Do you love the flavor of fish sauce but can’t stand the smell or the thought of using fish products? If so, you’re not alone!
Luckily, there are plenty of delicious substitutes for fish sauce that can provide a similar flavor to dishes without using fish products.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best substitutes for fish sauce and discuss how to use them in your favorite recipes.
Read on to find out which substitute may be best for you!
1. Tamarind paste
Tamarind paste is a popular substitutes for fish sauce due to its unique flavor profile. Tamarind paste is made from the pulp of the tamarind fruit and has a sour, sweet, and spicy taste.
It is an excellent addition to many dishes, including Thai and Indian curries, soups, and stir-fries.
It can be used in place of fish sauce in a 1:1 ratio. Tamarind paste provides a great balance of flavors in dishes, making it a great substitution for fish sauce.
2. sauce
Hoisin sauce, made from fermented soybeans, garlic, and spices, is popular in many Asian dishes.
It has a sweet, savory flavor, making it one of the ideal substitutes for fish sauce in many dishes.
Hoisin sauce is thicker than fish sauce, so you may need to thin it out with a bit of water or other liquid when using it as a replacement.
Additionally, be aware that hoisin sauce contains sugar and can add sweetness to your dish, so adjust other seasonings accordingly.
3. Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is one of the great substitutes for fish sauce due to its savory and umami flavor. It’s made with oyster extracts and sugar, giving it a slightly sweet taste.
Oyster sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine and can be used in marinades, stir-fries, sauces, and other dishes.
It’s a great way to add depth of flavor without adding fishy notes. If you’re looking for substitutes for fish sauce that’s easy to find in stores, this might be the best option for you!
4. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is one of the great options if you’re looking for substitutes for fish sauce. It has a similar salty, umami flavor and can add depth of flavor to dishes.
You may need to reduce the amount of soy sauce used compared to fish sauce, as it tastes saltier.
It’s also worth noting that soy sauce can be higher in sodium than fish sauce. Look for low-sodium varieties to keep your dishes healthy.
5. Miso
Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is a great alternative to fish sauce. It provides a savory, salty flavor with plenty of umami.
It is commonly used in soup and sauces and can be used as substitutes for fish sauce when making Asian dishes.
However, the Miso flavor is quite subtle and should be used in moderation to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
It is also important to note that different types of miso will have different levels of saltiness, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
6. Tamari Sauce
Tamari is a type of Japanese soy sauce that is naturally gluten-free. It has a similar flavor and texture to fish sauce, making it a great substitute.
Tamari is also high in sodium, so be sure to adjust your seasoning as needed if you use it as substitutes for fish sauce.
It works particularly well in Asian dishes, like stir-fries and noodle dishes, where fish sauce might traditionally be used.
7. Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a classic and popular condiment that has been used as substitutes for fish sauce in some recipes.
It has a strong, salty flavor with notes of garlic, tamarind, and anchovies. While it does not have the same fishy flavor as fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce can replace some of the salt and umami flavors in fish sauce.
This substitution works best in sauces, marinades, and dressings. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed since Worcestershire sauce is much saltier than fish sauce.
8. Coconut Aminos
Coconut aminos is a soy- and gluten-free substitutes for fish sauce. It is made from coconut sap, which has been aged and blended with sea salt.
It has a rich, salty flavor that is milder than fish sauce and is often used as a seasoning for various dishes.
Coconut aminos can be used in place of fish sauce in most recipes, although some may require adjustments in other ingredients to compensate for the lack of flavor.
9. Fish Broth
Fish broth is one of the great substitutes for fish sauce. It has a more subtle flavor than a fish sauce but still offers a hint of umami.
Fish broth can be made from any kind of fish, such as salmon, cod, or shrimp.
To make the broth, simmer the fish in a pot of water with aromatics such as onion, garlic, and herbs.
Once the broth has cooked, strain it and season to taste. The finished product will be a flavorful and delicate broth that can be used as substitutes for fish sauce in any dish.
10. Seaweed
Seaweed is one of the great substitutes for fish sauce. It’s rich in minerals, vitamins, and umami flavor, which makes it a great alternative to fish sauce.
Seaweed also adds an interesting texture to dishes, making it perfect for adding an extra layer of flavor. You can find seaweed at many grocery stores, health food stores, and Asian markets.
To use seaweed as substitutes for fish sauce, soak dried seaweed in warm water for 5-10 minutes until it is soft and pliable.
You can blend it with a bit of salt and water to make a paste or use it whole in recipes.
Seaweed can be added to soups, stews, and stir-fries for an extra kick of flavor. It can also be used as a topping for salads, noodles, or rice.
When using seaweed as a substitute for fish sauce, remember that it will impart a unique flavor and texture to your dish.
Some people find the seaweed flavor too strong and salty, so you may want to start with small amounts and adjust according to your taste.
11. Vegan Fish Sauce
Vegan fish sauce is a great way to get that umami-rich flavor without using any fish at all.
Made with a variety of ingredients such as sea salt, sugar, garlic, and spices, this vegan alternative is the perfect substitutes for fish sauce in your favorite dishes.
It’s not only vegan-friendly but also gluten-free and low in sodium, making it a healthier alternative.
Vegan fish sauce is also incredibly versatile and can be used to season curries, soups, stir-fries, noodles, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a plant-based replacement for fish sauce or want to add a new flavor profile to your dishes, vegan fish sauce is an excellent option.
12. Liquid Aminos
Liquid aminos are great substitutes for fish sauce, as they have a similar taste and consistency.
Liquid aminos are made from soybeans that have been aged and fermented and then combined with salt and water.
They provide a salty, savory flavor to any dish and can be used in place of fish sauce.
Additionally, liquid aminos are vegan-friendly and free of any animal products, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a healthier, plant-based alternative to fish sauce.
Conclusion
if you’re a fan of Southeast Asian cuisine, you’ve probably heard of fish sauce. But if you can’t stand the smell, or don’t eat seafood, then finding substitutes for fish sauce can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from that can provide the same umami flavor without relying on fish.
In this blog post, we have explored some of the best substitutes for fish sauce that you can use in your favorite recipes.
