How To Make Our Vegan Fish Sauce Alternative (Recipe And Tips)

Jess Miller

Vegan fish sauce might sound like a contradiction, but it’s one of the most useful pantry staples in plant-based cooking.

Salty, savory, and full of umami goodness, this easy homemade version mimics the depth and complexity of traditional fish sauce, without any animal products.

Whether you’re adding depth to stir-fries, brightening up dressings, or seasoning noodles and marinades, this vegan fish sauce substitute is a go-to way to bring bold flavor to your favorite dishes.

It’s easy to make, stores well, and uses ingredients you might already have on hand.

Contents hide

1 Why This Vegan Fish Sauce Alternative Works

2 Ingredients You’ll Need for Our Vegan Fish Sauce

3 How to Make Vegan Fish Sauce Step-by-Step

4 Tips for Making and Using Vegan Fish Sauce

5 Smart Storage Tips for Vegan Fish Sauce

6 Easy Add-Ins and Adjustments

7 Final Thoughts

8 How To Make Our Vegan Fish Sauce Alternative (Recipe And Tips)

8.1 Ingredients

8.2 Directions

Why This Vegan Fish Sauce Alternative Works

This recipe combines umami-rich ingredients to achieve the same savory depth as traditional fish sauce. It’s a favourite in plant-based kitchens for many reasons:

100% vegan and free from animal-derived ingredients
Packed with rich umami from mushrooms and soy sauce
Easy to make in one pot with minimal prep
Long-lasting in the fridge, making it great for meal prep
A flavor enhancer in everything from Thai curries to tofu dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need for Our Vegan Fish Sauce

To make a small batch of vegan fish sauce substitute, gather these flavorful ingredients:

1 cup water
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons dried shiitake mushrooms (or any dried mushrooms)
1 tablespoon miso paste
1 tablespoon seaweed flakes (such as dulse or wakame)
1 garlic clove, smashed
1 teaspoon brown sugar or maple syrup
½ teaspoon rice vinegar (optional for brightness)

These ingredients work together to deliver that salty, tangy, and savory punch you’d expect from fish sauce, without the fish.

How to Make Vegan Fish Sauce Step-by-Step

This sauce comes together easily on the stovetop. Here’s how to do it:

Combine the ingredients
Add the water, soy sauce, mushrooms, miso paste, seaweed flakes, garlic, sugar, and vinegar (if using) to a small saucepan. Stir well to dissolve the miso.
Simmer gently
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, so that the flavors can infuse and the liquid reduces slightly.
Strain and store
Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar or bottle. Discard the solids (or save them for another broth if you’d like).
Cool and refrigerate
Let the sauce cool completely before sealing and storing it in the fridge. It will continue to deepen in flavor over time.

Tips for Making and Using Vegan Fish Sauce

With this sauce, a little goes a long way. It’s bold, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

We love using it in:

Stir-fries and fried rice
Vegan pad Thai and noodle bowls
Broths and soups that need a salty kick
Marinades for tofu, tempeh, or vegetables
Salad dressings and dipping sauces

You can also mix it with lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes for a quick vegan version of Vietnamese nước chấm.

Smart Storage Tips for Vegan Fish Sauce

Store your vegan fish sauce in a sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 weeks. Shake before using, as some sediment may settle over time.

For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and thaw individual portions as needed.

Easy Add-Ins and Adjustments

Once you’ve made the base recipe, feel free to tweak it to match your favorite flavor profiles:

Add spice: Simmer with a slice of fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes.
Make it smoky: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Lower the sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and adjust to taste with water.
Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Deeper umami: Add a teaspoon of tomato paste or mushroom powder for extra richness.

Final Thoughts

This vegan fish sauce alternative is proof that plant-based cooking doesn’t mean giving up on depth or complexity.

With a short list of simple ingredients, you can make a flavorful, versatile sauce that brings plenty of flavor to your meals, with no seafood required.

It’s an easy recipe to batch and keep on hand, and once you try it, you’ll see how it brings that missing something to so many dishes.