🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Homemade Fish Sauce Substitute Recipe: DIY Alternative

Learn how to make homemade fish sauce substitute with simple ingredients. Easy recipes for vegetarian, vegan, and traditional fish sauce alternatives you can make at home.

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Quick Answer

To make homemade fish sauce substitute, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce with 1 teaspoon rice vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. For vegetarian version, use miso paste with water. For vegan version, use mushroom soy sauce or seaweed + soy sauce. Let it sit for 10 minutes to develop flavor before using.

Best Substitutes

Basic Soy Sauce Substitute

1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp rice vinegar + 1/2 tsp sugar = 1 tbsp fish sauce

Simple homemade fish sauce substitute using pantry staples

Best for:

stir-friessoupsmarinadesdressingsgeneral cooking

Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before using

Vegetarian Miso Substitute

1 tsp miso paste + 2 tbsp water = 1 tbsp fish sauce

Plant-based fish sauce substitute using fermented miso paste

Best for:

soupssaucesmarinadesvegetarian disheskimchi

Choose white miso for milder flavor or red miso for stronger umami

Vegan Mushroom Substitute

1 tbsp mushroom soy sauce = 1 tbsp fish sauce

Enhanced soy sauce with mushroom extract for deeper umami

Best for:

stir-friesnoodlessoupsvegan dishesasian cooking

Naturally vegan and provides more complex umami than regular soy sauce

Seaweed Umami Substitute

1 tsp seaweed flakes + 1 tbsp soy sauce = 1 tbsp fish sauce

Ocean-derived umami from seaweed combined with soy sauce

Best for:

soupsbrothsasian dishesmarinadeskimchi

Use nori, kombu, or wakame flakes and let steep for 10-15 minutes

Gluten-Free Substitute

1 tbsp tamari + 1 tsp rice vinegar = 1 tbsp fish sauce

Gluten-free fish sauce substitute using tamari and rice vinegar

Best for:

gluten-free dishesstir-friessoupsmarinades

Tamari has richer flavor than regular soy sauce and is naturally gluten-free

Soy-Free Substitute

1 tbsp coconut aminos + 1 tsp rice vinegar = 1 tbsp fish sauce

Soy-free fish sauce substitute using coconut aminos

Best for:

soy-free dietsstir-friesmarinadesasian dishes

Coconut aminos are naturally sweet and soy-free, perfect for sensitive diets

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Always let your homemade fish sauce substitute sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld
  • 💡For the most authentic flavor, use rice vinegar instead of regular vinegar
  • 💡Miso paste works best when dissolved in warm water before adding to dishes
  • 💡When using seaweed, let it steep in warm liquid for maximum umami extraction
  • 💡Taste and adjust your substitute - you may need to add more salt or acidity
  • 💡Store homemade substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
  • 💡For stronger umami, combine multiple sources like miso + seaweed + soy sauce
  • 💡Consider the dish you're making - some substitutes work better in certain cuisines

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make fish sauce substitute at home?

To make fish sauce substitute at home, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce with 1 teaspoon rice vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before using.

What is the best homemade fish sauce substitute?

The best homemade fish sauce substitute depends on your dietary needs. For general use, soy sauce + rice vinegar + sugar works well. For vegetarian cooking, use miso paste with water. For vegan cooking, use mushroom soy sauce.

Can I make fish sauce substitute without soy sauce?

Yes, you can make fish sauce substitute without soy sauce using coconut aminos, miso paste with water, or seaweed + salt. These provide umami depth without soy products.

How long does homemade fish sauce substitute last?

Homemade fish sauce substitute can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure to use clean utensils and store in an airtight container.

Can I use homemade fish sauce substitute in kimchi?

Yes, homemade fish sauce substitute can be used in kimchi. Miso paste with water or soy sauce + rice vinegar + sugar work well in kimchi fermentation.

What's the difference between store-bought and homemade fish sauce substitute?

Store-bought fish sauce substitute is typically more concentrated and has a longer shelf life. Homemade substitutes are fresher and can be customized to your taste preferences, but may not have the same depth of flavor as authentic fish sauce.

Summary

Learn how to make homemade fish sauce substitute with simple ingredients. Easy recipes for vegetarian, vegan, and traditional fish sauce alternatives you can make at home.