This article provides an overview of fish sauce, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make fish sauce substitutes.
What is Fish Sauce?
Fish sauce is a liquid condiment made from fermented fish. It is used frequently in South-East Asian cuisines, particularly Thai, Burmese, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. The main ingredients are dried fish, water, and salt.
What does Fish Sauce taste like?
As you can imagine, fish sauce does have a fishy taste, but it is not overpowering to the dish. Instead, there is a salty, briny, sweetness that hides the fishy flavor.
Is Fish Sauce readily available in Supermarkets?
Fish sauce is readily available in supermarkets, it is usually found in the world food section or with other condiments like soy sauce. You can also easily find various brands and variations in an Asian supermarket.
What are some alternative names for Fish Sauce?
In Western cultures it will be simply referred to as fish sauce, however, each language in South-East Asia has its own name for the liquid, for example in Thailand it is known as nam pla.
What is a good substitute for Fish Sauce in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for fish sauce. These include: