Fish Sauce Substitute: 12 Best Alternatives for Cooking (With Ratios & Tips)

Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in many Southeast Asian cuisines, prized for its deep umami flavor and salty complexity. But what if you’re out of fish sauce — or need a vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly option?

Don’t worry. There are plenty of excellent fish sauce substitutes that can mimic its savory punch in everything from stir-fries to soups and marinades.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best substitutes for fish sauce, exact replacement ratios, and how to choose the right alternative for your recipe.

Here are our best tested and tasted Chicken Broth Substitute and Mayo Substitute.

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What Is Fish Sauce?

Fish sauce is a fermented condiment traditionally made from anchovies and salt. It’s widely used in Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Cambodian cooking to add saltiness, umami, and depth.

Because it’s intensely flavored, even small amounts can transform a dish.

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The Best Fish Sauce Substitutes (Ranked)

1. Soy Sauce (Best Overall Substitute)

Ratio: 1:1

Soy sauce is the most accessible replacement for fish sauce. While it lacks seafood notes, it delivers similar saltiness and umami.

Best for: Stir-fries, marinades, soups, fried rice

Tip: Add a squeeze of lime or a pinch of sugar to better mimic fish sauce’s complexity.

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2. Tamari (Gluten-Free Option)

Ratio: 1:1

Tamari is richer and less salty than regular soy sauce, making it ideal for gluten-free cooking.

Best for: Asian noodles, dipping sauces, dressings

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3. Worcestershire Sauce

Ratio: Use ¾ tablespoon Worcestershire + ¼ tablespoon water per tablespoon of fish sauce

Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, giving it a subtle seafood depth similar to fish sauce.

Best for: Savory sauces, meat dishes, Western-Asian fusion recipes

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4. Oyster Sauce

Ratio: 1:1 (dilute slightly with water)

Oyster sauce is thicker and sweeter but provides excellent umami.

Best for: Stir-fries, vegetables, noodle dishes

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5. Anchovy Paste or Anchovies

Ratio: ½ teaspoon anchovy paste + 1 tablespoon water

Anchovies are the closest match in flavor intensity.

Best for: Pasta sauces, soups, savory broths

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6. Shrimp Paste (Use Sparingly)

Ratio: ¼ teaspoon shrimp paste + 1 tablespoon water

Very pungent but powerful. Start small.

Best for: Authentic Southeast Asian recipes

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Vegan & Vegetarian Fish Sauce Substitutes

If you avoid seafood, try these plant-based alternatives:

7. Coconut Aminos

Ratio: 1:1

Sweeter and less salty than fish sauce, coconut aminos are soy-free and paleo-friendly.

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8. Mushroom Soy Sauce

Ratio: 1:1

Made with mushrooms, this option adds deep earthy umami.

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9. Seaweed + Soy Sauce Combo

Ratio: 1 tablespoon soy sauce + pinch of crumbled nori

Seaweed brings ocean-like notes that regular soy sauce lacks.

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10. Miso Paste + Water

Ratio: 1 teaspoon white miso + 1 tablespoon water

Great fermented flavor, especially for soups and dressings.

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Homemade Fish Sauce Substitute (Quick Recipe)

If you want a DIY option:

Mix:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon lime juice or rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Pinch of seaweed flakes (optional)

This creates a balanced substitute in under a minute.

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Fish Sauce Substitution Table

Fish Sauce Needed	Substitute	Ratio
1 tbsp	Soy sauce	1 tbsp
1 tbsp	Tamari	1 tbsp
1 tbsp	Coconut aminos	1 tbsp
1 tbsp	Oyster sauce	1 tbsp (diluted)
1 tbsp	Worcestershire	¾ tbsp + water
1 tbsp	Anchovy paste	½ tsp + water
1 tbsp	Miso paste	1 tsp + water

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How to Choose the Right Substitute

Pick based on your recipe:

• For Asian dishes: Soy sauce, tamari, oyster sauce
• For vegan cooking: Coconut aminos, mushroom soy sauce, miso
• For bold savory flavor: Anchovies or Worcestershire
• For lighter sauces: Tamari or diluted soy sauce

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Common Dishes That Use Fish Sauce Substitutes

• Pad Thai
• Pho
• Fried rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Salad dressings
• Marinades
• Dipping sauces

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of fish sauce?

Soy sauce is the easiest substitute. For vegan options, try coconut aminos or mushroom soy sauce.

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Can I skip fish sauce entirely?

Yes, but your dish may lack depth. Adding soy sauce plus something acidic (lime or vinegar) helps compensate.

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Is Worcestershire sauce a good substitute for fish sauce?

Yes — it contains anchovies and provides similar umami, though the flavor profile is slightly different.

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What’s the best vegan fish sauce substitute?

Coconut aminos or mushroom soy sauce combined with seaweed flakes offer the closest plant-based match.

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Final Thoughts

Running out of fish sauce doesn’t have to derail your cooking. From soy sauce and tamari to vegan mushroom blends, there’s a fish sauce substitute for every diet and recipe.

Start with soy sauce for simplicity, or experiment with homemade mixes for a more authentic flavor.