (Fermented Soy Paste): 4 Smart Options
The best substitute for tauco (fermented soy paste) is Miso paste (yellow or red) at a Use 75% ratio. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Miso paste (yellow or red)
Use 75%
You can use Miso paste (yellow or red) in place of tauco (fermented soy paste) when needed. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. The flavor lands a bit softer than the original, so you may want a final taste adjustment. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What are the other substitutes for tauco (fermented soy paste)?
Doenjang (Korean soy paste)
Same amount (1:1)
Doenjang (Korean soy paste) works as a substitute for tauco (fermented soy paste) in many recipes. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
Soy sauce + minced garlic + sesame oil
Same amount (1:1)
Soy sauce + minced garlic + sesame oil works as a substitute for tauco (fermented soy paste) in many recipes. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces. If you are building the substitute from multiple ingredients, mix it fully before it goes into the recipe.
Soy sauce + tomato paste + sesame oil
Use 75%
Soy sauce + tomato paste + sesame oil works as a substitute for tauco (fermented soy paste) in many recipes. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. It is especially useful in sauces and stews. If you are building the substitute from multiple ingredients, mix it fully before it goes into the recipe.
What should you know before substituting tauco (fermented soy paste)?
Miso paste (yellow or red) is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to tauco (fermented soy paste) in everyday cooking. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Focus on whether you need the closest flavor, the right texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.
How do you substitute tauco (fermented soy paste) in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for tauco (fermented soy paste) and you need an alternative, there are 4 tested substitutes available. Miso paste (yellow or red) is the best overall replacement, used at a Use 75% ratio. The right substitute depends on the role tauco (fermented soy paste) plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for tauco (fermented soy paste) depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Miso paste (yellow or red) (Use 75%), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Doenjang (Korean soy paste) (Same amount (1:1)) is another reliable choice. Doenjang (Korean soy paste) works as a substitute for tauco (fermented soy paste) in many recipes. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
When substituting tauco (fermented soy paste), consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Tauco (Fermented Soy Paste)?
Miso paste (yellow or red) is the best place to start for tauco (fermented soy paste). Use 75% of the original amount and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Tauco (Fermented Soy Paste)?
This page lists 4 substitutes for tauco (fermented soy paste). The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.