Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines, but not all fish sauces are created equal. The best fish sauce has an intense aroma and flavor that adds depth to dishes without overpowering them. It should have a balanced taste of sweet, sour, salty and umami flavors.
When choosing the right fish sauce for your recipes, it’s important to consider the quality and ingredients as well as the origin of the product. With so many options on the market today, finding the best fish sauce can be overwhelming but with a little research, you can find one that will make your dishes shine!
Table of Contents
What is Fish Sauce?
Fish sauce is a popular condiment and seasoning in many parts of the world, especially in Asia. It is made from fermented fish and salt, and it has an intense, salty flavor. There are many different types of fish sauce, each with its own unique flavor profile.
Some people are concerned about the safety of consuming fish sauce due to the fact that it contains fermented seafood products. However, if you purchase high-quality fish sauce from reputable sources, there is no reason to be concerned about the safety of this condiment. In fact, fish sauce can be beneficial for your health thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients.
What uses Fish Sauce for?
Fish sauce is used in both cooking and seasoning. It adds a unique flavor to soups, sauces, marinades, fish dishes, and other savory recipes. It is also used to enhance the flavor of stir-fries, salads, and curries. Additionally, it can be mixed with lime juice and sugar for use as a dipping sauce or added to condiments such as nuoc cham or nam pla prik for added complexity.
Fish sauce can also be used as an alternative to salt in many recipes for its salty taste without the harshness that comes from regular table salt. Furthermore, it adds significant umami notes to foods that are lacking in this essential flavor component.
Using fish sauce is an excellent way to add a depth of flavor and character to many dishes.
Top 5 Best Fish Sauce Reviews in 2023
Here are the seven best Fish Sauce brand choices you shouldn’t miss for delicious recipes at home.
Top 1. Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce
Our Fish Sauce is made using only the finest quality ingredients, starting with fresh salted anchovies that are carefully pressed to create a flavorful and intense sauce. Whether you’re preparing dishes for professional chefs or making meals at home, our Fish Sauce will add depth and flavor to any dish, plus it’s all-natural and preservative-free so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
Whether you’re looking for an ingredient to add depth and richness to your cooking, or simply want to try out something new, Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce is sure to satisfy all your needs. With its high-quality ingredients and great flavor, it’s no wonder why so many people love using it in their cooking!
Pros
- Best quality ingredients
- All-natural and preservative-free
- The perfect balance of flavor
Cons
- This smells so not good
Top 2. Red Boat Fish Sauce
Red Boat Fish Sauce is a high-quality condiment that is perfect for enhancing the flavor of any dish. Unlike other sauce products on the market, Red Boat uses only fresh ingredients that are free from preservatives or artificial flavors, making it a healthier option for your meals. Not only does this product provide amazing flavor to your food, but it also provides important nutrients like protein, calcium, and phosphorous that help keep you healthy and energized throughout the day.
Red Boat is made by hand using traditional techniques passed down from generation in South Vietnam. We use only Vietnamese anchovies and salt to create our delicious fish sauce, ensuring that each bottle contains a natural depth of flavor with no added fillers or artificial ingredients. If you’re looking for an authentic fish sauce that will add incredible flavor to your dishes, Red Boat should be your top choice!
Pros
- Keto Friendly
- No Gluten
- No Nuts
- No Shellfish
- No Preservatives
Cons
- Fish sauce is pretty strong smelling
Top 3. Thai Kitchen Gluten-Free Premium Fish Sauce
Looking for a gluten-free fish sauce to add extra flavor to your dishes? Then Thai Kitchen Gluten-Free Premium Fish Sauce is a perfect choice! This high-quality fish sauce contains no gluten, making it ideal for anyone with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
With its rich and savory flavor, Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Premium Fish Sauce is sure to enhance the taste of any dish you use it in. Whether you’re preparing a stir fry, a marinade, or just want to add some extra flavor to your pasta dishes, this versatile sauce has you covered. Plus, it’s easy and convenient to use – simply add a little bit of this premium fish sauce to your recipes and enjoy the delicious results!
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Rich and savory flavor
- Flexible to use
Cons
- Easy to break
Top 4. Three Crabs Brand Fish Sauce
Three Crabs brand fish sauce is a delicious and all-natural condiment that is perfect for adding flavor to any dish. Made from only the highest quality, freshest ingredients, this unique seasoning is a must-have for any home cook. Whether you’re adding it to soups or marinades, Three Crabs fish sauce will take your meals from ordinary to extraordinary! With its distinct taste and rich umami flavor, this high-quality seafood seasoning is sure to become one of your favorite kitchen staples.
With its unique blend of sea flavors, Three Crabs brand fish sauce is an essential ingredient in many Asian recipes. Whether you’re looking for something new to spice up your stir-fries or need a secret ingredient for your next soup recipe, Three Crabs will not disappoint. So why wait? Order your bottle of Three Crabs fish sauce today and start cooking like a pro!
Pros
- All-natural condiment
- The distinct taste and rich umami flavor
Cons
- Expensive
Top 5. Haku Iwashi Whiskey Barrel Aged Fish Sauce
The Haku Iwashi Whisky Barrel Aged Fish Sauce is a premium Japanese fish sauce that comes in an attractive wooden box. This all-purpose seasoning is perfect for cooking everything from poultry to sushi and even chocolate cakes! It’s also a great addition to any marinade as it gives your food a unique smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Haku Iwashi Whiskey Barrel Aged Fish Sauce is an artisanal seasoning made from expertly aged fish. This unique ingredient has a rich, complex flavor that adds depth and complexity to all kinds of dishes. Whether you’re using it as a finishing drizzle or in your favorite marinade, Haku Iwashi Whiskey Barrel Aged Fish Sauce is sure to become one of your go-to ingredients!
Pros
- Nice package
- Rich and complex flavor
Cons
- Easy to break
Related: What is The Best Hot Sauce For Oysters?
Factors To Choose When Buying The Best Fish Sauce for your Home?
There are many different factors to consider when choosing the best sauce for fish. Some of the most important ones include the ingredients used, the taste and aroma of the sauce, and its nutritional value.
Ingredients
To start with, when looking for a high-quality fish sauce, it is important to look at what ingredients are used in its production. Ideally, you want a sauce made from only fresh and high-quality ingredients such as anchovies or mackerel. This will ensure that you get an authentic and flavorful fish sauce that has a rich umami flavor.
Taste and aroma of the sauce
Another key factor to consider when choosing a good fish sauce is the taste and aroma of the sauce. Some fish sauces have a more pungent and salty flavor, while others have a more delicate or even fruity aroma. Choose a fish sauce that has a flavor profile that appeals to you personally, as this will ensure that you enjoy using it in your cooking.
Nutritional value
In addition to the quality of the ingredients and its taste, it is also important to consider the nutritional value of any fish sauce you are thinking about buying. For example, some types of fish sauce may be high in sodium or contain artificial additives such as colorings or preservatives. To avoid these unhealthy ingredients, make sure to choose an all-natural brand that does not include any added chemicals for better health benefits.
Where the fish sauce was produced
Finally, you should also think about where the fish sauce was produced. For example, if you are looking for a high-quality product from Vietnam, look for a brand that is made in that country. This will ensure that you get an authentic fish sauce with the best possible ingredients.
Brand reputation
Finally, when making your choice, you should also consider the reputation of the brand that produces the particular fish sauce that you are interested in. This will help you to choose a high-quality product made by a reputable company that stands behind its products and has excellent customer service.
What Types Of The Best Fish Sauce?
There are many different types of the best fish sauce brand, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Some popular choices include Thai fish sauce, Vietnamese fish sauce, and Red Boat Fish Sauce.
Thai fish sauce
Thai fish sauce is made from fermented anchovies and is a staple in Thai cuisine. It has a pungent aroma but a rich umami flavor that pairs well with many different dishes.
Vietnamese fish sauce
Vietnamese fish sauce is also made from anchovies, but they are fermented in salt rather than brine. This gives it a slightly sweeter taste than Thai fish sauce, although both are excellent options for adding depth to your meals.
Red Boat Fish Sauce
Red Boat Fish Sauce is another popular choice for cooks looking for flavorful ingredients. Made from wild-caught Vietnamese anchovies that are slowly aged using a traditional solar sea salt preparation, this sauce can be used in everything from soups to stir-fries.
Recipes With Fish Sauce
If you’re looking for some delicious recipes that use fish sauce, here are a few of our favorites:
Thai-Style Chicken Stir Fry
This simple dish uses a combination of chicken breast, onion, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, ginger root, fresh basil leaves, and plenty of fish sauce to create an authentic Asian flavor.
Vietnamese Noodle Soup
This flavorful soup combines rice noodles with shrimp or chicken broth, bean sprouts, scallions, garlic cloves, fish sauce, and cilantro. It’s the perfect lunch or dinner option on a cold winter day!
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
This simple recipe calls for just four ingredients – fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red chili peppers. Once you have all of these on hand, it’s a quick and easy way to add some spicy flavor to your favorite dishes.
Thai Beef Noodle Soup
This soup features rich flavors from the broth and plenty of vegetables. The fish sauce gives the broth a deep savory flavor and also helps to balance out some of the other strong tastes in the dish.
Sweet and Sour Fish
This Chinese-inspired recipe uses white fish fillets that are marinated in soy sauce and honey, then pan-fried with ginger, onions, and bell peppers. A quick stir-fry coated with sweet and sour sauce is all it takes to finish this delicious dish.
Thai Chili Shrimp
This simple stir-fry features shrimp tossed in a spicy chili garlic sauce along with vegetables like red onion, celery, peas, and carrots. You can add your choice of protein or just enjoy it as a vegetarian meal depending on your preferences.
Vietnamese Meatballs
These flavorful meatballs are made with pork, fish sauce, and lots of herbs. They’re great on their own as an appetizer or served over rice noodles in a hearty bowl of soup.
Shrimp Pad Thai
This classic Thai dish is perfect for busy weeknights – it comes together quickly, thanks to the flavorful addition of fish sauce. First, cook your favorite type of noodles according to package directions. Then sauté shrimp in a bit of oil until they are cooked through and opaque in color. Combine the shrimp with stir-fried veggies like carrots and cabbage, toss with a homemade pad thai sauce, and finally add a bit of fish sauce for that signature flavor.
How To Make Fish Sauce Step By Step?
Fish sauce is a staple in many cuisines around the world. Making your own at home is easy and can be done with just a few simple ingredients. To make fish sauce, you will need:
- 1 cup of salt
- 2 cups of water
- 2 lbs of fish or shellfish heads, bones, and innards
- A large stockpot
- A fine mesh strainer
- A funnel
Start by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the fish or shellfish thoroughly to remove any impurities and prepare the stockpot by lining it with cheesecloth and adding the water and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
After this time has passed, add the fish or shellfish to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes. Once this time has elapsed, strain the stock through the fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pan.
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a clean container with a lid. Your homemade fish sauce will keep in your fridge for up to 3 months. Enjoy!
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best fish sauce, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your preferences and needs, different types of sauces may be better for you than others. If you’re looking for a traditional flavor with rich umami notes, then Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce will likely suit your tastes best.
For those who prefer something milder but still want that signature salty taste associated with seafood dishes, Japanese soy sauce might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice is up to you – just make sure to read labels carefully and select a high-quality product!
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