Out of Fish sauce, one case
Fish sauce substitutes: umami-rich alternatives
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Soy sauce
Same amount as the fish sauce
The best substitutes for fish sauce are soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, miso paste, and anchovy paste. Use 1:1 ratio for soy sauce, 1:1 for Worcestershire, 1 tsp miso per 1 tbsp fish sauce, or 1 tsp anchovy paste per 1 tbsp fish sauce.
- Best for —
- Asian cooking
One casethe full fish broth card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of fish sauce |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soy sauceAsian cooking | Same amount |
| 2 | Worcestershire saucesoups | Same amount |
| 3 | Miso pastesoups | 1 tsp miso per 1 tbsp fish sauce |
| 4 | Anchovy pastewhen you want authentic fish flavor | 1 tsp anchovy paste per 1 tbsp fish sauce |
| 5 | Oyster sauceAsian cooking | Same amount |
| 6 | Tamari + sugargluten-free cooking | 1 tbsp tamari + ½ tsp sugar per 1 tbsp fish sauce |
Soy sauce
umami, salty, slightly sweet · similar texture
Fermented soybean sauce that provides similar umami flavor and saltiness to fish sauce
- Best for
- Asian cooking, stir-fries, sauces, marinades, general cooking
Most similar in flavor profile and can be used as direct replacement.
Worcestershire sauce
umami, tangy, slightly sweet · similar texture
Fermented sauce containing anchovies that provides similar umami flavor to fish sauce
- Best for
- soups, sauces, marinades, when you want umami flavor, general cooking
Contains anchovies but has additional flavors from other ingredients.
Miso paste
umami, slightly sweet, earthy
Fermented soybean paste that provides umami flavor similar to fish sauce
- Best for
- soups, sauces, marinades, when you want umami flavor, vegetarian options
- Texture
- thicker, needs dilution
Provides umami but has different flavor profile than fish sauce.
Anchovy paste
fishy, salty, umami
Concentrated anchovy paste that provides the most authentic fish sauce flavor
- Best for
- when you want authentic fish flavor, soups, sauces, Italian cooking
- Texture
- thicker, needs dilution
Most similar to fish sauce in flavor and intensity.
Oyster sauce
umami, sweet, slightly fishy
Thick, sweet sauce made from oysters that provides umami flavor similar to fish sauce
- Best for
- Asian cooking, stir-fries, sauces, when you want umami flavor
- Texture
- thicker
Sweeter than fish sauce but provides good umami depth.
Tamari + sugar
umami, salty, slightly sweet · similar texture
Gluten-free soy sauce enhanced with sugar to balance the saltiness
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, when you want umami flavor, sauces, marinades
Gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with added sweetness.
How fish sauce compares
Fish sauce provides intense umami and fishy flavor that's essential in many 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 fish sauce
8 tips- Start with less substitute and add more gradually to taste, as different sauces have varying salt levels
- For thicker substitutes like miso or anchovy paste, dilute with a little water or broth
- Taste and adjust seasoning after substitution, as different sauces have different flavor profiles
- For vegetarian options, use miso paste or soy sauce instead of fish-based alternatives
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the saltiness of soy sauce or tamari
- For richer flavor, combine multiple substitutes (like soy sauce + miso)
- Store substitutes in the refrigerator and use within their recommended timeframes
- For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce
Notes on fish sauce
- Make your own fish sauce by fermenting fish with salt for several months
- Use fish sauce to add fishy flavor to any broth or sauce
- Combine multiple substitutes (like soy sauce + miso) for more complex flavor
- Consider using fish sauce powder for easier measuring
- Add seaweed or mushrooms to vegetable broth for umami depth
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for fish sauce?
Soy sauce is often considered the best substitute for fish sauce because it provides similar umami flavor and saltiness. Worcestershire sauce is also excellent as it contains anchovies and provides similar umami depth.
Can I use soy sauce instead of fish sauce?
Yes, soy sauce can work as a substitute for fish sauce in most recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio, but note that soy sauce has a different flavor profile and may be slightly sweeter than fish sauce.
What's the difference between fish sauce and soy sauce?
Fish sauce is made from fermented fish and provides fishy umami flavor, while soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and provides different umami notes. Both are salty and umami-rich but have distinct flavor profiles.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce instead of fish sauce?
Yes, Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute for fish sauce. It contains anchovies and provides similar umami flavor, though it has additional tangy and sweet notes from other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for fish sauce?
Yes, miso paste, soy sauce, or tamari are good vegetarian substitutes for fish sauce. They provide umami flavor without the fish content, though they have different taste profiles.