Vegan Substitute

Vegan Substitute for Fish Sauce

Vegan fish sauce for Thai, Vietnamese, and Asian cooking. Mushroom-based and seaweed sauces that deliver authentic umami without fish.

Why replace fish sauce?

Fish sauce is made from fermented fish. Vegan versions using mushrooms and seaweed provide identical umami depth for Asian cooking.

Best vegan alternatives

Vegan fish sauce (e.g. Fysh, Thai Kitchen Vegan)

Pad Thai, curries, spring rolls, pho

1:1 replacement

Made from mushroom and seaweed extracts. Tastes remarkably like traditional fish sauce.

Soy sauce + seaweed + lime juice (quick substitute)

Quick substitute in any recipe

1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp lime juice + pinch of nori = 1 tbsp fish sauce

Not as complex as commercial vegan fish sauce but works well in a pinch. Add a tiny bit of rice vinegar for extra depth.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of fish sauce in Pad Thai?

Vegan fish sauce (like Fysh brand) is the best 1:1 replacement. In a pinch, mix soy sauce with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of crushed nori. The result is very close to traditional fish sauce in Pad Thai.

Is there a vegan fish sauce that actually tastes like fish sauce?

Yes! Brands like Fysh and Oceans Halo use seaweed and mushroom extracts to closely replicate the funky, umami depth of fish sauce. Many Thai and Vietnamese chefs have switched to these in their cooking.

Learn more

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