I never realized how much I used fish sauce until I couldn’t have it anymore.
I’m allergic to fish, so fish sauce was out of the question. But I quickly found out that there are many substitutes for fish sauce that can give you a similar flavor profile. In this article, I’ll share the top fish sauce substitutes I’ve put to the test and how to use them.
So if you ever find yourself in any situation where fish sauce is unavailable, or you just want a different option, just pick one of these options.
Substitutes for Fish Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Vegan Fish Sauce
- Tamari
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Mushroom and Soy Sauce
- Seaweed
- Coconut Aminos
- Hoison Sauce
- Fish Broth
Soy Sauce
One common substitution for fish sauce is soy sauce. Soy sauce is a saltier, darker-colored sauce that is popular in Asian cuisine. It can be used as a replacement for fish sauce in many dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and marinades. Soy sauce is also vegan, so it is a good choice for those who are avoiding fish products.
Like fish sauce, soy sauce adds saltiness and depth of flavor to dishes. But soy sauce is saltier than fish sauce, so when using soy sauce, reduce the amount of salt in the original recipe accordingly.
Soy sauce does not have the same umami flavor as fish sauce, so it may not be a perfect replacement in all cases. Overall, soy sauce is a versatile substitution for fish sauce that can be used in many different dishes.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is another good option as a substitute for fish sauce. It has a similar salty, umami flavor and can be used in a 1-to-1 ratio if you don’t mind a slightly thicker consistency.
There are also some benefits to using oyster sauce over fish sauce. Because it is made from oysters, it is higher in calcium and other minerals. In addition, oyster sauce is also richer and more complex than fish sauce, so it can add an extra level of flavor to your dish.
It is also vegetarian-friendly and doesn’t have the same strong odor as fish sauce. So, if you’re looking for a replacement for fish sauce, give the oyster sauce a try.
Vegan Fish Sauce
Even though the fish sauce is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines, it can be difficult to find a vegetarian or vegan alternative. One popular option is vegan fish sauce made from soybeans and salt.
Vegan fish sauce has a similar flavor to fish sauce. Therefore, you can use the same amount of vegan fish sauce as the regular one. In addition, it is free of chemicals and preservatives, making it a healthier option overall.
Another benefit of vegan fish sauce is that it is low in sodium and fat, making it a good choice for those on a diet or with certain health conditions.
Tamari
Tamari is a great substitute for fish sauce because it has a similar umami flavor. To substitute tamari for fish sauce, use a 1-to-1 ratio of fish sauce to tamari. You can also add some water to the tamari to get the desired consistency.
Tamari is also less salty than fish sauce, so you may also need to add a little salt to your dish.
There are several benefits to using tamari as a substitute for fish sauce. First, it is vegan and gluten-free, so it is a great option for people with dietary restrictions.
Second, tamari has a richer, more concentrated flavor than soy sauce, so it can enhance the flavor of your dish.
Finally, tamari is less likely to cause problems for people with high blood pressure or sodium sensitivities since it is lower in sodium than fish sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a common pantry staple that can be used as a substitute for fish sauce. Worcestershire sauce contains vinegar, anchovies, molasses, sugar, salt, cloves, and onion – all of which combine to create a rich, savory flavor. It has the same umami flavor as fish sauce.
When substituting Worcestershire sauce for fish sauce, use a ratio of 1:1. Worcestershire sauce can be used in marinades, dressings, and sauces – making it a versatile ingredient.
In addition, Worcestershire sauce provides many health benefits. It is low in calories and fat-free, and it contains no cholesterol. Worcestershire sauce is also a good source of sodium and potassium. As a result, Worcestershire sauce is a healthy option for those who are looking to reduce their intake of fish sauce.
Mushroom and Soy Sauce
A combination of mushrooms and soy sauce also works well as a substitute in recipes that call for fish sauce, and it also has the added benefit of being vegan-friendly.
The umami flavor of the mushrooms helps to round out the flavor of the soy sauce, making it a good stand-in for fish sauce. Plus, this combination is also lower in sodium than fish sauce, so it’s a healthier option as well.
All you need to do is mix ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, 4 cups of water, a quarter cup of soy sauce, and 2 and a ½ tablespoons salt in a pot and bring it to a boil. Let the mixture simmer on low heat until the mixture has halved in volume.
So if you’re looking for a way to add some umami flavor to your dishes without using fish sauce, then give this mushroom and soy sauce combination a try.
Seaweed
Another option is to use seaweed. Seaweed provides a similar fishy flavor without the use of actual fish.
Additionally, seaweed is a healthy and sustainable alternative to fish sauce. It is high in vitamins and minerals and can be harvested without causing harm to the environment.
It’s the perfect substitution to use in Asian cuisine, especially broths and soups. If you are looking for a fish sauce substitute that is both delicious and environmentally friendly, seaweed is a great option.
Coconut Aminos
One good substitute to use instead of fish sauce is coconut aminos. This sauce is made from coconut sap and tastes similar to fish sauce. It can be used as a 1:1 replacement in most recipes.
The main difference is that coconut aminos are slightly sweeter than fish sauce, so you may need to add extra salt to your dish. However, a significant benefit of using coconut aminos is that they are gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet, and salty Chinese condiment that is frequently used as a dipping sauce. It is made of soybeans, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and various spices.
Hoisin sauce can be used as a fish sauce substitute in many recipes. For example, it can be used in stir-fries in place of fish sauce to add sweetness and depth of flavor. Hoisin sauce can also be used as a marinade for chicken or pork.
The sweet and savory flavors of hoisin sauce will infuse the meat with flavor and help to create a crispy and delicious finish. To use it as a substitute for fish sauce, use it in a 1-to-1 ratio.
Fish Broth
Fish broth is a great substitute for fish sauce because it has a similar flavor profile. To use fish broth as a substitute, add double the amount of fish broth than you would of fish sauce. This is because the fish broth isn’t as concentrated.
This substitute is also a great option for anyone who is looking for a way to reduce their sodium intake. Because you are only using a small amount of salt present in fish broth, the overall sodium content of the dish will be lower than if you had used fish sauce.
Making fish broth is no rocket science. Just boil fish frames with water, along with onions and celery. Add salt to taste, and voila! It’s done.
Related Questions
What are some fish sauce substitutes for kimchi?
If you’re looking for a fish sauce substitute for kimchi, there are a few options to choose from. Soy sauce is a popular choice, as it has a similar salty flavor. However, you can also use tamari or coconut aminos, which are both soy-free options. Another option is to use salt and seaweed, which will give the kimchi a similar briny flavor.
What are some substitutes for fish sauce in pad thai?
Soy sauce or tamari can be used as alternatives to fish sauce, while rice vinegar can be used to add acidity. For sweetness, you can use sugar or honey; for spice, you can add chili flakes. Finally, mushrooms and seaweed will bring the umami flavor.
Can I use soy sauce instead of fish sauce?
Soy sauce is a good alternative to fish sauce and is also widely available. Soy sauce is also less expensive than fish sauce, making it a good option for budget-minded cooks. In addition, soy sauce has a similar salty flavor to fish sauce, making it a good substitute in most recipes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many alternatives for fish sauce that can be used in a variety of recipes. Soy sauce, coconut aminos, hoisin sauce, fish broth, and seaweed are all great options that will provide similar flavors to dishes that traditionally use fish sauce. When substituting, be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly to maintain the desired flavor profile.