Fish sauce

This sauce is typically made from anchovies which are heavily salted and fermented in barrels. A liquid is formed as the fish ferment. The liquid is drained from the barrels and poured back over the fish and continues to ferment for a total of about 6 months. The resulting liquid is the strong smelling, flavorful fish sauce. The strong smell dissipates when it cooks and leaves a distinctive complex flavor.

Where To Buy

Fish sauce is available at most Asian markets.  Due to the popularity of diverse foods you may even find it in your local gourmet grocery store.  You can also purchase from a variety of online stores including ImportFoods.com.  Look for a good brand such as Tiparos.

Asian Fish Sauce Substitute

If you don't have fish sauce and need a substitute try this simple recipe. (See vegetarian version too)

Mix 1 part soy sauce with 4 parts anchovies

Place in a small saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine sieve pressing solids to extract flavor.

Vegetarian Fish Sauce Substitute

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp Chinese fermented black soybeans*
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tsp sherry
• 1-2 Tbsp miso

Instructions

Combine soy sauce and sherry in a small bowl. Mash the black beans with the back of a fork and add to the soy sauce mixture. Let this sit for at least 10 minutes so that beans soften. Add miso and mix well. When ready to use, strain out solids. Store refrigerated indefinitely. Flavor intensifies over time. *Fermented black beans (soybeans) can be found in Asian markets.