Best Colatura Di Alici (Anchovy Sauce) Substitutes
The best substitute for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce) is Anchovy Paste at a Use 50% ratio. There are 2 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Anchovy Paste
Use 50%
Anchovy Paste is a workable stand-in for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce). Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces. If you are building the substitute from multiple ingredients, mix it fully before it goes into the recipe.
What are the other substitutes for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce)?
Fish Sauce (vietnamese or Thai)
Use 75%
Fish Sauce (vietnamese or Thai) is a workable stand-in for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce). Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. It is especially useful in sauces. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
Worcestershire Sauce
Same amount (1:1)
Worcestershire Sauce is a workable stand-in for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce). Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. It is especially useful in sauces.
What should you know before substituting colatura di alici (anchovy sauce)?
Anchovy Paste is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to colatura di alici (anchovy sauce) in everyday cooking. Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Salt, sweetness, and acidity can swing quickly here, so make the swap and then fine-tune to taste.
How do you substitute colatura di alici (anchovy sauce) in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce) and you need an alternative, there are 3 tested substitutes available. Anchovy Paste is the best overall replacement, used at a Use 50% ratio. The right substitute depends on the role colatura di alici (anchovy sauce) plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce) depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Anchovy Paste (Use 50%), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Fish Sauce (vietnamese or Thai) (Use 75%) is another reliable choice. Fish Sauce (vietnamese or Thai) is a workable stand-in for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce). Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. It is especially useful in sauces. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
When substituting colatura di alici (anchovy sauce), consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Colatura Di Alici (Anchovy Sauce)?
Anchovy Paste is the best place to start for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce). Use 50% of the original amount and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Colatura Di Alici (Anchovy Sauce)?
This page lists 3 substitutes for colatura di alici (anchovy sauce). The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.