How to Make Vegan Fish Sauce: Easy and Delicious Recipe

By Avi Green October 08, 2023

If you're a barbecue enthusiast looking to expand your culinary horizons, you've probably wondered how to make vegan fish sauce. This versatile condiment can transform your grilling experience, adding an umami punch to your vegan barbecue dishes.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of making vegan fish sauce, covering everything from the essential ingredients to the detailed step-by-step process. Plus, we'll provide some tips on how you can use this incredible sauce in your next BBQ session.

Why Vegan Fish Sauce?

Many barbecue lovers are branching out to explore vegan alternatives, and for a good reason. Vegan fish sauce offers a fantastic substitute for traditional fish sauce, making it an essential ingredient in your BBQ arsenal. Made from plant-based ingredients, it delivers the same depth of flavor and complexity without any animal products.

If you have dietary restrictions or are simply looking to switch things up, this is an excellent option to consider. Moreover, vegan fish sauce ensures you cater to all your guests, even those with dietary preferences or restrictions.

Essential Ingredients

Seaweed: Often used as a base to mimic the briny, oceanic flavor of traditional fish sauce.
Mushrooms: Adds umami and depth to the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and color.
Garlic: For an extra layer of flavor.
Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a touch of sweetness.
Water: Acts as a carrier for all the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating your vegan fish sauce at home is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Here's how to do it:

Start by soaking 1 cup of dried seaweed in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes. This will rehydrate the seaweed and deepen its flavor.
In a separate pot, saut 3 cloves of garlic and 1 cup of chopped mushrooms until they're soft and fragrant.
Add the soaked seaweed (along with its soaking water) to the pot.
Add 1/2 cup of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Let the mix simmer for about 20 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a jar or bottle.
Allow it to cool. Store it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a month.

Tips for Using Vegan Fish Sauce in BBQ

Vegan fish sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of barbecue dishes. Here are some ideas:

Marinades: Use your homemade vegan fish sauce as a base for marinades to imbue your grilled veggies or tofu with rich, deep flavors.
Sauces: Enhance your barbecue sauces with a splash of vegan fish sauce for an added umami kick.
Stir-Fries: Ideal for quick, grilled stir-fries as it brings out intricate flavors with minimal effort.

Looking to learn more about how fish sauces compare to their vegan counterparts? Check out this guide for a comprehensive comparison. Additionally, for a deeper dive into various vegan culinary alternatives, see this recipe for inspiration.

Additional Resources

For further reading, make sure to check out the following resources:

FAQ

What is the shelf life of homemade vegan fish sauce? Homemade vegan fish sauce can last up to a month when stored in the refrigerator.
Can vegan fish sauce be used in non-vegan recipes? Absolutely, vegan fish sauce is versatile and can be used in any recipe that calls for traditional fish sauce.
Is it possible to make vegan fish sauce without soy? Yes, you can use coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.