Fish Sauce

Engraulidae Condiment / Sauce

Fish Sauce Condiment / Sauce

At a Glance

  • Category Condiment / Sauce

The Forktionary Angle

"The ultimate umami enhancer, lending an indispensable savory depth that elevates dishes without imparting an overtly "fishy" taste."

Definition

A potent, salty, and umami-rich condiment made from fermented fish, fundamental to Southeast Asian cuisine for adding depth and savory complexity.

Fermentation Time Typically 6-18 months
Optimal Storage Store in a cool, dark pantry; lasts indefinitely
Umami Content High in glutamates, responsible for umami

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Fish Sauce are:

Salty Umami Savory Funky (mild)

Chef’s Secret

Don't let the strong smell fool you; fish sauce mellows considerably when cooked, transforming into a rich, savory backbone for dishes. A dash can also boost the flavor of non-Asian stews.

Best Substitutes

Soy Sauce

less umami
Ratio 1:1

Mushroom Powder + Salt

to taste

Worcestershire Sauce

similar savory notes
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for brands with high protein content and minimal ingredients (fish, salt, water). First-press sauces are usually higher quality.

Recipes Using Fish Sauce

Dinner Party Preparation Course Occasion

Asian Caramelized Chicken

This irresistible Asian Caramelized Chicken recipe is a family favorite that's impressive enough for guests! Tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs are coated in a luscious, sticky glaze, then finished with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Course 60 Minutes Or Less High In Something Dietary

Asian Lemon Grass Pork

Fire up your grill for these irresistible Asian Lemon Grass Pork Skewers! A quick and easy recipe, perfect as a delicious appetizer for your next party or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender pork marinated in a vibrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, and Asian flavors will tantalize your taste buds. Ready in under an hour!

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Fish Course Occasion Main Ingredient

Barbequed Snapper

This vibrant recipe brings the taste of the tropics to your table with succulent barbequed snapper and a refreshing pineapple salsa. Perfect for a summer dinner party or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe easily serves 2-4. Feel free to substitute similar firm white fish like cod or sea bass. Get ready for a flavor explosion! (Inspired by an Australian Women's Weekly recipe)

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Lime Lime Course Dietary

A La Truck Shrimp

Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic Vietnamese street food with this easy A La Truck Shrimp recipe! Sweet, spicy, and savory, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering.

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Asian Main Ingredient Main Dish Asian

Asian Chili Chicken Noodle Soup

Spice up your weeknight with this vibrant Asian Chili Chicken Noodle Soup! A flavorful one-pot wonder, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Swap noodles for rice noodles, cilantro for basil (use less!), but never skip the zesty lime juice! Adapted from a food and wine cookbook, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready in under an hour!

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Fruit Preparation Asian Spicy

Awesome Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Experience a taste explosion with this authentic Thai Chicken Coconut Curry! This recipe unlocks the incredible flavor of coconut milk and vibrant curry paste. Don't skimp – every ingredient contributes to the magic! Discover the surprisingly affordable secret ingredient: fish sauce (easily found in the Asian food aisle). Prepare for a culinary adventure that's as delicious as it is easy. Get ready to be amazed!

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Course Dietary Meat Weeknight

Ginger Chicken Burgers

These zesty Ginger Chicken Burgers are a flavor explosion! Inspired by a magazine's ginger promotion, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful patties in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend BBQ.

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Chicken Taste Mood Dietary Poultry

Arroz Caldo

Warm your soul with Arroz Caldo, the classic Filipino chicken and rice soup! This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for when you're feeling under the weather or simply craving a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Our family recipe, revised and perfected, delivers a mild yet satisfying experience, guaranteed to make you feel better. This updated version includes precise measurements for ease of use.

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Sauces Salad Dressings Easy Cuisine

100 Authentic Vietnamese Dipping Sauce Nuoc Cham

Unlock the secrets of a truly authentic Vietnamese Nuoc Cham dipping sauce, passed down through generations! This recipe, originating from a Vietnamese family, delivers the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Unlike other versions, this recipe boasts a unique family twist, resulting in a taste you won't find anywhere else. Perfect for dipping spring rolls and fresh salad rolls (goi cuon), or elevating your rice noodle salads to new heights. Make a large batch – it keeps incredibly well in the fridge for months! Prepare to impress your friends and family with this irresistible, authentic Vietnamese culinary experience.

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Chicken Vegetables Dietary Tomatoes

Asian Chicken Salad Wraps

These vibrant Asian Chicken Salad Wraps are guaranteed crowd-pleasers! Perfect for using up leftover grilled chicken, this recipe bursts with fresh flavors. The savory umami of fish sauce is beautifully balanced by bright mint, zesty lemon, and crunchy veggies. Get ready for a quick and easy weeknight meal that's both healthy and incredibly delicious! #chickensalad #asiancuisine #wraps #easyrecipe #leftoverrecipe #healthyrecipe

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Main Ingredient Easy Vietnamese Time To Make

Awesome Vietnamese Chicken Salad

Craving a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese chicken salad? This recipe transports you to the bustling streets of Vietnam with its fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly seasoned chicken. Learn how to make this authentic dish, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner. Get ready for a taste explosion in just 35 minutes!

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Preparation Easy Time To Make Preparation

Jeera On Cubes Barbecue Marinade

Ignite your taste buds with this bold Jeera (cumin) Barbecue Marinade! The distinct flavor of roasted cumin takes center stage, creating a marinade that's perfect for grilling juicy meat cubes to perfection. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible results – the longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor! Perfect for chicken, beef, or lamb.

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Side Dishes Side Dishes 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Classic Thai Fried Rice

Authentic Thai Fried Rice recipe from "Practical Thai Cooking" by Puangkram C. Schmitz & Michael J. Worman. This vibrant dish bursts with flavor, combining fragrant garlic, aromatic curry paste, and tender tofu with perfectly fried rice. A quick and easy weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes!

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Main Dish Dinner Party Pasta Cuisine

Betelnut Pejiu Wu's Emerald Fire Noodles With Cilantro Mint And Basil

Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Betelnut, a beloved San Francisco eatery on Union Street, this Emerald Fire Noodle recipe delivers a fiery Southeast Asian explosion in just 20 minutes! Get ready for a tantalizing mix of fragrant herbs, perfectly cooked noodles, and a touch of betel nut's unique magic. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an exciting weekend adventure for your taste buds.

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Main Ingredient Occasion Dietary Time To Make

Beef Pho

Experience the rich, savory depths of authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho! This classic recipe, perfect for beef lovers, delivers a heartwarming and flavorful soup that's worth the time. While the elaborate, slow-simmered broth takes dedication (and is best made a day ahead), the result is a deeply rewarding culinary journey. Fresh herbs and perfectly seared beef elevate this dish to an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be amazed!

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Shrimp Pasta Beans Stove Top

Authentic Pad Thai

Unlock the secrets of Thailand's most iconic street food! This Authentic Pad Thai recipe delivers the vibrant flavors and textures of Bangkok's bustling markets right to your kitchen. Learn to make perfectly stir-fried noodles with shrimp, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. Get ready for an explosion of taste!

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60 Minutes Or Less Meat Holiday Event Preparation

Barbecued Vietnamese 5 Spice Cornish Game Hens

This award-winning recipe, originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1990 by Joyce Jue, delivers succulent, flavorful Cornish game hens with a beautiful char. The Vietnamese 5-spice blend creates a complex aroma, perfectly complemented by the tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce. Impress your guests with this elegant yet surprisingly easy BBQ recipe!

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Barbecue Gluten Free Cuisine Grilling

Barbecue Ginger Prawns Shrimp

Ignite your taste buds with these succulent BBQ Ginger Garlic Chilli Prawns! This vibrant recipe, inspired by the Australian Barbecue Kettle Cookbook, features juicy prawns marinated in a fiery ginger, garlic, and chilli blend. Perfect for a summer barbecue, these prawns cook quickly to tender perfection. Get ready for a flavour explosion!

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