How to Make Fish Sauce Easy: A BBQ Enthusiast's Guide

By Avi Green August 08, 2024

If you have a passion for BBQ and are looking to jazz up your dishes with an irresistible umami punch, then learning how to make fish sauce easy is your next culinary adventure. This guide is crafted specifically for BBQ enthusiasts who want to add a new depth of flavor to their grilling repertoire.

Why Make Your Own Fish Sauce?

Before diving into the how-to, lets first uncover why you should make your own fish sauce. The secret lies in achieving that superior, personalized flavor. Store-bought versions can often be overly salty or lack the complexity of flavors. Homemade fish sauce allows you to control the ingredients and the fermentation process, ensuring a unique and luscious outcome for your BBQ dishes.

Ingredients You'll Need

Fresh Fish (anchovies, sardines, or mackerel)
Sea Salt
Filtered Water

Using fresh fish is critical for achieving a high-quality fish sauce. Anchovies are most commonly used, but sardines or mackerel can also fit the bill.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Fish Sauce Easy

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Start by cleaning your fish thoroughly. Remove the scales, heads, and guts. Give the fish a good rinse under cold water and pat them dry.

Step 2: Layering

In a large fermenting jar, layer your cleaned fish with sea salt. A general rule of thumb is to use a 3:1 ratio of fish to salt.

Step 3: Add Water

Pour enough filtered water into the jar to cover the fish and salt mixture. Ensure there are no air bubbles to avoid bad bacteria formation.

Step 4: Fermentation

Seal your jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 6 to 12 months. The fish will gradually break down, and the liquid that forms is your fish sauce.

Pro Tip: Patience is key in this step. The longer you let it ferment, the more developed the flavors will be.

Step 5: Straining

After the fermentation period, strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solid pieces. Transfer the liquid to sterilized bottles for storage.

Using Fish Sauce in Your BBQ Dishes

Now that your homemade fish sauce is ready, its time to incorporate it into your BBQ recipes. Fish sauce is an excellent addition to marinades, glazes, and dipping sauces. You can also use it to enhance the flavor of grilled vegetables and even burgers.

For more ideas on how to elevate your BBQ game with fish sauce, you can check out our in-depth guides on gluten-free fish sauce, how to use fish sauce in noodles, and what to cook with fish sauce.