WIP1 2024-02-15 If you are among those who have adverse (mild to major) reaction to Soy products, AND you like Asian foods – you need to find a substitute. In my case it was either give up Asian inspired dishes or devote the effort to working out a suitable replacement to avoid unpleasant consequences. Who knew the most palatable (to us) was already in my pantry.
The primary difference between Maggi’s Seasoning2 and most if not all brands of Soy Sauce is their basic ingredient(s):
Maggi’s Liquid Seasoning is made from wheat and glutamic acids. Soy Sauce is Soy Beans and as part of looking up things for this article, the second ingredient is usually “wheat” possibly a concern for some.
Maggi’s flavor is considered to be a bit more complex, as well as slightly thicker (although that is irrelevant when used as an ingredient. From a flavor standpoint, both add great umani.3 )
When used as an additive to “one dish meals” like stews, chilis, and such it adds that something something that is much missed when it is not there.
When used as a condiment or dipping sauce, some may want to add a tiny bit sweetener or other added seasoning. Sorry to be vague, but having not found one I really like, not ready to recommend. “Straight from the bottle works for us as a Soy Sauce substitute.
If you want more details on the history and uses of Maggi’s I do suggest reading Jennifer McGaven’s recently updated TheSpruceEats article entitled “What Is Maggi Seasoning?”4 So much so that when working on this update, every article I found referenced it “in a good way”.
Among the pleasant surprises related to was Maggi’s Seasoning much lower Sodium rating of 400mg per tablespoon – as compared with Kikoman and various store brands of 920mg Sodium per tablespoon.
The big surprise (to me but then gluten is not my issue) was that pretty much every brand of Soy Sauce also contain wheat.
As with many things Amazon, if you use some of the links herein are affiliate, I may earn a commission which does not effect the price you pay (although looking thru the listing just might) often the best price is found in your local stupid market
Bottom Line: Maggi’s Seasoning,
used as a Soy Sauce sub with a 1:1 ration works for us,
your palate may prefer something stronger.
And, in most cases half the sodium.
Last but not least, this mostly started because I needed a “Fried Rice Solution” one more test to be sure it does, in fact, duplicate as expected and I will share.
Last Updated 2024-03-29
- WIP = Work In Progress ↩︎
- Maggi’s Liquid Seasoning is NOT GLUTEN FREE ↩︎
- Umami the word is currently rather trendy but has been around the culinary world for a very long time. It has been described as savory and is characteristic of broths and cooked meats ↩︎
- What Is Maggi Seasoning? ↩︎