Best Anchovy Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Anchovy in a Recipe?
Use 50% of the called-for amount (so if the recipe calls for 1 cup Anchovy, use 0.5 cup Anchovy Paste). Use 0.5 tsp paste per whole anchovy. Easier to blend into dressings; slightly saltier, so taste and adjust salt in recipe.
Looking for the best Anchovy substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 3 reliable Anchovy replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to keep things plant-based. The top pick is Anchovy Paste — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 50% of the amount. Use 0.5 tsp paste per whole anchovy. Easier to blend into dressings; slightly saltier, so taste and adjust salt in recipe.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Anchovy →All Anchovy Substitutes (3 options)
Use 0.5 tsp paste per whole anchovy. Easier to blend into dressings; slightly saltier, so taste and adjust salt in recipe.
Use 1 tsp per anchovy; provides umami saltiness but lacks fishy depth. Best in Asian-inspired dishes or when fish flavor not essential.
Use 1 tsp per anchovy. Contains anchovies anyway; delivers umami and depth but thinner texture and added sugar.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Anchovy
For most recipes, Anchovy Paste is the best starting point. Use 0.5 tsp paste per whole anchovy. Easier to blend into dressings; slightly saltier, so taste and adjust salt in recipe. Going plant-based? Soy Sauce is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. If you're unsure which Anchovy substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Anchovy Substitutes
The best substitute for Anchovy is Anchovy Paste. Use about 50% of the amount called for. Use 0.5 tsp paste per whole anchovy. Easier to blend into dressings; slightly saltier, so taste and adjust salt in recipe.
This guide lists 3 Anchovy alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Soy Sauce is a great plant-based alternative to Anchovy. Use 1 tsp per anchovy; provides umami saltiness but lacks fishy depth. Best in Asian-inspired dishes or when fish flavor not essential.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee