Seafood
Vegan alternative to fish sauce
Short answer
Soy sauce + lime + a pinch of sugar is the best all-round replacement for fish sauce — everyday substitute. 1:1.
Why fish sauce isn't vegan
Fermented anchovies.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce + lime + a pinch of sugar | Everyday substitute |
| Vegan fish sauce (seaweed-fermented) | Closest match for Thai and Viet food |
| Miso + kombu broth | Deep umami without salt overload |
Conversion ratio
1:1.
Pro tip
A strip of kombu simmered in soy sauce for 10 minutes gives the marine note most swaps miss.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to fish sauce?
- Soy sauce + lime + a pinch of sugar is the closest all-round swap — everyday substitute. 1:1.
- Why isn't fish sauce vegan?
- Fermented anchovies.
- How much do I use instead of fish sauce?
- 1:1.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- A strip of kombu simmered in soy sauce for 10 minutes gives the marine note most swaps miss.
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