Exploring the Versatility of Fish Sauce and Substitutes

Individuals who are vegan, vegetarian, or allergic to fish may want to avoid fish sauce and foods made with it. What are fish-free sauce substitutes?

Fish Sauce Substitutes

Fish sauce is a liquid ingredient that adds a salty fish flavor to recipes. It is made by coating fish, like anchovies, in salt and letting them ferment in large barrels. The result is bottled fish sauce. Commonly associated with Asian cooking, fish sauce adds flavor to recipes like noodles, stir-fries, and more. The sauce is described as having an earthy, umami flavor. Because the sauce has a unique flavor that is difficult to replicate, removing it altogether is an option for those who do not consume fish products or do not have this ingredient readily available. There are fish sauce substitutes that are vegan—and vegetarian-friendly.

Options

Fish and fish products can be part of a balanced diet and a nutritious source of omega fatty acids. However, fish sauce can be substituted for those who follow a meat-free meal plan, have seafood allergies, or do not have fish sauce available. Omitting some or all animal products from one’s diet is not as easy as avoiding fish. Individuals must also check ingredient labels for animal-based ingredients and byproducts. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, fish and shellfish are among the most common food allergies in the U.S. (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2022)

Nutrition

Nutrition information for one tablespoon or 18 grams of fish sauce. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2018)

• Calories – 6.3
• Fat – 0 grams
• Sodium – 1,410 milligrams
• Carbohydrates – 0.66 grams
• Fiber – 0 grams
• Sugars – 0.66 grams
• Protein – 0.91 grams

Fish sauce is usually added in small amounts so that it is not a significant source of calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrates. However, it does contain 1,410 milligrams of sodium. Guidelines recommend 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day for adults, and the recommended serving size of sauce contains around 61%. (U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020)

Substitutes

Fish sauce substitutes typically replace the salty, savory flavors and help deepen the taste of recipes by adding salty and umami flavors. The vegan and vegetarian-friendly alternatives do not provide the fish flavor.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a liquid condiment made with fermented ingredients. It replicates the salty flavor, and although it can be high in sodium, it yields a similar nutritional profile. Soy sauce can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio. Adding minced fish, such as anchovies or sardines, is optional to satisfy the fish flavor.

Tamari

Tamari is a gluten-free Japanese-style soy sauce that can naturally substitute fish sauce and be used in equal amounts.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce can substitute the fish sauce flavor and saltiness. It is a condiment that deepens the flavor of dishes like steaks, stews, sauces, marinades, etc. Though it is not a traditional ingredient in Asian cooking, it can be used in recipes like noodles, dumplings, marinated meat, and salads. It is lower in sodium, so it may be preferred for a low-sodium meal plan. It can be used at a 1:1 ratio.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is made from fermented soybeans. It has the fermented aspect of fish sauce and the salty flavors of soy sauce, with a slightly sweet flavor. Compared to American-style barbecue sauce, it is thick and usually used as a glaze or dipping sauce. To substitute, mix hoisin sauce with soy sauce at a 1:1 ratio to offset the sweetness of hoisin sauce. Use the mixture to replace the fish sauce in equal amounts.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a fish product with the closest flavor profile to fish sauce. It has a thicker consistency, offers a salty fish flavor, and can be used at a 1:1 ratio.

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References

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2022). Food allergies. Allergies. aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/food-allergies/

U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central. (2018). Sauce, fish, ready-to-serve. Retrieved from fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174531/nutrients

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Retrieved from www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf