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Fish sauce is an amazingly versatile condiment packed with umami flavor. Not only is it amazing used in many, many different Southeast Asian dishes, it can be used in so many unique ways that you may have never thought of!
So if you've ever caught yourself wondering what to do with that whole bottle of fish sauce, keep reading because we have got some amazing ideas and fish sauce recipes!
Many people liken fish sauce to the pungent, intense flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine, and while it if used there incredibly often, there are so many other uses for it! Not too unlike soy sauce which we have found uses in many dishes that are not Asian based.
Throughout this post, not only will I provide some unique uses for this condiment, I will link to many recipes using it as an ingredient or seasoning.
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What is Fish Sauce?
Fish sauce is made from just two ingredients - fish and salt. Anchovies to be exact (at least most often - there are some exceptions). Basically anchovies (or other small fish) are packed in salt then left to ferment over a period of time and create a delicious complex flavor.
While the smell may be strong, the taste is deep and rich and adds so much flavor to anything it's used on (like Worcestershire sauce or oyster sauce). Start with a few drops of to add a delicious savory taste to many dishes.
The ingredient fish sauce is ubiquitous when talking about dishes like classic pad Thai, fish sauce wings, tom yum soup, etc.
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Where to Buy Fish Sauce
Depending on where you live, many chain grocery stores carry fish sauce now. That said, I think it's very important to purchase the best quality fish sauce for the best flavor, and these stores are not always carrying the best quality (I go through the best brands below).
If you have access to an Asian grocery store or market, they typically carry many different quality brands. You can also buy it on Amazon or online at 99 Ranch Market.
Once you have it, always store it in a cool, dry place.
The Best Fish Sauce
Here are some of the better recommended brands.
- Red Boat 40 Fish Sauce: This is my go-to brand for Vietnamese fish sauce. Made with just plain black anchovies and salt, it has the best flavor. It has a deep, rich flavorful taste to it. While it's a little more expensive than the others, it's totally worth it.
- Squid Brand Fish Sauce: This is a good alternative to Red Boat, but tends to have a saltier taste and the flavor is not quite as deep. Will still work in a pinch.
- Three Crabs Fish Sauce: This is not my favorite as I find the flavor a bit flat, however, many others actually like and prefer this brand so I wanted to include it.
- Flying Lion Fish Sauce: The flavor on this is decent in a pinch and the price is typically quite good.
- Blis: Now this is not regular fish sauce as it is aged in charred barrels for months, giving it a smoky flavor. While not typical fish sauce, it is an incredible condiment to have to add some flavor to dishes (think BBQ).
Ways to Use Fish Sauce
It is way more versatile than you might think. In addition to Thai and Vietnamese cooking, fish sauce can actually be used in everyday cooking as well to add a boost of flavor.
Contrary to what you may believe, it does not add a fishy flavor to food. It adds a deep savory (umami) flavor. Here are 20+ ways to add fish sauce to your everyday cooking:
1. Dipping Sauce
When we think of fish sauce here in the US, we often think of the Vietnamese dipping sauce (or Nuoc Cham) served in Vietnamese restaurants. Made with fish sauce, sugar, chilies and lime, this sauce is ubiquitous with Vietnamese food.
While the Vietnamese sauce is more well known in the US, the Thai dipping sauce nam pla is also just amazing! Commonly served as a sauce for meat and chicken, it can also be used for sticky rice, vegetables and other Thai cuisine.
You can also use it in everyday sauces like this Thai peanut sauce, chimichurri sauce or even turkey gravy. Just add a teaspoon or two and you're ready for flavortown!
2. Marinades
It's often used in marinades for Vietnamese dishes like Bun Thit Nuong (Vietnamese pork) and Lemongrass Beef.
It can also be used in other non-Asian marinades like for this simple grilled flank steak, as well as these shrimp tacos.
3. Stir Fries
Most stir fry dishes (like this classic Thai pad woon sen) can benefit from a touch of extra flavor. Try a couple teaspoons in these favorite dishes:
4. Salsa
A non-traditional way of using this seasoning, but when just a teaspoon or two is added to salsa, it really amps up the flavor. A little goes a long way!
Try this green salsa or this mango peach salsa - both use a touch of fish sauce to add umami.
5. Barbecue Sauce
A couple teaspoons of fish sauce in a barbecue sauce will just make the flavor scream YUM. My classic BBQ sauce does not call for fish sauce, but I encourage you to add a couple teaspoons and see how you like it!
You can also use it in a Thai barbecue sauce like these Thai BBQ Pork Spare Ribs.
6. Curry Paste
Most Southeast Asian style curries include fish sauce in the curry paste. If you plan to make your own curry pastes (which I do highly recommend for the best flavor), you'll definitely be using it. Here are some recipes for making your own curry paste:
7. Use in Place of Salt
Now obviously you're not going to use it to sprinkle on everything as you would salt, but fish sauce can be used as a substitute for salt in many cases. Using it on vegetables, in salad dressing, on chicken and in sauces in place of salt helps to greatly reduce the amount of sodium you are ingesting, as well as adding that extra rich flavor.
8. Vegetables
Using it in sautéed vegetables is a great way to add some flavor. Just add a couple teaspoons (adjust it to taste of course) with some pepper, butter, chilies, etc.
Try a touch with this baby bok choy, broccoletti, or green beans.
Similar to using it on sautéed vegetables, it's also great on grilled and roasted vegetables. Drizzle them with olive oil and fish sauce before cooking them.
9. Salad Dressing
A salad dressing with a touch of fish sauce added (maybe 1-2 teaspoons) is so amazing. I would recommend using in place of salt in vinaigrette dressing.
10. Pasta Sauce
It is a great addition to a Bolognese, just add a couple teaspoons and it adds a beautiful savory flavor. It's also great in this Homemade Marinara Sauce, an Alfredo Sauce, Puttanesca or Carbonara.
11. Pickling
You can make some traditional Vietnamese Pickles, or just use 1-2 tablespoons in your favorite pickle recipe.
12. Carne Asada
Another non-traditional use, using fish sauce to add extra saltiness and flavor to carne asada or other meats does wonders! You can use it in both this Instant Pot carne asada or sous vide carne asada - just add a couple teaspoons.
13. Potatoes
Mixing a touch of fish sauce with the butter in these crispy roasted potatoes makes them even more extra awesome. You can also mix a touch with mashed potatoes to add an umami boost (and don't forget sweet potatoes too!).
14. Burgers/Meatballs/Meatloaf
The first time I used fish sauce in meatloaf I vowed never to leave it out again. It adds such a depth of flavor.
It has a similar effect on meatballs and hamburgers too - I definitely recommend adding a couple teaspoons to these and see the impact it has!
15. Fried Rice
Add a teaspoon or two of fish sauce to this Chinese Fried Rice, Kimchi Fried Rice or even this Breakfast Fried Rice for an extra boost of flavor.
Most fried rice or even quick noodles dishes can benefit from a couple teaspoons of fish sauce.
16. Bloody Marys
Yes, a touch of fish sauce in your bloody mary just brings it to the next level. Not too much, try just ½ a teaspoon and add more if desired.
17. Chili
A little used in homemade chili goes a long way to add flavor. Try a couple teaspoons in this Instant Pot Beef Chili or this Instant Pot Turkey Chili.
18. Stocks and Broths
Fish sauce can add flavor, depth and richness to your homemade stocks and broths. Try 1-2 tablespoons in this Chicken Bone Broth or Slow Cooker Beef Broth.
19. Braising
Meats, vegetables, fish, etc. Adding a touch to the braising liquid adds depth and flavor. Try it with these Braised Short Ribs, Braised Oxtails, Braised Chicken or Braised Brussels Sprouts.
20. Soups & Stews
Fish sauce is commonly used to make soups like Vietnamese Pho, tom yum soup and curry noodle soups. In addition, I use it in this Instant Pot Ramen, as well as this Thai Curry Ramen.
You can also add a touch of it to any of these already awesome recipe to add incredible flavor:
21. Cole Slaw
Yes, it can be amazing used in coleslaw. Asian inspired coleslaws have such a wonderful flavor. Try some of these recipes:
So guys, be creative. Go out and start using fish sauce! Come back and leave a comment on this post to let me know how you used it - I love to hear your creations!
Taunia says
Can you use it in beef stew?
Danielle says
Yes, definitely!