Fish Sauce

Fish sauce is a savory, amber-colored liquid condiment made by fermenting fish, usually anchovies, with salt over several months. Known for its intensely salty, umami-rich flavor, fish sauce is a staple ingredient in many Southeast Asian cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, and Filipino cooking. Its pungent aroma mellows during cooking, infusing dishes with deep, complex notes that enhance the taste of soups, stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. Just a small amount can add depth and authenticity to a wide variety of recipes, making it a versatile and essential pantry item for those seeking to create bold and flavorful meals.

You can typically find fish sauce in the international or Asian foods aisle of most grocery stores. Look for it alongside other Asian condiments such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. Fish sauce is usually packaged in glass or plastic bottles and is often placed on shelves with other bottled sauces and seasonings. Some larger supermarkets may also have a dedicated section for Thai or Vietnamese ingredients, where fish sauce is a staple item. If you are shopping at a specialty Asian grocery store, fish sauce will likely be prominently displayed with basic pantry items. If you’re having trouble locating it, don’t hesitate to ask a store employee for assistance, as it can sometimes be stocked in both the international aisle and the general condiments section.