How to Choose the Fish Sauces
All You Need To Know About Fish Sauce
What Is Fish Sauce?
Fish sauce is a condiment commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is made by fermenting fish, usually anchovies or other small fish, with salt. The fish are layered with salt in large barrels or containers and left to ferment for several months to a year. During the fermentation process, enzymes break down the fish proteins, resulting in a liquid that is rich in umami flavor.
What does fish sauce taste like?
Fish sauce has a pungent aroma and a salty, savory taste. It is often described as having a complex flavor profile, with hints of sweetness and a slightly fishy undertone. It is used as a seasoning and flavor enhancer in various dishes, such as stir-fries, curries, soups, and dipping sauces. Fish sauce adds depth and umami to dishes and is a key ingredient in many traditional Southeast Asian recipes.
Types Of Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a popular condiment used in many cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asian cooking. There are several types of fish sauce, each with its own unique characteristics and flavors. Here are some common types:
- Thai Fish Sauce (Nam Pla): This is the most well-known type of fish sauce, commonly used in Thai cuisine. It is made from fermented anchovies or other small fish, mixed with salt and water. Thai fish sauce has a strong, salty flavor and a distinct aroma.
- Vietnamese Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam): Nuoc Mam is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. It is typically made from anchovies, salt, and water. Vietnamese fish sauce has a slightly sweeter and milder taste compared to Thai fish sauce.
- Filipino Fish Sauce (Patis): Patis is the Filipino version of fish sauce. It is made from fermented fish, usually anchovies or mackerel, mixed with salt. Filipino fish sauce has a strong umami flavor and is commonly used as a dipping sauce or ingredient in various Filipino dishes.
- Indonesian Fish Sauce (Kecap Ikan): Kecap Ikan is a fish sauce commonly used in Indonesian cuisine. It is made from fermented anchovies or other small fish, mixed with salt and sometimes sugar. Indonesian fish sauce has a rich, savory flavor and is often used as a seasoning or marinade.
- Korean Fish Sauce (Aekjeot): Aekjeot is a traditional Korean fish sauce made from fermented fish, typically anchovies or sand lance. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is commonly used as a seasoning in Korean dishes such as stews, soups, and kimchi.
These are just a few examples of the different types of fish sauce found in various cuisines. Each type may vary in terms of ingredients, fermentation process, and flavor profile, but they all add a unique umami taste to dishes.
How to Cook With Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a versatile ingredient that adds a unique umami flavor to dishes. Here are several ways you can use fish sauce for cooking:
- Marinades
Fish sauce, with its salty and umami flavors, makes an excellent marinade. Combine it with other seasonings like ground pepper, chopped garlic, or soy sauces to enhance the taste of your dishes. - Stir-fry Sauce
For stir-fried dishes, fish sauce works wonders. You can use it alone to season the stir-fry or mix it with soy sauce and oyster sauce for a delightful umami stir-fry dish. - Soups, Stews, and Curries
Fish sauce serves as a fantastic condiment for soups, stews, and curries. It elevates the savory flavor and adds character to Western-style soups or stews like French onion soup or beef stew. In Thai curries, fish sauce is essential to provide that savory umami element and balance out the spices. - Salad Dressings
Incorporating a touch of fish sauce into your salad dressing creates an incredible flavor. It complements both Thai and Western-style dressings. Substitute 1-2 teaspoons of fish sauce for salt in a vinaigrette dressing, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the delicious result. - Pasta Sauce
Fish sauce can elevate the flavor of your pasta sauce. Add a couple of teaspoons to Bolognese, and it enhances the savory notes. It also works well in Marinara Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Puttanesca, or Carbonara. - Savory Bloody Mary
For a wonderful surprise, try replacing the traditional Worcestershire sauce with a few drops of fish sauce in your next Bloody Mary. - Burgers or Meatloaf
Transform your regular beef burger or meatloaf into something exciting and incredibly delicious by adding Panang curry paste and a tablespoon of fish sauce. You can find our Panang Burger recipe here. - Mashed Potato
Enhance the taste of mashed potatoes by substituting fish sauce for salt in your recipe, adding a rich and savory dimension to the dish. - Pickling
Add 1-2 tablespoons of fish sauce to your favorite pickle recipe to infuse them with umami and more complex flavors. - Dips/ Dipping Sauce
Fish sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used to create a variety of dips or dipping sauces, such as those for dumplings and potstickers, Taco Dip, Jalapeno Dip, and Guacamole.
What should I look for when buying fish sauce?
When deciding which fish sauce to purchase, several factors should be considered:
- Country of Origin: The origin of the fish sauce will determine its flavor profile. For example, Thai fish sauce tends to have a heavier and saltier taste, while Vietnamese fish sauce is lighter and sweeter.
- Nitrogen Levels: Some fish sauce brands provide a numeric value, such as 40°N, indicating the nitrogen content per liter of fish sauce. Generally, higher nitrogen levels signify better quality.
- Additives: It's essential to check the ingredients list. Ideally, fish sauce should only contain salt and fish in its purest form. Be wary of brands that add additives such as sugar or hydrolyzed wheat protein, as they can alter the flavor or be problematic for those following a gluten-free diet.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a fish sauce that suits your taste and culinary needs.
