Creating a Thai black soy sauce substitute at home is a fantastic way to add depth and complexity to your dishes. This recipe combines the rich flavors of dark soy sauce and molasses to mimic the unique taste of traditional Thai black soy sauce. Perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces, this homemade version is both convenient and delicious.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, dark soy sauce and molasses might not be as familiar to everyone. Dark soy sauce is thicker and sweeter than regular soy sauce, often used in Asian cuisine for its rich color and flavor. Molasses is a byproduct of sugar production, known for its deep, sweet, and slightly bitter taste. Both can be found in the international or baking aisles of most supermarkets.

Ingredients For Thai Black Soy Sauce Substitute
Dark soy sauce: A thicker, sweeter version of regular soy sauce, providing a rich color and flavor.
Molasses: A byproduct of sugar production, offering a deep, sweet, and slightly bitter taste.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the flavors.
Water: Helps to dilute and combine the ingredients.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When making this Thai black soy sauce substitute, ensure you stir the mixture consistently while it simmers. This helps to evenly distribute the molasses and sugar, preventing them from settling at the bottom and burning. Additionally, keep an eye on the heat to avoid over-reducing the sauce, which can result in an overly thick and potentially bitter end product.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
dark soy sauce - Substitute with regular soy sauce and a few drops of liquid smoke: Regular soy sauce can mimic the salty and umami flavors, while liquid smoke adds a hint of depth and complexity.
molasses - Substitute with dark brown sugar and a bit of water: Dark brown sugar has a similar rich, caramel-like flavor, and adding a bit of water can help achieve the right consistency.
sugar - Substitute with honey or maple syrup: Both honey and maple syrup provide sweetness and a slight complexity that complements the other ingredients.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the dish, making it a good substitute for water.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the Thai black soy sauce substitute to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation and maintains the sauce's consistency.
Transfer the cooled sauce into a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. Ensure the container is sterilized to prolong the shelf life.
Store the sauce in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a month when properly refrigerated.
For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Pour the sauce into an ice cube tray for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps keep track of its freshness.
When ready to use, thaw the desired amount in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving to maintain the sauce's flavor and texture.
If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, add a small amount of warm water and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
Always use a clean spoon or utensil when scooping out the sauce to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.
Keep the sauce away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve its rich, dark color and robust flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Pour the Thai black soy sauce substitute into a small saucepan.
Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Once warmed through, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe container.
Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters.
Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the sauce is heated evenly.
If the sauce is too thick, mix in a small amount of water after microwaving to adjust the consistency.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for combining and heating the ingredients evenly.
Measuring cups: Use measuring cups to accurately measure the dark soy sauce, molasses, and water.
Measuring spoons: A set of measuring spoons will help you measure the sugar precisely.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the mixture as it heats and thickens.
Stove: You'll need a stove to bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer it.
Bottle: Once the sauce has cooled, store it in a bottle for easy use later.
Funnel: A funnel can help you transfer the sauce into the bottle without spilling.
Timer: Use a timer to keep track of the 10-minute simmering time.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Measure ingredients in advance: Pre-measure dark soy sauce, molasses, sugar, and water to streamline the cooking process.
Use a whisk: A whisk helps blend the ingredients more quickly and evenly than a spoon.
Simmer with a lid: Cover the saucepan while simmering to reduce evaporation and speed up thickening.
Cool in an ice bath: Place the saucepan in an ice bath to cool the mixture faster before storing.

Thai Black Soy Sauce Substitute Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup Dark Soy Sauce
- ¼ cup Molasses
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Let it cool before using or storing in a bottle.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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