Fish Sauce
Also called nam pla, nuoc mam
Fish sauce is a fermented fish condiment, adding umami and saltiness to dishes.
Flavor profile
Aroma: briny, umami-rich
Good to know
Origin: Southeast Asia
Forms: liquid
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place in a sealed container.
How to use fish sauce
Salt Meets Umami
Add fish sauce to soups for umami. Lime juice can balance the salty edge with its citric acid.
Meaty Boost
Fish sauce enriches meat dishes with its amino acids, enhancing umami.
What goes with fish sauce
- Lime. Lime's acidity cuts through fish sauce's salt, refreshing flavors.
- Lemon. Lemon’s acidity cuts through the intense umami of fish sauce.
- Garlic. Garlic's pungency stands up to fish sauce's umami punch.
- Sugar. Sugar softens fish sauce's saltiness, adding subtle sweetness.
- Chili Flake. Chili flakes' heat contrasts fish sauce's salty umami.
- Chicken thigh. Fish sauce's salt and umami season chicken thigh and caramelize in the pan.
- Ginger. Fish sauce's glutamates and ginger's clean heat season Southeast Asian dressings and broths.
- Lemongrass. Lemongrass's citrus oils brighten fish sauce's deep salty umami.
- Peanut. Fish sauce adds salty umami that deepens the roasted sweetness of peanuts.
- Pork Belly. Fish sauce's umami seasons pork belly's fat and caramelizes in glazes.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too many glutamates can overpower dishes.
- High sodium content confuses dessert flavors.
Ideas for tonight
- Add to a Thai curry for umami depth.
- Mix into a vinaigrette for a unique salad dressing.
- Stir into stir-fried noodles for extra savoriness.
Fish Sauce: questions
What does fish sauce taste like?
Fish sauce is a fermented fish condiment, adding umami and saltiness to dishes. Its strongest notes are pungent, with an aroma that is briny, umami-rich.
What goes well with fish sauce?
Fish Sauce pairs best with lime, lemon, garlic, sugar, chili flake. Lime's acidity cuts through fish sauce's salt, refreshing flavors.
How do you use fish sauce in cooking?
Salt Meets Umami: add fish sauce to soups for umami. Lime juice can balance the salty edge with its citric acid.
How should you store fish sauce?
Store in a cool, dark place in a sealed container.
What is the most common mistake with fish sauce?
Too many glutamates can overpower dishes.
