Best Fish sauce Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Fish sauce in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Mix ¾ tbsp soy sauce + ¼ tbsp lime juice. Captures the salty, umami depth and slight tang of fish sauce. Best vegan substitute.
Ran out of Fish sauce mid-recipe? Don't panic — you have options. This guide covers 3 tested Fish sauce substitutes that actually work in cooking, complete with exact ratios so you don't have to guess. Whether you need to keep things plant-based or avoid dairy, there's a swap here for you. The top pick is Soy sauce + lime juice — it's the closest match for most recipes. Mix ¾ tbsp soy sauce + ¼ tbsp lime juice. Captures the salty, umami depth and slight tang of fish sauce. Best vegan substitute.
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Get ratios for Fish sauce →All Fish sauce Substitutes (3 options)
Mix ¾ tbsp soy sauce + ¼ tbsp lime juice. Captures the salty, umami depth and slight tang of fish sauce. Best vegan substitute.
Mix 1 tbsp coconut aminos with a pinch of sea salt. Gluten-free, vegan, and lower sodium. Mild and slightly sweet but adds savory depth.
1:1 swap. Similar umami intensity with anchovy base. Slightly different flavor — works in stir-fries, marinades, and soups.
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Tips for Substituting Fish sauce
For most recipes, Soy sauce + lime juice is the best starting point. Mix ¾ tbsp soy sauce + ¼ tbsp lime juice. Captures the salty, umami depth and slight tang of fish sauce. Best vegan substitute. Going plant-based? Soy sauce + lime juice, Coconut aminos + sea salt are both vegan-friendly options that work well in most recipes. If you need a gluten-free alternative, Coconut aminos + sea salt fits the bill without the gluten. If you're unsure which Fish sauce 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 Fish sauce Substitutes
The best substitute for Fish sauce is Soy sauce + lime juice. Use the same amount. Mix ¾ tbsp soy sauce + ¼ tbsp lime juice. Captures the salty, umami depth and slight tang of fish sauce. Best vegan substitute.
This guide lists 3 Fish sauce 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 + lime juice is a great plant-based alternative to Fish sauce. Mix ¾ tbsp soy sauce + ¼ tbsp lime juice. Captures the salty, umami depth and slight tang of fish sauce. Best vegan substitute.
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