Fish sauce is a common ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, providing savory depth and rich umami flavor to dishes like stir-fries, soups, marinades, and dipping sauces. Fish sauce adds depth and umami to many dishes, but when it’s unavailable or unsuitable for your dietary needs, there are substitutes you can use. Although before picking the right substitute for your recipe, it’s good to know what fish sauce is, and how it tastes.
What is Fish Sauce?
Fish sauce is a liquid condiment made from fermenting small fish, typically anchovies, with salt. Over time, the fish breaks down and releases a strong, savory liquid rich in umami. This fermentation process gives the fish sauce its intense flavor, which is salty, briny, and packed with depth.
6 Substitutes for Fish Sauce
1) Vegan Fish Sauce
- Profile: Vegan fish sauce replicates the savory, umami-rich qualities of traditional fish sauce using plant-based ingredients like seaweed, mushrooms, and soy sauce. It provides the same depth without the fishy undertone, making it ideal for vegans or those with seafood allergies. You can find this ingredient in many Asian grocery stores, and some well-stocked grocery stores.
- Best Uses: Vegan fish sauce can simply be used as a one-to-one replacement for traditional fish sauce in recipes.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Yes.
2) Oyster Sauce
- Profile: Oyster sauce has a salty, umami flavor with a slightly sweeter finish compared to fish sauce. It is thicker in texture, which works well in stir-fries and marinades, though the sweetness may require adjustments in some recipes.
- Best Uses: Use oyster sauce in stir-fries and marinades.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: No, but vegan versions of oyster sauce are available.
3) Coconut Aminos
- Profile: Coconut aminos offers a slightly sweet, mild flavor with a touch of umami. It’s a lighter alternative to fish sauce and works well for those who need a soy-free and gluten-free option. You may need to add salt to achieve the same saltiness as fish sauce.
- Best Uses: Coconut aminos is ideal for stir-fries, soups, and marinades. If you’re missing the saltiness of fish sauce, sprinkle a little extra salt into the dish.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Yes.
4) Anchovies (Minced)
- Profile: Minced anchovies have an intense salty, umami taste that closely resembles fish sauce but with a more concentrated flavor.
- Best Uses: Use minced anchovies in small quantities in marinades and sauces where a strong fishy flavor is desired.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: No.
5) Soy Sauce
- Profile: Soy sauce has savory, salty notes like fish sauce, but without the fishy taste. It does not have as much depth in flavor but can be used in a pinch.
- Best Uses: Soy sauce works well in stir-fries, soups, and marinades.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Yes.
6) Worcestershire Sauce
- Profile: Worcestershire sauce has a tangy, savory flavor that includes a mix of vinegar, molasses, and anchovies. Its flavor is complex, and while it’s sweeter than fish sauce, it adds umami depth to dishes. This sauce is a good pantry-friendly alternative that you can find in most grocery stores.
- Best Uses: Use Worcestershire sauce in marinades, soups, and sauces.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: No (but vegan versions are available).
How to Choose the Best Substitute
When selecting a substitute for fish sauce, consider these factors:
- Dietary Needs: For vegan or vegetarian alternatives, coconut aminos, soy sauce, or vegan fish sauce are great options. Minced anchovies and Worcestershire sauce are ideal for those who eat fish.
- Flavor Profile: If you’re looking for a savory, salty flavor without the fishy taste, soy sauce or coconut aminos work well. For something closer to fish sauce’s flavor, vegan fish sauce or minced anchovies will do the job.
Final Thoughts
Fish sauce is a commonly used ingredient that adds salty, umami-rich flavors to many Southeast Asian dishes. When you don’t have it on hand or need a substitute due to dietary preferences, there are plenty of alternatives available.
Whether you’re looking for a vegan option, something you may already in your pantry like soy sauce or a closer match like vegan fish sauce, these substitutes can help maintain the savory depth in your recipes.