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Best Substitutes for Fish Sauce

Pungent, salty fermented fish liquid that adds deep umami to Southeast Asian cooking.

6 substitute options 🌱 Vegan options🌾 GF options

Substitutes by Use Case

general

Soy sauce + lime juice🌱 VeganBest for: Thai curries, stir-fries, dipping sauces

⚖️1 tbsp soy sauce + ½ tsp lime juice = 1 tbsp fish sauce

Best quick substitute. Soy provides umami, lime adds brightness.

Tamari + lime (GF)🌱 Vegan🌾 GFBest for: GF Thai cooking

⚖️1 tbsp tamari + ½ tsp lime juice

Gluten-free version of the above. Same principle.

Coconut aminos🌱 Vegan🌾 GFBest for: Paleo cooking, Asian dishes

⚖️2:1 (2 tbsp coconut aminos = 1 tbsp fish sauce)

Soy-free, slightly sweeter. Good for those avoiding soy.

Oyster sauceBest for: Stir-fries, fried rice

⚖️1:1

Thicker, slightly sweet, less pungent. Works in stir-fries. Not vegan.

Seaweed + soy sauce🌱 Vegan🌾 GFBest for: Vegan Asian cooking

⚖️2 tbsp soy + 1 strip kombu (simmered)

Adds oceanic umami to the soy. Best vegan fish sauce alternative.

Miso paste + water🌱 Vegan🌾 GFBest for: Soups, marinades

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

Fermented, umami-rich. Works in soups and marinades.

💡 Expert Tips

✓Fish sauce is very salty — always taste and adjust salt levels when using substitutes
✓In small amounts (1-2 tbsp), fish sauce adds background depth — soy sauce is often undetectable as a swap
✓Commercial vegan fish sauces (mushroom-based) are available in Asian grocery stores

❌ Do NOT Use

✗Worcestershire sauce alone (anchovy-based but not potent enough)
✗Plain salt (loses all umami depth)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for fish sauce?

Soy sauce + lime juice — use 1 tbsp soy sauce + ½ tsp lime juice = 1 tbsp fish sauce. Best quick substitute. Soy provides umami, lime adds brightness.