13 best fish sauces
Fish sauce is a fundamental and essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly Southeast Asian and East Asian cooking. It is a savory and salty condiment made from fermented fish or fish byproducts. Here's what you should know about fish sauces:
Ingredients: Fish sauce is traditionally made from fish, usually small, saltwater fish like anchovies, mackerel, or sardines. Some variations may also include other ingredients like salt, water, and sometimes sugar. The quality and type of fish used can affect the flavor of the sauce.
Fermentation Process: The production of fish sauce involves fermentation. Fish and salt are typically layered in barrels or containers and left to ferment for several months to several years. Enzymes and microorganisms break down the fish proteins and convert them into amino acids, resulting in the complex, umami-rich flavor of fish sauce.
Varieties: There are various types and grades of fish sauce, which can vary in flavor, saltiness, and quality. Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Indonesian cuisines, among others, have their own versions of fish sauce.High-quality fish sauces are often aged longer and have a richer, more nuanced flavor.
Flavor Profile: Fish sauce has a distinctive flavor profile characterized by its salty, savory, and umami notes. It can be quite pungent when tasted on its own but adds depth and complexity to dishes when used in cooking. It's often used as a seasoning or a base for sauces, soups, and marinades.
Common Uses: Fish sauce is a key ingredient in a wide range of dishes in Asian cuisine, including stir-fries, curries, dipping sauces, noodle dishes, and seafood recipes. It's used to enhance the overall flavor and umami of a dish.
Substitutes: If you don't have fish sauce on hand or prefer a vegetarian option, you can use alternatives like soy sauce or mushroom soy sauce. These can provide a similar depth of flavor, although the taste will be different.
Storage: Fish sauce has a long shelf life due to its salt content and the fermentation process. It should be stored in a cool, dark place, and the bottle should be tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air.
Health Benefits: Fish sauce is a source of protein and contains vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and iodine. However, it is also high in sodium, so it should be used in moderation, especially for those on a low-sodium diet.
In summary, fish sauce is a vital and versatile ingredient in many Asian cuisines, known for its savory and umami-rich flavor. It is used to season and enhance a wide variety of dishes and is a staple in the pantry of many Asian households. The type and quality of fish sauce can vary, so it's worth exploring different brands to find the one that suits your taste preferences.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best fish sauces on the market
Red Boat Fish Sauce, 17 fl oz
Red Boat
Product description
Red Boat Premium Fish Sauce, 500 ml (17 oz.)
- 100% Pure with only 2 Ingredients - Anchovy and Sea Salt
- All-natural, first press Vietnamese fish sauce
- Whole30 Approved, Paleo, Gluten-Free
- 500ml 17 FL Oz - 1 Bottle
User questions & answers
| Question: | does it contain soy |
| Answer: | The ingredients listed are anchovies and sea salt, so I would say no. I purchased this particular fish sauce because it was recommended in a paleo cookbook, so I assume it really does not contain soy. |
| Question: | Any examples of how to use, specific, with what foods and how? I'm new to fish sauce, referred from Pintrest Paleo |
| Answer: | You can add a small amount when making meatballs, roasts, or any other meats. It helps add that umami flavor and depth to your dishes -- and don't worry, your food won't taste fishy. I also add it to vegetable dishes, soups, stews, pasta sauces, and fried rice. Excellent for making nuoc cham (dipping sauce for spring rolls). However, fish sauce IS salty, so you need to take that into consideration and adjust your recipes accordingly. I bought the 68 oz size bottle because I was going through the locally available 8.75 oz bottles way too fast. Added bonus: the bulk size is more economical, as well. |
| Question: | Does the fish smell dissipate after cooking with it? Once the bottle is closed, does the smell still linger or is it well contained |
| Answer: | I takes a few minutes but the smell does dissipate after cooking with the fish sauce. The smell does not linger when the bottle is closed. |
| Question: | How would this compare to the squid brand |
| Answer: | Squid is garbage compared to red boat. But keep in mind its not fair to compare a $6 bottle with a $1 bottle of fish sauce. |
Product features
Red Boat Premium Fish Sauce, 500 ml (17 oz.)
Made from wild-caught black anchovy and sea salt, single-press Red Boat 40°N is barrel-aged using a centuries-old fermentation tradition. No preservatives or MSG. Just unsurpassed quality and flavor.
Ingredients: Anchovy, Sea Salt Contains Fish (Anchovy)
Three Crabs Brand Fish Sauce, 24-Ounce Bottle
THREE CRABS BRAND
Product description
3 Crab Sauce Fish, 24 Ounce
- Contains anchovy extract, water, salt, fructose and hydrolysed vegetable protein
- No MSG added
- Product of Thailand
User questions & answers
| Question: | I see it doesn't need to be refrigerated. But how long does it last before it spoils or tastes bad refrigerated and unrefrigerated |
| Answer: | I have a bottle in my cupboard that is multiple years old and has never been refrigerated. It smells foul and old even when fresh - how it makes food taste so much better is beyond me, but it definitely does! |
| Question: | Is this made with shellfish |
| Answer: | Anchovies |
| Question: | What’s the expiration date on this ? Is this fresh |
| Answer: | Ours expired about a year after the date we received but we used it in like 3 months. This is the best fish sauce. It’s so far superior to those found in stores. My MIL is vietnamese and recommended this (only kind she will use) and it doesn’t disappoint. |
| Question: | Is this gluten free |
| Answer: | Might have gluten, hydrolysed vegetable protein can contain wheat. Some countries require that it be listed on the label if it does, but not all. Canadian Celiac organization says "A variety of vegetable proteins, including wheat gluten, corn protein, soy protein and sometimes peanut protein, are hydrolysed commercially for use in foods as flavouring agents, and sometimes as texturizing agents". It is not clear for this product which is a bummer as I have both a huge bottle that I "was" cooking with and celiac disease :( |
Red Boat Fish Sauce, 8.45 Fluid Ounce
RED BOAT
Product description
Red boat is 100 percent pure, first press, "extra virgin" vietnamese fish sauce. Made from only two ingredients, the freshest black anchovy and sea salt, it is free from added water, msg, and preservatives. Red boat premium fish sauce is a secret ingredient used by professional chefs and home cooks around the world. A national treasure of vietnam, red boat is made using traditional chemical-free fermentation methods, a unique two hundred year-old artisanal process using only the freshest cá cơm (black anchovy), salted minutes after leaving the sea then aged for over a year in traditional wooden barrels. Red boat anchovies are sourced exclusively from the crystal clear waters off the phu quoc island archipelago. Red boat is pure, 100 percent all natural first press “extra virgin” vietnamese fish sauce. Made from only two ingredients it is free from added water, msg, and preservatives. The quality of fish sauce is determined by protein levels. No other fish sauce has a natural protein content higher than red boat 40 Degreen. Packed with b vitamins and minerals, the extra-rich protein content gives red boat a unique character and savory flavor that is healthy and delicious. Red boat fish sauce gives all of your favorite recipes that elusive fifth flavor-umami. Try it with all things asian, caesar salad, pasta, braised dishes, or any seafood based recipe.
Manufacturer Contact Information
Kreyenhop & Kluge GmbH & Co.KG Industriestr. 40-42 28876 Oyten, Deutschland
- 100 percent pure
- First press extra virgin
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is product label accurate? no one in phu quoc has heard of this brand when my friend went to visit the island |
| Answer: | I am not an expert, but I found it to be better than other fish sauces I have tried. I hope that helps. |
| Question: | How do others open the lid? I find it a chore. It's so tight, and the little tab so small. I use a knife, & then it cuts off the tab eventually |
| Answer: | I put a kitchen towel under the tab and push up with my thumb. Still takes a lot of force, but the towel protects your thumb. It's the tightest lid I've used, but I guess you don't want the smell of fish sauce to permeate your fridge. |
| Question: | how many ounces or mls, please |
| Answer: | 8.45 oz (250 ml) |
Suchi Fish Sauce Dark Red Label, 100% Pure, 17 Fl Oz | Vietnamese Fish Sauce for Cooking, Premium 40N, Gluten Free | Gift Ideas with Shock Absorber Box
Phan Thiet - Mui Ne Fish Sauce JSC
- SAVORY: Begins with a delightful fish flavor and leaves you with a natural umami sweet aftertaste. Many chefs use fish sauce as their secret ingredient.
- NATURAL & HEALTHY: Fish sauce organic from only anchovies and sea salt with high natural protein, gluten free, sugar free, low sodium.
- From SAUCE To SOUL: Suchi Fish Sauce is produced by skilled men and women who dedicate themselves to bringing you a high-quality product that will bring you smiles in your kitchen and tasty food on your table.
- From HISTORICAL To TRADITIONAL: Nuoc Mam (Fish Sauce Vietnamese) Phan Thiet has nearly 300 years of history. Using only two ingredients, anchovies and sea salt, this mixture is compressed, sealed in 15 tons wooden barrels, and then fermented under the sun for twelve months. This centuries old recipe is the same today to make our Suchi Fish Sauce in a modern factory that meets international standards such as HACCP, FDA.
- From LOCAL To GLOBAL: Phan Thiet is one of two provinces in Vietnam recognized and protected as a Fish Sauce Geographical Indications. Fish Sauce has placed itself on the global food map and is used by many chefs around the world.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this need to be refrigerated after opening |
| Answer: | No need, store at room temperature or refrigerated, both ways are fine. But refrigerated can optimize the freshness and natural color of fish sauce. |
Product features
Dipping
Can be used pure & strong to explode your taste buds or mixed with water, sugar, lemon, chili to make a traditional Vietnamese dipping fish sauce.
Marinating
Suchi fish sauce works especially well in marinades may vary from steak to pork, chicken, fish ...
Mixing
Can mix up with non-meat items. It melts well with vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli. The same magic occurs with roasted cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Premium Fish Sauce, 6.76 oz
McCormick
Product description
Carefully crafted from the first pressing of salted anchovies, Thai Kitchen's Premium Fish Sauce is a staple for any home cook of Thai and southeast Asian cuisine. The complex taste of our Fish Sauce gives Thai cooking its essential savory flavor. Used as a seasoning or in place of soy sauce or salt, Thai Kitchen's gluten- and dairy-free Fish Sauce blends perfectly with the sweet and spicy flavors of authentic Thai dishes.
- Premium Fish Sauce carefully crafted from the first pressing of salted anchovies
- DID YOU KNOW? Our Fish Sauce blends perfectly with the sweet and spicy flavors of authentic Thai dishes
- Gluten free
- Made with sea salt
- Use as a seasoning or in place of soy sauce or salt to add a savory taste to any dish
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this product have onions as an ingredient |
| Answer: | Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce does not contain onion. ~ Erica |
| Question: | Is the fish sauce sweet |
| Answer: | Hi Oyantai...This product does not have a sweet taste. It is a salty flavor. |
| Question: | Is this made in a faculty where there are peanuts |
| Answer: | When I bought it, it didn't have a peanut warning. Go to the Thai Kitchen web site, they used to give the allergy information for all their products on the web site. Double check it, it looks like they were bought by McCormick spices. http://www.mccormick.com/thai-kitchen?_id=1C7154FE39324DDD8962207AC6BABB05&_z=zSigned - peanut allergy mom |
| Question: | Is this free of shellfish or shellfish byproduct |
| Answer: | There are no shellfish or by product in Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce. Below are the list of ingredients. ~ Erica ANCHOVY, SEA SALT, WATER, SUGAR. |
Product features
Coconut Milk & Cream
Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream add richness and body to your curries, sauces, soups, beverages and desserts. Try our Regular, Lite, and Organic varieties.
Sauces & Pastes
Add that special Thai touch to any meal with Thai Kitchen’s line of sauces and pastes. Making classic dishes like Red Curry Shrimp and Chicken Satay at home just got easier.
Rice Noodles
When making Pad Thai, soups and stir fry just reach for Thai Kitchen Rice Noodles. Or toss them with your favorite sauce for a new twist on pasta.
Convenient Meals
Bring Thai restaurant flavors home with Thai Kitchen’s convenient meals. Classic noodle soups and dishes can be prepared at home, work, or school in just minutes.
The Red Boat Premium Fish Sauce Extra Large Size 750ml/25 fl oz
Red Boat
User questions & answers
| Question: | How long is shelflife does the fish sauce have after opening |
| Answer: | Fish sauce tends to “darken” in color and flavor once bottle is opened (exposed to air). I’d say use all fish sauce within 3 months as it gets funkier with age. |
| Question: | Something seems fishy. Why is this 750ml bottle not on the Red Boat website |
| Answer: | I just asked Red Boat at their site: "Is this 750ml item sold on amazon a genuine Red Boat product? A 750ml is not listed on your site. Thanks!" They got back immediately: "Thank you for your email. I can't speak to the Amazon seller who is listing the 750ML bottle, but that is a size that we offer to stores like Costco. If you're interested in a larger size, I would recommend purchasing the 64OZ from our website. Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with." So, its a Costco product provided by Red Boat, and, interestingly, no longer available for shipment to any of my addresses. I'm going to use Red Boat's advice and buy their 640ml from them, and I'll be asking amazon how to arrange a return of the bulk 750ml in the (ugh) plastic bottle. Thanks for the heads up. |
| Question: | Is it gluten free |
| Answer: | Imported fish sauces are generally gluten free. Red Boat says it's gluten free--Anchovies, Salt and water. Great product. |
Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Premium Fish Sauce, 6.76 fl oz
McCormick
Product description
Gluten-Free
- Essential ingredient for Thai and southeast Asian cooking
- Made from the first pressing of salted anchovies
- Use in place of soy sauce or salt to add flavor to any dish
- Gluten-free and dairy-free
- Thai Kitchen
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this product have onions as an ingredient |
| Answer: | Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce does not contain onion. ~ Erica |
| Question: | Is the fish sauce sweet |
| Answer: | Hi Oyantai...This product does not have a sweet taste. It is a salty flavor. |
| Question: | Is this made in a faculty where there are peanuts |
| Answer: | When I bought it, it didn't have a peanut warning. Go to the Thai Kitchen web site, they used to give the allergy information for all their products on the web site. Double check it, it looks like they were bought by McCormick spices. http://www.mccormick.com/thai-kitchen?_id=1C7154FE39324DDD8962207AC6BABB05&_z=zSigned - peanut allergy mom |
| Question: | Is this free of shellfish or shellfish byproduct |
| Answer: | There are no shellfish or by product in Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce. Below are the list of ingredients. ~ Erica ANCHOVY, SEA SALT, WATER, SUGAR. |
Product features
Coconut Milk & Cream
Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream add richness and body to your curries, sauces, soups, beverages and desserts. Try our Regular, Lite, and Organic varieties.
Sauces & Pastes
Add that special Thai touch to any meal with Thai Kitchen’s line of sauces and pastes. Making classic dishes like Red Curry Shrimp and Chicken Satay at home just got easier.
Rice Noodles
When making Pad Thai, soups and stir fry just reach for Thai Kitchen Rice Noodles. Or toss them with your favorite sauce for a new twist on pasta.
Convenient Meals
Bring Thai restaurant flavors home with Thai Kitchen’s convenient meals. Classic noodle soups and dishes can be prepared at home, work, or school in just minutes.
Red Boat Fish Sauce 40°N (Pack of 2-250 ML)
RED BOAT
- 100% PURE FIRST PRESS EXTRA VIRGIN PHU QUOC FISH SAUCE
- Chef's Grade. Clean, smooth, savory flavor
- Made using traditional chemical-free fermentation methods
- 250 mL 8.45 FL OZ Pack of 2
Red Boat Kosher Fish Sauce, 250ml
Red Boat
- Certified Kosher Fish Sauce by OK Kosher
- 100% Pure with only 2 Ingredients - Anchovy and Sea Salt
- All-natural, first press Vietnamese fish sauce
- 250ml 8.45 FL Oz - 1 Bottle
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can this be used for Pho without it tasting too different |
| Answer: | Yes, this gives umami and salt flavor which will enhance your pho |
| Question: | Why is this twice the price of non-kosher red boat fish sauce |
| Answer: | The Red Boat Kosher Certified Fish Sauce is more expensive precisely because it is Kosher certified. Certification has many costs, including the certification process and flying the Rabbi to Vietnam to certify production. |
| Question: | Does it come in a glass bottle |
| Answer: | Hello, Yes our Kosher 250ml comes in a glass bottle. Plastic would be our 64oz and 750ml bottles. |
| Question: | What is the difference between kosher red boat fish sauce and the regular red boat fish sauce ? Thank you |
| Answer: | One has been Kosher certified, which means the production has been inspected by a Kosher-certification Rabbi. The other has not be certified Kosher by a Rabbi. That's the only difference. The sauce itself is exactly the same. |
Product features
Catch
Wild black anchovies are caught off the coast of Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Salt
Upon catching, anchovies are salted immediately to preserve freshness.
Ferment
Anchovies are brought back to the barrel house and fermented for 12 months. Each barrel holds 13 tons of black anchovies. Only two ingredients are used: anchovies and sea salt.
Press
After fermentation is complete, the first extraction from the barrel (first press) is bottled.
Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce (1)
TastePadThai
Product description
This superb sauce is prepared in hygienic and modern process. Simply add a few drops to all dishes instantly improve the flavor of good foods. Ideal for all seasoning purposes.
- Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce 23 Fl. oz.
- No MSG Added.
- Ingredients: Anchovy Extract, Salt, Sugar, Water.
User questions & answers
| Question: | I was charged 11.99 for this product that was advertised as 9.99 The Item was $3.99 and shipping total was 8.00. Why was this |
| Answer: | have no idea |
| Question: | What Are The Health Benefits |
| Answer: | I don't think there is a health benefit in using fish sauce over regular salt - it is loaded with sodium. |
| Question: | what are the ingrediants ? does have any artificial ingrediants added |
| Answer: | only ingredients: anchovy extract, salt, sugar, water. |
| Question: | how to open |
| Answer: | The top flips open using the small tab on one side. It sticks a little sometimes but it should not be difficult. |
Golden Boy Brand Fish Sauce, 24 Ounce Bottle
Tang Heab Seng Fish Sauce Company, Thailand
Product description
This fish sauce has a nice overall flavor and very attractive light golden color. The quality is very good; it's made in a traditional process and is considered a gourmet fish sauce. This fish sauce is not strong-smelling and it's slightly sweet, a little bitter. This professional product used by many top chefs across US.
- 24 ounce bottles
User questions & answers
| Question: | Do I have to keep this in the fridge |
| Answer: | I do not refrigerate. I can’t find anywhere on the bottle that it needs to be. |
| Question: | Is this a fish sauce one would use for making pho broth |
| Answer: | If the recipe calls for fish sauce this is the real deal. I use it mostly in TomYum soup, plus a few other Asian dishes. |
| Question: | How do I return it? The bottle came unlabeled with no information on it |
| Answer: | Call customer service |
| Question: | How do i open the bottle? i opened the flip top, but there doesn't seem to be a hole or anything. should i pierce it with a tack |
| Answer: | Mine has a hole under the flip lid about a1/16 inch diameter. I didn't have to pierce it. |
Oceans Halo, Sauce Vegan Soy Free Fish, 10 Ounce
Oceans Halo
- Vegan: Made without any animal products, including seafood, dairy, eggs or honey
Rufina Patis Fish Sauce - 25 oz, 2 Pack
Rufina & CO.
Product description
Rufina Patis Fish Sauce - 25 oz, 2 Pack Net Contents 750 ML Product of the Philippines
- Rufina Patis Fish Sauce - 25 oz, 2 Pack
- Net Contents 750 ML
- Product of the Philippines
- Excellent for seasoning and general table use
- Mackerel extract, Water, Salt, and Potassium sorbate as preservative
User questions & answers
| Question: | when is the Expiration Date |
| Answer: | There is no expectation date |
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