Are you a fan of Southeast Asian cuisine?
You know the one with amazing combinations of flavors, such as sweet, sour, salty and spicy.
Well if so, then chances are that one ingredient stands out among them all – fish sauce.
This ubiquitous condiment is used to add flavor to dishes like Pad Thai and Seafood Laksa – but it’s not always suitable for everyone due to dietary or ethical considerations.
Is there any way around this problem? Yes!
In this blog post, we explore 5 surprising substitutes for fish sauce that can be just as good as the original yet still suit different tastes and preferences while also being vegan-friendly.
Let’s dive right in!
What’s Fish Sauce?
Fish sauce is a popular condiment in many Asian cuisines, especially Thai and Vietnamese.
It is made by fermenting fish in salt water for months or even years.
The end result is a highly concentrated, salty liquid with a strong umami flavor.
Fish sauce can be used in many different ways.
It is often used as a dipping sauce, added to soups and stews, or used as a marinade for meat or vegetables.
It can also be used as a flavoring agent in other dishes such as stir-fries or noodle dishes.
If you’re looking for a substitute for fish sauce, there are several options available.
Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Worcestershire sauce are all good substitutes that will add a similar salty, savory flavor to your dish.
Alternatively, you could use anchovies or shrimp paste, both of which are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.
The 5 Substitutes for Fish Sauce to Use in Recipes
1. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a popular condiment that is made from fermented soybeans.
It has a salty, umami flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes.
While soy sauce is traditionally used in Asian cuisine, it can be used in a variety of different cuisines.
Soy sauce is a good substitute for fish sauce because it has a similar salty, umami flavor.
You can use soy sauce as a 1:1 replacement for fish sauce in most recipes.
Keep in mind that soy sauce is darker in color than fish sauce, so it may slightly change the appearance of your dish.
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to soy sauce, you can try tamari.
Tamari is similar to soy sauce but it is made without any wheat.
It has a slightly sweeter flavor than soy sauce and it is also gluten-free.
2. Tamari Sauce
Tamari sauce is a great substitute for fish sauce because it has a similar savory and umami flavor.
Tamari is actually a type of soy sauce, so it is made from fermented soybeans.
It is also gluten-free, which is something to keep in mind if you are cooking for someone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.
To use tamari sauce as a fish sauce substitute, simply add it to your dish in the same amount that you would use fish sauce.
You can also add a little bit of water to thin it out if necessary.
Tamari sauce is a great way to add flavor to stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.
3. Oyster Sauce
If you’re looking for a fish sauce substitute, oyster sauce is a great option.
It’s made from oysters that have been boiled down and has a similar umami flavor.
You can use it in stir-fries, soups, and marinades.
Just be careful not to overdo it since oyster sauce is quite salty.
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Oyster sauce is made from oysters that have been boiled down and has a similar umami flavor to fish sauce.
You can use it in stir-fries, soups, and marinades.
Just be careful not to overdo it since oyster sauce is quite salty.
If you want a fish-free option, try using soy sauce or tamari instead.
Both of these options will provide a similar savory flavor.
Start with less than you would with fish sauce since they are both quite salty.
You can always add more to taste.
4. Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a popular condiment that is used in many different dishes.
While it is most commonly used in savory dishes, it can also be used in sweet dishes as well.
Worcestershire sauce is made from a variety of ingredients, including vinegar, soy sauce, anchovies, onions, garlic, and more.
If you are looking for a completely vegan option, there are several brands of vegan Worcestershire sauce that are available.
These sauces are made from ingredients like tamarind paste, apple cider vinegar, and molasses.
They can be found at most health food stores or online.
5. Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark sauce made from soybeans, garlic, chilies, and various spices.
It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce, in stir-fries, or as a marinade.
Hoisin sauce has a sweet and salty flavor and can be quite spicy.
While it is traditionally made with fermented soybeans, there are now many vegetarian and vegan varieties available.
If you’re looking for a hoisin sauce substitute, there are several options available.
You can use oyster sauce, barbecue sauce, plum sauce, or even ketchup in a pinch.
Each of these sauces has a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to hoisin sauce.
Just be sure to adjust the other seasonings in your recipe accordingly.
Conclusion
There you have it – five substitutes for fish sauce that will give your dish that extra bit of flavor without the fishy smell.
Give them a try and let us know how it went.
The 5 Substitutes For Fish Sauce
Ingredients
- 1. Soy Sauce
- 2. Tamari Sauce
- 3. Oyster Sauce
- 4. Worcestershire Sauce
- 5. Hoisin Sauce
Instructions
- Select your favorite ingredient from the list above to use as a substitute.
- Follow the instructions and use the exact ratio of ingredients as directed.
- This will help to ensure that your dish turns out just as delicious as it would have with the original ingredient.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!