Anchovy paste substitutes
Anchovy paste substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Anchovy fillets
2-3 fillets for every 1 tsp anchovy paste
Whole anchovy fillets mashed or minced for similar flavor.
The best substitutes for anchovy paste are anchovy fillets, fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or miso paste depending on your recipe and desired flavor profile.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- identical taste, different texture
- Best for —
- caesar dressing
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked · per 1 tsp anchovy paste| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp anchovy paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anchovy filletscaesar dressing | 2-3 filletsTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Fish saucestir-fries | 1-2 tsp fish sauceTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Worcestershire saucecaesar dressing | 1-2 tsp WorcestershireTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Miso pastesoups | 1-2 tsp misoTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Soy sauce + saltstir-fries | 1 tsp soy sauce + ¼ tsp saltYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Capers + saltpasta sauces | 1 tsp capers + ¼ tsp saltYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Anchovy fillets
identical taste, different texture
Whole anchovy fillets mashed or minced for similar flavor.
- Best for
- caesar dressing, pasta sauces, marinades, pizza
Mash fillets with a fork or mince finely.
Fish sauce
similar taste, different texture
Liquid condiment made from fermented fish with similar umami flavor.
- Best for
- stir-fries, soups, marinades, sauces
More liquid, adjust other liquids in recipe accordingly.
Worcestershire sauce
similar taste, different texture
Complex sauce containing anchovies with similar umami and salty notes.
- Best for
- caesar dressing, marinades, sauces, cocktails
Contains anchovies but also other flavors.
Miso paste
different taste, similar texture
Fermented soybean paste with similar umami flavor.
- Best for
- soups, marinades, sauces, dressings
Different flavor profile but similar umami depth.
Soy sauce + salt
different taste and texture
Blend of soy sauce and salt for umami and saltiness.
- Best for
- stir-fries, soups, marinades, sauces
Different flavor but similar umami and salt content.
Capers + salt
different taste and texture
Briny capers with added salt for similar salty, umami flavor.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, pizza, marinades, dressings
Different flavor but similar briny, salty profile.
Questions
4 questionsWhat does anchovy paste taste like?
Anchovy paste has a strong, salty, umami flavor with a fishy taste. It's quite intense and should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering other flavors.
Can I use anchovy paste in vegetarian dishes?
No, anchovy paste is not suitable for vegetarian dishes as it's made from fish. Use miso paste, soy sauce, or nutritional yeast for umami flavor in vegetarian cooking.
How long does anchovy paste last?
Anchovy paste can last 6-12 months when stored properly in the refrigerator. Check the expiration date and discard if it smells off or changes color.
Can I make anchovy paste at home?
Yes, you can make anchovy paste by mashing anchovy fillets with a fork or processing them in a food processor. Add a little oil if needed to achieve the right consistency.
Tips for substituting anchovy paste
10 tips- Anchovy paste adds deep umami flavor to dishes
- It's commonly used in Caesar dressing and puttanesca sauce
- The paste dissolves easily in hot liquids
- It's a key ingredient in many Italian and Mediterranean dishes
- Anchovy paste can be used to enhance the flavor of vegetables
- It's often used in marinades for meats and seafood
- The paste adds depth to soups and stews
- It's commonly used in pizza toppings and pasta sauces
- Anchovy paste can be used to make compound butters
- It's a secret ingredient in many restaurant dishes