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5 Best Substitutes for Msg in Umami-Rich Cooking

5 Best Substitutes for Msg

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When you're out of MSG, use miso paste, soy sauce, or nutritional yeast for the strongest umami. Adjust salt carefully as most substitutes are saltier than MSG. Pick swaps based on flavor fit.
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Prep Time 6 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Cooking, Substitutes
Cuisine: General
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon Miso Paste Use 1 tablespoon miso per 1 teaspoon MSG and reduce added salt by half. Adds fermented and slightly sweet flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Use 1 tablespoon soy sauce per 1 teaspoon MSG and skip added salt. Very salty and darkens color.
  • 1 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast Use 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast per 1 teaspoon MSG. Nutty and cheesy undertone, does not dissolve easily.
  • 1 teaspoon Shiitake Powder Use 1 teaspoon shiitake powder per 1 teaspoon MSG. Earthy, woody flavor; start with half and taste before adding more.
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste Use 1 tablespoon tomato paste per 1 teaspoon MSG. Adds acidity and color; cook in oil to deepen umami and mellow tang.

Method
 

  1. Choose your substitute based on the flavor profile and cooking method of your dish.
  2. For miso and soy sauce, adjust accordingly by reducing added salt and use the stated ratio: 1 tablespoon per 1 teaspoon MSG.
  3. If using nutritional yeast, stir well to avoid clumps since it does not dissolve like MSG.
  4. For shiitake powder, start with half the amount and taste before adding more, as the flavor is strong and earthy.
  5. When using tomato paste, cook it in a little oil for 30 seconds before adding liquids to deepen umami and mellow acidity.
  6. After adding your substitute, taste the dish and adjust salt and seasoning as needed to maintain balance.

Notes

Add miso paste slowly while tasting to avoid over-salting and prevent watery or overly thick textures.

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