The 10 BEST Fish Sauce Substitutes

Replicate the same salty-savory flavors as real fish sauce with any of these 10 fish sauce substitutes! Whether you’re allergic, can’t find it, or simply prefer an alternative, this comprehensive guide has you covered.

We’ve all been there… You’re reading through a recipe and BAM. Fish sauce is listed in the ingredients and you forgot to pick some up during your last grocery run. Now what?

Instead of running to the grocery store for one measly ingredient, use one of the fish sauce substitutes on this comprehensive list!

If you’re all out of the real thing or you simply cannot have it because of an allergy or dietary restriction, there’s a substitute that will replicate the same fishy, savory, and salty flavor of the real thing. This collection of 10 versatile alternatives will guide you through using each substitution while inspiring you to get creative with delicious dishes!

What is fish sauce?

Fish sauce is a staple Southeast Asian condiment known for its pungent, savory flavor. It’s traditionally made with anchovies or other small fish, salt, and sometimes water. The mixture is left to ferment for months, resulting in a liquid with aromatic yet intense salty, sweet, and umami notes.

As I noted in my Larb Gai Recipe, the smell of fish sauce can be off-putting at first; however, you won’t even notice it’s there after adding it to your dish. It’s simply there for added depth and complexity!

How do you use fish sauce?

You’ll see fish sauce used in a long list of recipes but it’s most often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Check out these delicious recipes that typically call for fish sauce:

• Thai Green Curry
• Vietnamese Pho
• Pad Kee Mao
• Pad Thai
• Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon)
• Korean Bibimbap
• Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
• Thai Beef Stir Fry

The 10 Best Substitutes for Fish Sauce

These 10 versatile substitutes have the essence of real fish sauce, making them perfect to use in your favorite recipes. Before picking a substitute from this list, consider the flavor profile of your dish and make a selection from there. For example, soy sauce and tamari work well in savory, umami-rich dishes, while coconut aminos and mushroom broth are better when a subtle sweetness is needed.

Here are my favorite fish sauce substitutes:

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce has a similar saltiness and a hint of sweetness but lacks the distinct fishy flavor of fish sauce. It’s my go-to for stir fries, marinades, and dipping sauces when I’m out of fish sauce. 

Tamari

Tamari has your back when you need a gluten-free alternative to fish sauce and soy sauce. It has a rich, savory flavor with a slightly smoother finish, making it perfect for Asian-inspired dishes such as pork drunken noodles (Pad Kee Mao), soups, and sushi rice. 

Worcestershire Sauce

You won’t often see Worcestershire in Asian cuisine but it can be useful in adding tangy and umami flavors and a hint of vinegar and spices. If a stew, hearty sauce, or meat dish calls for fish sauce, go ahead and replace it with Worcestershire sauce.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is thicker than fish sauce but has a rich, savory, slightly sweet, and subtle seafood flavor. Try it in fried rice, lettuce wraps, or marinades for a nuanced umami kick. 

Coconut Aminos

Another gluten-free alternative to fish sauce and soy sauce, soy-free coconut aminos has a mildly sweet-savory flavor reminiscent of soy sauce. I like using it in stir fries, dressings, marinades, coconut lime rice, or Thai shrimp salad for a tropical twist. 

Mushroom Broth

Good quality mushroom broth is deep, earthy, and umami, helping it closely replicate the savory notes of fish sauce in soups and stews. You can also use it in place of water to cook your rice when you’re craving a little more flavor. 

Anchovy Paste

I recommend using a small amount of anchovy paste, as its concentrated salty flavor is more intense than fish sauce. You can use it in pasta sauce, Caesar dressings, and vinaigrettes for a savory punch.

Seaweed (Kombu)

Kombu seaweed has a subtle oceanic flavor with natural umami, making it a fitting alternative. You can use soaked and finely chopped kombu in broths, soups, and dressings for that same fresh-from-the-sea flavor. 

Miso Paste

Miso paste is a fermented condiment you can use as a replacement for fish sauce or whenever you want a complex, salty-sweet flavor in soups, dressings, and glazes for salmon or chicken. I’ve even used it in mashed potatoes, pasta, and roasted cauliflower to boost the umami-richness. 

Vegetarian Fish Sauce

Vegetarian fish sauce is a vegan fish sauce substitute that uses complex, umami-forward ingredients like seaweed, mushrooms, and soy sauce. You can use it in Thai curries, Vietnamese dipping sauces, noodle dishes, or any of the recipes listed here for an authentic flavor that stays true to the original!

Tips

• Each of these 10 fish sauce substitutes varies in saltiness and sweetness. Remember to taste your chosen substitute beforehand, start with a small amount in your recipe, and gradually increase it to avoid overpowering the dish. 
• Sometimes, combining two or three substitutes can yield the best results. For instance, mixing soy sauce with a little Worcestershire sauce or miso paste can create a more complex, fish sauce-like flavor.
• Choose the substitute that aligns best with the dish’s cultural origin. For instance, tamari or miso paste works well in Japanese dishes, while soy sauce or vegetarian fish sauce is better in Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian recipes.

FAQs

Where do you buy fish sauce? 

You should be able to find fish sauce in the international or Asian food aisle at your grocery store, but you can also buy it from Asian grocery stores or online. Look for popular brands like Red Boat, Three Crabs, and Thai Kitchen.

Can I skip fish sauce in a recipe?

Technically, yes. Should you? No, because you’ll alter the flavor profile of the dish. It’s best to use any of the fish sauce substitutes listed here to maintain the intended result.

Can you substitute fish sauce for oyster sauce?

Sometimes, yes, fish sauce and oyster sauce can be used interchangeably. Just know that oyster sauce is thicker, made from oyster extracts, and has a sweet, savory taste. Fish sauce is a thin, salty liquid made from fermented fish and is most often used for its umami flavor.

Can rice vinegar substitute for fish sauce?

Rice vinegar does not work well as a substitute for fish sauce because of its acidic flavor. However, in a pinch, you can mix rice vinegar with soy sauce or tamari to create a similar balance of flavors.

More ingredient substitution guides

• Honey Substitutes
• Dry Mustard Substitutes
• Chili Powder Substitutes
• Thyme Substitutes 
• Cumin Substitutes
• Basil Substitutes 
• Turmeric Substitutes
• Tarragon Substitutes
• Paprika Substitutes
• Cilantro Substitutes

​​​​Did you love this fish sauce substitute guide?

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