🥫 Condiments

Fish Sauce vs Anchovy Paste - Complete Substitution Guide

Learn how to substitute fish sauce for anchovy paste and vice versa. Complete guide with ratios, flavor differences, best uses, and cooking tips for both ingredients.

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Quick Answer

Fish sauce can substitute anchovy paste at a 1-2 tsp fish sauce per 1 tsp paste ratio. Anchovy paste can substitute fish sauce at a 1 tsp paste per 1-2 tsp fish sauce ratio. Fish sauce is more liquid, so adjust other liquids in your recipe accordingly.

Best Substitutes

Fish Sauce for Anchovy Paste

1 tsp paste = 1-2 tsp fish sauce

Fish sauce provides similar umami depth and saltiness to anchovy paste. It's more liquid, so you may need to reduce other liquids in your recipe slightly. Fish sauce has a more complex flavor profile with additional fermented notes.

Best for:

stir-friessoups and brothsmarinadessaucesAsian dishes

More liquid - reduce other liquids in recipe slightly

Anchovy Paste for Fish Sauce

1-2 tsp fish sauce = 1 tsp paste

Anchovy paste is more concentrated than fish sauce, so you need less of it. It provides a more direct fishy flavor compared to fish sauce's complex fermented profile. Add a little water or other liquid to achieve the right consistency.

Best for:

when you want more concentrated flavorthicker saucesMediterranean disheswhen fish sauce isn't available

More concentrated - add a little water or other liquid to thin

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Fish sauce is more liquid than anchovy paste - adjust other liquids in your recipe
  • 💡Anchovy paste is more concentrated - use less and add liquid to thin if needed
  • 💡Fish sauce has a more complex, fermented flavor profile
  • 💡Anchovy paste provides a more direct, fishy flavor
  • 💡Both ingredients add umami depth and saltiness to dishes
  • 💡Fish sauce works better in Asian and Southeast Asian dishes
  • 💡Anchovy paste works better in Mediterranean and Italian dishes
  • 💡Taste and adjust seasonings after substituting
  • 💡Store both ingredients in the refrigerator after opening
  • 💡Both ingredients are high in sodium - adjust salt in your recipe accordingly

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Learn how to substitute fish sauce for anchovy paste and vice versa. Complete guide with ratios, flavor differences, best uses, and cooking tips for both ingredients.