5 Unexpected Ways to Use Fish Sauce

updated May 2, 2019
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

I reach for my large bottle of pungent fish sauce when making Asian vinaigrettes and dipping sauces. However, since it’s so strong, it always seems to take a while to get through the bottle. Here are some out-of-the box ways to integrate fish sauce into more of your cooking!

Simple Thai-Style Omelet (Image credit: Anjali Prasertong)

While you might worry that fish sauce will make your food overly fishy, rest assured that with a careful hand, adding it can enhance and deepen the flavors already present in your food without making it taste like anchovies. Here are some fun ways to integrate fish sauce into more of your cooking:

1. Guacamole

A couple of dashes of fish sauce in guacamole

2. Eggs – Make breakfast more interesting by whisking fish sauce into eggs instead of milk.

3. Popcorn – This “Pad Thai” Popcorn recipe from Chef John at Food Wishes uses fish sauce to add savory funk to traditional caramel corn.

4. Cocktails – Instead of Worcestershire sauce, try fish sauce in a Bloody Mary at your next brunch.

5. Meat Sauces Add an extra punch of umami flavor to a ragu or Slow-Cooked Bolognese Sauce.

What’s your favorite way to use fish sauce?

Learn More About Fish Sauce