But don’t let a missing bottle hold you back–these substitutes will save the day! Whether you need something store-bought or a homemade mix, there’s a solution here for you.

1.Oyster Sauce

If you’re looking for a substitute for fish sauce, you’re in luck! Oyster sauce is a fantastic alternative and works perfectly in a 1:1 ratio.

It shines especially in stir-fry dishes, but you can use it in any recipe that calls for fish sauce. The main difference between the two?

Oyster sauce has a touch of sweetness that fish sauce lacks, giving it a rich, sweet-and-salty flavor. It’s also a bit thicker, but you can easily thin it out by adding a little water.

This helps balance the sweetness and gives you the consistency you need. It’s a simple fix that makes oyster sauce a versatile and delicious stand-in for fish sauce in any dish.

2.Coconut Aminos

When swapping fish sauce in recipes, most people go for a one-to-one substitution with coconut aminos. But here’s the thing–I think that’s not the best approach.

I’ve found that using about 3/4 parts coconut aminos to 1 part fish sauce gives a better balance. Plus, I like to add a splash of soy sauce to really make the flavors pop.

Together, these ingredients create a rich, savory umami taste that elevates any dish. Just a heads-up, this mix adds a hint of sweetness too, so keep that in mind when seasoning. The best part?

Coconut aminos are naturally free from gluten and soy (as long as you skip the soy sauce), making them a great vegan-friendly option. This substitution is a game-changer for anyone dealing with dietary restrictions!

3.Hoisin Sauce

If you’re looking for a substitute for fish sauce, some folks turn to Hoison sauce.

But here’s the thing: Hoison sauce is thicker and sweeter than fish sauce, so it doesn’t quite hit the mark on its own. That said, I’ve found a workaround that works wonders.

I mix Hoison sauce with soy sauce, and the result is spot-on.

For instance, if a recipe calls for half a cup of fish sauce, I combine a quarter cup of Hoison sauce with a quarter cup of soy sauce.

This blend delivers the salty, umami flavor of fish sauce while dialing back the sweetness of the Hoison sauce. It’s a game-changer for dishes that need that authentic fish sauce taste.

4.Tamari Sauce

Tamari and soy sauce are pretty similar, but tamari is usually gluten-free and has a richer, earthier flavor with less salt.

If you’re swapping tamari for fish sauce, use a 1:1 ratio, but you might want to add a pinch of salt to balance it out.

For extra umami, you can even toss in some anchovies, just like you would with soy sauce. If you’re vegan, try mixing in some rice vinegar instead–it’s a great alternative.

Just a heads-up: while most tamari is gluten-free, not all brands are, so always double-check the label to avoid any gluten surprises.

5.Seaweed

Seaweed is a game-changer in the kitchen, adding a delicious twist to sushi and sandwich wraps. But here’s a cool hack: you can use it as a vegan-friendly substitute for fish sauce!

It’s all-natural and free from allergens, making it a great alternative. The catch? Figuring out the right substitution ratio can be tricky since seaweed is solid and fish sauce is liquid. My advice?

Start by adding a little seaweed at a time and taste as you go. This is the best way to nail the flavor to your liking.

One thing to keep in mind: seaweed packs a stronger umami punch than fish sauce. So, whatever amount you think you need, begin with half that.

Trust me, a little goes a long way with this potent ingredient!

6.Liquid Aminos

Looking for a great vegan and gluten-free alternative to fish sauce? Liquid aminos are here to save the day!

Made with soy and salt, they offer a similar salty, savory vibe to fish sauce but with a bit less umami punch. Use them as a one-for-one substitute in your favorite recipes.

Want to amp up the umami? Add an anchovy filet for every tablespoon of liquid aminos for that extra depth of flavor.

Whether you keep it vegan or add a touch of seafood flair, this swap is a winner.

7.Fish Broth

Is the fishy flavor of fish sauce a must-have for you? If so, fish broth can step in as a great substitute. Just use the same amount called for in the recipe.

You might find you need to thicken it up a bit–try adding cornstarch a little at a time until it’s just right.

And don’t forget, you might want to sprinkle in a bit more salt to bring out all the flavors.

8.Vegan Fish Sauce

Looking for a game-changer in your recipe arsenal? Making your own vegan fish sauce at home is easier than you think!

It’s a simple way to add that extra oomph to your dishes without any animal products.

Whether you whip it up from scratch or grab a bottle online (some grocery stores carry it too, though it might be a bit harder to find), this sauce is ready to elevate your meals.

Use it in a one-to-one ratio as a substitute for traditional fish sauce, and enjoy the bold, savory flavor it brings to the table.

9.Soy Sauce

Need a fish sauce substitute? Soy sauce is a common go-to because it’s probably already sitting in your pantry.

While it’s saltier and lacks the complex flavor of fish sauce, it works surprisingly well in noodle dishes, fried rice, and stir-fries.

However, if fish sauce is the star of the recipe, soy sauce might fall a bit flat–you’ll miss that distinct fishy flavor.

Here’s a tip: add some anchovies to your dish along with the soy sauce. For every tablespoon of soy sauce, mince up one anchovy.

The soy sauce can replace fish sauce in a one-to-one ratio, but the anchovy adds a savory, umami flavor that gets you closer to that fish sauce taste.

It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid workaround in a pinch!

10.Worcestershire Sauce

Substituting Worcestershire sauce for fish sauce might sound a bit odd at first, but hear me out. Most of us already have a bottle of Worcestershire sauce hanging out in the pantry.

It’s salty, savory, and packs that same deep flavor you’d get from fish sauce. Why? Because it’s actually made with fermented fish!

Yep, you read that right–Worcestershire sauce includes anchovies and fermented fish as key ingredients. That’s why it works so well as a substitute.

Just use it in a one-to-one ratio, and chances are, most people won’t even notice the difference.