Fish Sauce + Water Substitute for Soy Sauce: Exact Ratio
Looking for a soy sauce substitute? Fish Sauce + Water works as a direct replacement. Use 1/2 tbsp fish sauce + 1/2 tbsp water = 1 tbsp soy sauce in any recipe that calls for soy sauce. This swap works best for Thai curries, stir-fries, soups.
Best Substitute
Fish Sauce + Water
1/2 tbsp fish sauce + 1/2 tbsp water = 1 tbsp soy sauce
Fish sauce is much more pungent and salty, so dilute it. Provides strong umami but with a distinct fishy flavor. Best in Southeast Asian dishes.
Tips When Replacing Soy Sauce in Recipes
When substituting soy sauce, the key is matching umami intensity and saltiness. Tamari and liquid aminos are the closest swaps. If avoiding soy entirely, coconut aminos is the best choice, though you may want to add a pinch of salt to boost the savory flavor.
What Is Soy Sauce and Why Substitute It?
A fermented condiment made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, delivering deep umami flavor and rich brown color. Soy sauce is foundational in Asian cooking for stir-fries, marinades, dipping sauces, and soups.
Fish Sauce + Water is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of soy sauce. For a complete list of soy sauce substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full soy sauce substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fish sauce + water instead of soy sauce?
Yes, you can use fish sauce + water as a substitute for soy sauce. Use 1/2 tbsp fish sauce + 1/2 tbsp water = 1 tbsp soy sauce. Fish sauce is much more pungent and salty, so dilute it. Provides strong umami but with a distinct fishy flavor. Best in Southeast Asian dishes.
How much fish sauce + water equals soy sauce?
Use 1/2 tbsp fish sauce + 1/2 tbsp water = 1 tbsp soy sauce to replace soy sauce with fish sauce + water. Works best for Thai curries, stir-fries, soups.
What is the best substitute for soy sauce?
Fish Sauce + Water is a popular substitute for soy sauce. Use 1/2 tbsp fish sauce + 1/2 tbsp water = 1 tbsp soy sauce for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our soy sauce substitute page.