Vegan Fish Sauce
A bright, salty, and umami-rich pantry staple for Southeast Asian cooking
Why This Recipe Works
This pantry staple captures the essential balance of salt, acid, and heat needed for authentic Southeast Asian flavors. It relies on the depth of coconut sugar and fresh garlic to mimic the fermented complexity of traditional fish sauce without any animal products.
Instructions
Place the coconut sugar, red pepper flakes, and garlic in a small heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water over the mixture and whisk steadily until the sugar granules have completely dissolved.
Stir in the lime juice and salt. Taste the sauce and add the additional half-teaspoon of salt if you prefer a sharper, more traditional salinity.
Leave the sauce to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to a storage container. Use immediately or refrigerate to allow the garlic and chili flavors to meld and intensify.
🍽️ Complete the Meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this recipe?
Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
What substitutions can I make?
- sea salt: Increase to 2 tsp for a saltier profile
