Fish Sauce Substitutes: 5 Best Umami-Rich Alternatives
The best substitute for fish sauce is Soy Sauce at a 1 tbsp soy sauce = 1 tbsp fish sauce ratio. It works best for stir-fries, marinades, fried rice. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Soy Sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce = 1 tbsp fish sauce
Provides salty umami flavor without the fishy taste. Less pungent but works well in stir-fries and marinades. Use dark soy sauce for deeper color.
What are the other substitutes for fish sauce?
Coconut Aminos
1 tbsp coconut aminos + pinch of salt = 1 tbsp fish sauce
Allergen-free alternative. Milder and sweeter than fish sauce, so add salt to compensate. Good for those avoiding both fish and soy.
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire = 1 tbsp fish sauce
Contains anchovies so it shares some of the fermented fish flavor. Has additional spice and tang from tamarind and vinegar. Not vegan.
Seaweed + Soy Sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce + 1/4 tsp dried seaweed powder = 1 tbsp fish sauce
The seaweed adds a briny, ocean-like flavor that mimics fish sauce. Blend dried nori or kelp into powder. Best vegan option for authentic flavor.
Anchovy Paste
1/2 tsp anchovy paste + 1 tbsp water = 1 tbsp fish sauce
Provides similar fermented fish umami. Dissolve in water to match fish sauce's liquid consistency. Intense, so use sparingly.
What should you know before substituting fish sauce?
Fish sauce is extremely potent: a little goes a long way. When substituting, focus on matching the umami and salt levels rather than the exact flavor. For vegan fish sauce, simmer soy sauce with dried mushrooms and seaweed for 10 minutes and strain.
How do you substitute fish sauce in a recipe?
A pungent, amber-colored condiment made from fermented fish and salt, delivering intense umami depth. Fish sauce is essential in Southeast Asian cuisines, used in Thai curries, Vietnamese pho, pad Thai, and dipping sauces.
The best substitute for fish sauce depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Soy Sauce (1 tbsp soy sauce = 1 tbsp fish sauce), which works well for stir-fries, marinades, fried rice.
If you need a different option, Coconut Aminos (1 tbsp coconut aminos + pinch of salt = 1 tbsp fish sauce) is another reliable choice. Allergen-free alternative. Milder and sweeter than fish sauce, so add salt to compensate. Good for those avoiding both fish and soy.
When substituting fish sauce, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good vegan substitute for fish sauce?
The best vegan substitute is soy sauce mixed with a pinch of dried seaweed powder to mimic the briny depth. You can also simmer soy sauce with dried shiitake mushrooms and kelp for a homemade vegan fish sauce.
Can I use soy sauce instead of fish sauce in pad Thai?
Yes, use soy sauce in a 1:1 ratio. The flavor will be less pungent and fishy, but it provides the necessary saltiness and umami. Add a squeeze of lime to brighten the dish.
Why does fish sauce smell so strong?
Fish sauce gets its intense aroma from the fermentation of fish with salt over months. The smell mellows significantly when cooked, adding deep umami flavor without an overpowering fishy taste.