Out of Anchovy paste, one case
Vegan & vegetarian anchovy paste substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Miso paste
1-2 tsp miso for every 1 tsp paste
The best vegan/vegetarian substitutes for anchovy paste are miso paste (1-2 tsp per 1 tsp paste), nutritional yeast (1-2 tsp per 1 tsp paste), capers with salt (1 tsp capers + ¼ tsp salt per 1 tsp paste), seaweed flakes (1-2 tsp per 1 tsp paste), or soy sauce with salt (1 tsp soy sauce + ¼ tsp salt per 1 tsp paste).
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- soups and broths
One casethe full anchovy paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp anchovy paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miso pastesoups and broths | 1-2 tsp misoTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Nutritional yeastpasta sauces | 1-2 tsp nutritional yeastYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Capers + saltpasta sauces | 1 tsp capers + ¼ tsp saltYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Seaweed flakessoups and broths | 1-2 tsp seaweed flakesTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Soy sauce + saltstir-fries | 1 tsp soy sauce + ¼ tsp saltYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Mushroom powdersoups and broths | 1-2 tsp mushroom powderYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Miso paste
different taste, similar texture
Miso paste provides deep umami flavor similar to anchovy paste. Available in white, red, and mixed varieties with different intensity levels. White miso is milder, while red miso is more intense.
- Best for
- soups and broths, marinades, dressings, sauces, stir-fries
Rich umami flavor, different but pleasant taste profile.
Nutritional yeast
different taste and texture
Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, umami flavor that works well as an anchovy paste substitute. Mix with a little water to achieve a paste-like consistency for better distribution.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, dressings, soups, marinades, vegan cheese sauces
Cheesy, umami flavor - mix with a little water to make paste-like consistency.
Capers + salt
different taste and texture
Capers provide a briny, salty flavor similar to anchovies. Chop them finely and add salt to achieve the right intensity. This combination works particularly well in Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, pizza toppings, marinades, dressings, Mediterranean dishes
Briny, salty flavor - chop capers finely for better distribution.
Seaweed flakes
similar taste, different texture
Seaweed flakes provide an ocean-like umami flavor that mimics the fishy notes of anchovy paste. Use nori, dulse, or kelp flakes depending on your preference and availability.
- Best for
- soups and broths, Asian dishes, sauces, marinades, rice dishes
Ocean-like umami flavor - use nori, dulse, or kelp flakes.
Soy sauce + salt
different taste and texture
Soy sauce provides umami depth while salt adds the necessary saltiness. This combination works well in Asian-inspired dishes and provides a good balance of flavor.
- Best for
- stir-fries, soups, marinades, sauces, Asian dishes
Umami and saltiness - adjust salt to taste.
Mushroom powder
different taste and texture
Mushroom powder provides rich umami flavor similar to anchovy paste. Use porcini, shiitake, or mixed mushroom powder for the best results. Mix with a little water to create a paste-like consistency.
- Best for
- soups and broths, sauces, marinades, gravies, vegetarian dishes
Rich umami flavor - use porcini, shiitake, or mixed mushroom powder.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegetarian and vegan cooking requires creative substitutes for anchovy paste that provide similar umami depth and saltiness without using fish products. The key is finding ingredients that offer both the savory umami flavor and the salty intensity that anchovy paste provides.
Tips for substituting anchovy paste
10 tips- Miso paste is the closest vegetarian substitute in terms of umami depth and paste-like texture
- Nutritional yeast works best when mixed with a little water to create a paste-like consistency
- Capers should be chopped finely to avoid chunky texture in your dishes
- Seaweed flakes work particularly well in Asian and Mediterranean dishes
- Soy sauce and salt combination is great for Asian-inspired recipes
- Mushroom powder provides excellent umami depth for vegetarian cooking
- Combine multiple substitutes for more complex flavor profiles
- Taste and adjust seasonings after adding your chosen substitute
- Some substitutes may require additional salt to match anchovy paste's saltiness
- Store homemade substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Notes on anchovy paste
- Use miso paste for the closest texture and umami depth
- Try nutritional yeast for cheesy, umami flavor
- Experiment with capers and salt for briny flavor
- Use seaweed flakes for ocean-like umami notes
- Combine soy sauce with salt for Asian-inspired dishes
- Try mushroom powder for rich, earthy umami flavor
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for anchovy paste?
Miso paste is considered the best vegan substitute for anchovy paste. It provides similar umami depth and has a paste-like texture. Use 1-2 teaspoons miso paste per 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste, and choose white miso for milder flavor or red miso for more intensity.
Can I use nutritional yeast instead of anchovy paste?
Yes, nutritional yeast can work as an anchovy paste substitute, especially in pasta sauces and dressings. Mix 1-2 teaspoons nutritional yeast with a little water to create a paste-like consistency. It provides a cheesy, umami flavor that works well in many dishes.
Are capers a good vegetarian substitute for anchovy paste?
Capers with salt can work as a vegetarian substitute for anchovy paste, especially in Mediterranean dishes. Use 1 teaspoon capers plus ¼ teaspoon salt per 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste. Chop the capers finely for better distribution throughout your dish.
Can I use seaweed instead of anchovy paste?
Yes, seaweed flakes can provide an ocean-like umami flavor similar to anchovy paste. Use 1-2 teaspoons of nori, dulse, or kelp flakes per 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste. This works particularly well in Asian and Mediterranean dishes.
What about soy sauce as an anchovy paste substitute?
Soy sauce with salt can work as an anchovy paste substitute, especially in Asian dishes. Use 1 teaspoon soy sauce plus ¼ teaspoon salt per 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste. This combination provides umami depth and saltiness similar to anchovy paste.