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Soy Sauce Substitute for Fish Sauce: Exact Ratio

Looking for a fish sauce substitute? Soy Sauce works as a direct replacement. Use 1 tbsp soy sauce = 1 tbsp fish sauce in any recipe that calls for fish sauce. This swap works best for stir-fries, marinades, fried rice.

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.

VeganThis substitute is vegan-friendlyStir-friesMarinadesFried rice

Tips When Replacing Fish Sauce in Recipes

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.

What Is Fish Sauce and Why Substitute It?

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.

Soy Sauce is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of fish sauce. For a complete list of fish sauce substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full fish sauce substitute page.

What Else Can I Use Instead of Fish Sauce?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use soy sauce instead of fish sauce?

Yes, you can use soy sauce as a substitute for fish sauce. Use 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.

How much soy sauce equals fish sauce?

Use 1 tbsp soy sauce = 1 tbsp fish sauce to replace fish sauce with soy sauce. Works best for stir-fries, marinades, fried rice.

What is the best substitute for fish sauce?

Soy Sauce is a popular substitute for fish sauce. Use 1 tbsp soy sauce = 1 tbsp fish sauce for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our fish sauce substitute page.

Is soy sauce a vegan substitute for fish sauce?

Yes, soy sauce is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to fish sauce. Use 1 tbsp soy sauce = 1 tbsp fish sauce.