FISH SAUCE - SAUCE SEASONING OF THE WEEK

The best seasoning for Asian cooking.

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Fish Sauce

Fish sauce is a pungent, salty condiment made from fermented fish (typically anchovies) and salt. It's a cornerstone of Southeast Asian cuisine, known for adding deep umami flavor to dishes like pad Thai, pho, and marinades.

FAQs – Fish Sauce

Q: What does fish sauce taste like?
A: It has a strong salty and savory (umami) flavor, with a slightly fishy undertone. When used in cooking, the flavor mellows and deepens other ingredients rather than tasting overtly “fishy.”

Q: Is fish sauce the same as oyster sauce?
A: No. Fish sauce is thin, salty, and made from fermented fish, while oyster sauce is thick, slightly sweet, and made from oyster extracts. They are not interchangeable in most recipes.

Q: How should fish sauce be stored?
A: Keep it sealed in a cool, dark place like a pantry. After opening, it's best stored in the refrigerator for maximum shelf life and freshness.

Q: Can I use soy sauce instead of fish sauce?
A: Soy sauce can substitute for fish sauce in some recipes, but the flavor profile is different. Add a dash of lime juice or vinegar to mimic the tang and complexity of fish sauce.

Q: Is fish sauce gluten-free?
A: Some brands are gluten-free, but others may contain added wheat or hydrolyzed protein. Always check the label if you’re gluten-sensitive.

Printable Nutrition Card (Per 1 tablespoon)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	10 kcal	Low in calories
Total Fat	0 g	Virtually fat-free
Cholesterol	0 mg	No cholesterol
Sodium	~1,300 mg	Very high—use sparingly
Carbohydrates	1 g	Minimal
Protein	2 g	From fermented fish content
Sugar	0 g	Usually unsweetened

DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Dietary Information

Diet Type	Suitable?	Notes
Vegetarian	❌ No	Made from fermented fish
Vegan	❌ No	Not plant-based; use vegan fish sauce alternatives
Gluten-Free	⚠️ Depends	Check labels; some brands add wheat-based ingredients
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	Contains no dairy
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Safe for nut allergies
Keto / Low-Carb	✅ Yes	Very low in carbs and sugar
Paleo	✅ Yes	Traditional versions are paleo-friendly
Whole30	⚠️ With Care	Look for brands with no added sugar or preservatives

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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