Out of Anchovy broth, one case
Anchovy broth substitutes: umami-rich options
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fish sauce + water
1-2 tsp fish sauce for every 1 cup water
The best substitutes for anchovy broth are fish sauce + water, dashi, miso + water, and anchovy paste + water. Use 1-2 tsp fish sauce per cup of water, or 1 tbsp miso per cup of water for similar umami flavor.
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full fish broth card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of anchovy broth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fish sauce + watersoups | 1-2 tsp fish sauce per 1 cup water |
| 2 | Dashisoups | Same amount |
| 3 | Miso + watermiso soup | 1 tbsp miso per 1 cup water |
| 4 | Anchovy paste + waterwhen you want authentic anchovy flavor | 1 tsp anchovy paste per 1 cup water |
| 5 | Worcestershire sauce + watersoups | 1-2 tsp Worcestershire per 1 cup water |
| 6 | Soy sauce + water + sugarAsian cooking | 1-2 tsp soy sauce + pinch sugar per 1 cup water |
Fish sauce + water
fishy, salty, umami
Fish sauce dissolved in water provides the closest flavor to anchovy broth with intense umami and fishy notes
- Best for
- soups, sauces, when you want authentic fish flavor, Asian cooking
- Texture
- similar when dissolved
Add fish sauce gradually to taste, as it's very salty and potent.
Dashi
umami, slightly fishy
Japanese broth made from kombu and bonito flakes, providing rich umami flavor similar to anchovy broth
- Best for
- soups, stews, sauces, Japanese cooking, miso soup
- Texture
- clear, light
Provides authentic umami flavor and works well in most anchovy broth applications.
Miso + water
umami, slightly sweet
Miso paste dissolved in water provides umami flavor similar to anchovy broth
- Best for
- miso soup, Japanese cooking, when you want umami flavor, vegetarian options
- Texture
- slightly cloudy
Provides umami but has different flavor profile than anchovy broth.
Anchovy paste + water
anchovy, salty, umami
Anchovy paste dissolved in water provides the most authentic anchovy broth flavor
- Best for
- when you want authentic anchovy flavor, soups, sauces, Italian cooking
- Texture
- similar when dissolved
Most similar to anchovy broth in flavor and intensity.
Worcestershire sauce + water
umami, tangy, slightly sweet
Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies and provides similar umami flavor when diluted
- Best for
- soups, sauces, when you want umami flavor, general cooking
- Texture
- similar when dissolved
Contains anchovies but has additional flavors from other ingredients.
Soy sauce + water + sugar
umami, salty, slightly sweet
Soy sauce provides umami flavor, while sugar balances the saltiness
- Best for
- Asian cooking, when you want umami flavor, soups, sauces
- Texture
- similar when dissolved
Different flavor profile but provides good umami depth.
How anchovy broth compares
Anchovy broth provides intense umami and fishy flavor that's essential in many Mediterranean and Asian dishes. The best substitutes work because they either provide similar umami quality, or can be enhanced with seasonings to achieve comparable results.
Tips for substituting anchovy broth
8 tips- Start with less fish sauce or anchovy paste and add more gradually to taste
- Warm the water before adding fish sauce or anchovy paste for better dissolution
- For vegetarian options, use miso or dashi made with just kombu
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the saltiness of fish sauce or anchovy paste
- Taste and adjust seasoning after substitution, as different substitutes have varying salt levels
- For richer flavor, let the substitute broth steep for a few minutes before using
- Store anchovy paste in the refrigerator and use within 6 months
- Freeze fish sauce to extend its shelf life if needed
Notes on anchovy broth
- Make your own anchovy broth by simmering anchovies in water for 15-20 minutes
- Use anchovy paste to add anchovy flavor to any broth
- Combine multiple substitutes (like fish sauce + miso) for more complex flavor
- Consider using anchovy fillets for homemade broth
- Add seaweed or mushrooms to vegetable broth for umami depth
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for anchovy broth?
Fish sauce + water is often considered the best substitute for anchovy broth because it provides the closest flavor profile with intense umami and fishy notes. Anchovy paste + water is also excellent for authentic flavor.
Can I use fish sauce instead of anchovy broth?
Yes, fish sauce dissolved in water works well as a substitute for anchovy broth. Use 1-2 teaspoons fish sauce per cup of water and adjust to taste, as fish sauce is very salty.
What's the difference between anchovy broth and fish sauce?
Anchovy broth is made by simmering anchovies in water, while fish sauce is a fermented condiment made from fish. Both provide umami flavor, but fish sauce is more concentrated and salty.
Can I use miso instead of anchovy broth?
Yes, miso paste dissolved in water can work as a substitute for anchovy broth. Use 1 tablespoon miso per cup of water and adjust to taste. It provides umami flavor but has a different taste profile.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for anchovy broth?
Yes, miso + water or dashi made with just kombu (without bonito flakes) are good vegetarian substitutes. You can also use vegetable broth enhanced with seaweed or mushrooms for umami depth.