How to Use Fish Sauce in Chinese Cooking for Bold BBQ Flavors

By Avi Green June 15, 2024

If you're a barbecue enthusiast looking to add a unique and bold flavor to your grilled dishes, then you're in for a treat! Fish sauce, a staple in many Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese cooking, can bring amazing depth and umami to your barbecue creations. In this article, we'll delve deep into the world of fish sauce and explore how it can elevate your grilling game.

how to use fish sauce in chinese cooking

What is Fish Sauce?

Fish sauce is a fermented condiment made from fish and salt. It has a strong, savory flavor that adds complexity and richness to dishes. Most commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines, fish sauce has made its way into Chinese cooking as well.

How to Incorporate Fish Sauce into BBQ

When it comes to BBQ, we often think of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Fish sauce can complement and enhance these flavors, creating a more dynamic taste profile.

Marinades

One of the easiest ways to use fish sauce is in marinades. Mixing fish sauce with other ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar can create a flavorful marinade for your meats. Allow your meat to soak in the marinade for at least a few hours, or overnight for best results.

Glazes

Glazes can add a beautiful sheen and extra flavor to your grilled meats. Combine fish sauce with honey, lime juice, and chili flakes for a sweet and tangy glaze that will caramelize beautifully on your BBQ.

Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauces are a great way to add an extra layer of flavor to your grilled dishes. A fish sauce-based dipping sauce can be made by mixing it with lime juice, garlic, chili, and a touch of sugar. This sauce pairs excellently with grilled seafood.

Chinese BBQ Recipes Using Fish Sauce

Now that we've covered the basics of how to use fish sauce, let's dive into some delicious Chinese BBQ recipes that feature this incredible ingredient.

Fish Sauce Chicken Wings

Ingredients: Chicken wings, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, chili flakes.
Instructions: Marinate chicken wings in a mixture of fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Grill over medium heat until the wings are crispy and cooked through.

Sticky Fish Sauce Ribs

Ingredients: Pork ribs, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Chinese five-spice powder.
Instructions: Marinate the ribs with fish sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and five-spice powder. Grill over low heat, basting with any remaining marinade, until the ribs are tender and sticky.

Grilled Fish with Fish Sauce Glaze

Ingredients: Whole fish (such as snapper or tilapia), fish sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, chili.
Instructions: Create a glaze with fish sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and chili. Brush the glaze over the fish and grill until cooked through, basting occasionally with more glaze.

Tips for Using Fish Sauce in BBQ

Here are some additional tips to help you make the most out of fish sauce in your BBQ cooking:

Less is more: Fish sauce is quite potent, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Balance flavors: Pair fish sauce with sweet, sour, and spicy elements to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try fish sauce in different marinades, glazes, and dipping sauces until you find your perfect combination.
Storage: Fish sauce has a long shelf life, so keep a bottle in your pantry to use whenever you like.