Anchovies are a small fish that are commonly used in Mediterranean, Asian, and Mexican cooking. They are an essential ingredient in many dishes, from Caesar salad dressing to pasta sauces. But anchovies are not always easy to find, and sometimes they can be quite expensive.
Fortunately, there is a great anchovy substitute that is both easy to find and inexpensive: fish sauce. Fish sauce is a condiment made from fermented fish and salt and is used in many cuisines around the world. It has a strong, salty flavor that works wonderfully as an anchovy substitute. But how much fish sauce should you use when substituting for anchovies?
The Different Types of Fish Sauce
Before we can answer the question of how much fish sauce to use as an anchovy substitute, it’s important to understand the different types of fish sauce available. Fish sauce comes in a variety of types, with different flavor profiles and levels of saltiness.
The most common type of fish sauce is nam pla, which is made from fermented fish and salt. This type of fish sauce is popular in Southeast Asian cuisines, such as Thai and Vietnamese. It is usually quite salty, but can also have a slightly sweet taste.
Other types of fish sauce include nuoc mam, which is made from fermented anchovies, and patis, which is made from fermented shrimp and salt. Both of these types of fish sauce are popular in Southeast Asian cuisines, and they tend to be less salty than nam pla.
How Much Fish Sauce Should You Use as an Anchovy Substitute?
The amount of fish sauce you should use as an anchovy substitute will depend on the type of fish sauce you are using. As a general rule, you should use about three times as much fish sauce as you would anchovies. If a recipe calls for one tablespoon of anchovies, you should use three tablespoons of fish sauce.
For nam pla, you may want to start with less fish sauce, as it can be quite salty. Start with two tablespoons of nam pla and adjust the amount to taste. You can always add more fish sauce, but it’s difficult to take it away once it’s added.
How to Use Fish Sauce as an Anchovy Substitute
When substituting fish sauce for anchovies, it’s important to remember that fish sauce is a condiment and not a fish. It has a strong, pungent flavor that can overpower a dish if it’s not used correctly. Here are some tips for using fish sauce as an anchovy substitute:
Add it Slowly
When substituting fish sauce for anchovies, it’s best to add it in small amounts and taste as you go. Start with less fish sauce than the recipe calls for and add more as needed.
Adjust the Amount of Salt
When using fish sauce as an anchovy substitute, you may need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe. Fish sauce is quite salty, so you may need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
Use it to Enhance Flavors
Fish sauce can be used to enhance the flavors of a dish. Use it to add a depth of flavor to soups, sauces, and marinades.
Balance the Flavors
Fish sauce can be quite strong and pungent, so it’s important to balance the flavors of the dish. Use other ingredients, such as citrus juice, honey, or garlic, to balance out the flavor of the fish sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fish sauce?
Fish sauce is a condiment made from fermented fish and salt. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines, such as Thai and Vietnamese. It has a strong, salty flavor that can be used to enhance the flavors of dishes.
Can I substitute fish sauce for anchovies?
Yes, you can use fish sauce as an anchovy substitute. The amount of fish sauce you should use will depend on the type of fish sauce you are using. As a general rule, you should use about three times as much fish sauce as you would anchovies.
How do I use fish sauce?
When using fish sauce as an anchovy substitute, it’s important to add it in small amounts and taste as you go. Start with less fish sauce than the recipe calls for and add more as needed. You may also need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe, as fish sauce is quite salty.
What type of fish sauce is best for an anchovy substitute?
The most common type of fish sauce is nam pla, which is made from fermented fish and salt. It is popular in Southeast Asian cuisines and is usually quite salty. Other types of fish sauce include nuoc mam, which is made from fermented anchovies, and patis, which is made from fermented shrimp and salt. Both of these types of fish sauce are popular in Southeast Asian cuisines, and they tend to be less salty than nam pla.
Can I use fish sauce as a marinade?
Yes, you can use fish sauce as a marinade. Fish sauce can add a depth of flavor to dishes and can be used to enhance the other ingredients in a marinade. It is important to remember that fish sauce is quite salty and can easily overpower a dish, so it is best to use it in small amounts.
Can I use fish sauce as a dipping sauce?
Yes, you can use fish sauce as a dipping sauce. Fish sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for meats, seafood, and vegetables. It is important to remember that fish sauce is quite salty and can easily overpower a dish, so it is best to use it in small amounts.
Can I use fish sauce as a salad dressing?
Yes, you can use fish sauce as a salad dressing. Fish sauce can be used to enhance the flavors of salads and can add a depth of flavor to dressings. It is important to remember that fish sauce is quite salty and can easily overpower a dish, so it is best to use it in small amounts.
Can I use fish sauce as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, you can use fish sauce as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce. Fish sauce has a similar flavor to Worcestershire sauce and can be used as a substitute in many recipes. It is important to remember that fish sauce is quite salty and can easily overpower a dish, so it is best to use it in small amounts.
Conclusion
Fish sauce is a great anchovy substitute that is both easy to find and inexpensive. When substituting fish sauce for anchovies, it’s important to remember that fish sauce is a condiment and not a fish. Use it in small amounts and adjust the amount of salt in the recipe as needed. Fish sauce can be used to enhance the flavors of dishes and can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or salad dressing. With these tips, you can easily use fish sauce as an anchovy substitute.