Can I use anchovies instead of fish sauce?

Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in Asian cuisine.
But did you know that anchovies are also commonly used in Thai dishes?
In this article, we’ll explain you how to cook Thai food without using fish sauce.
Fish sauce is a fermented paste made from salted or dried fish.
The salty flavor comes from the addition of salt and other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, chilies, lemongrass, shallots, and lime leaves.
You can substitute anchovies for fish sauce in recipes, but they won’t taste exactly the same.
If you want to try out this recipe, check out our guide on how to replace fish sauce with anchovies

Can I use anchovies instead of fish sauce?

Yes, you can use anchovies instead of salt. But if you use anchovies alone, you won’t get the same taste as using fish sauce. You can use anchovies in combination with other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, chili pepper, lemon grass, lime leaves, basil, cilantro, scallions, shallots, spring onions, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, turmeric, coriander, curry leaves, tamarind, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame seeds, peanuts, coconut milk, palm sugar, honey, molasses, vinegar, wine, beer, sake, whiskey, rum, brandy, cognac, port, vermouth, vodka, gin, tequila, whisky, bourbon, grappa, mead, liqueurs, coffee, cocoa, tea, chocolate, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, mace, cardamom, saffron, fennel seed, star anise, black peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage, oregano, tarragon, chives, dill, mint, basil, chervil, parsnip, carrot, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, lettuce, radish, cucumber, tomato, eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin, sweet potato, butternut squash, winter squash, yams, cassava, plantain, banana, avocado, mango,

The importance of fish sauce

Fish sauce is a condiment used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is traditionally made from fermented salted fish usually anchovy mixed with spices, herbs, and sometimes vegetables. Fish sauce is used in many dishes, especially those containing meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or tofu. In Thai cuisine, it is usually added to curries, soups, salads, and stir-fries. In Vietnamese cuisine, it is used in noodle dishes, rice dishes, sauces, marinades, and dips. In Indonesian cuisine, it is used as a dipping sauce for satay, nasi goreng, and other fried dishes. In Chinese cuisine, it is used to flavor soup stocks, braises, and sauces. In Japanese cuisine, it is used primarily as a seasoning agent for sushi and sashimi. In Korean cuisine, it is used mainly as a seasoning agent for various types of noodles, soups, stews, and side dishes. In Filipino cuisine, it is used mostly as a dipping sauce for grilled meats. In Indian cuisine, it is used extensively in curries, pickles, and chutneys. In Mexican cuisine, it is used for seasoning beans, corn tortillas, and tacos. In Cuban cuisine, it is used heavily in mojo de ajo, guasacaca, and other sauces. In Latin American cuisine, it is used widely in sauces, salad dressings, and dips. In Middle Eastern cuisine, it is used predominantly in hummus, baba ghanoush, labneh, and other dairy products. In African cuisine, it is used largely in sauces, soups, and stews. In North American cuisine, it is commonly used in barbecue sauces, gravies, and other savory dishes.