Vegan Fish Sauce

When I first decided to explore plant-based cooking, I stumbled upon Vegan Fish Sauce. The thought of creating a savory, umami-rich sauce without any seafood intrigued me. I had often felt limited by traditional sauces, especially when trying to cater to my vegetarian friends. That’s when this recipe became my go-to. The rich, earthy flavors of dried shiitake mushrooms combined with the briny taste of dulse make for a perfect alternative. Not only is it easy to make, but it also adds depth to a variety of dishes. Whether I’m whipping up a quick stir-fry or some homemade sushi rolls, this sauce has become an essential in my kitchen.

As I began to share this creation with others, I watched as their eyes lit up with surprise at how similar it tasted to the real deal. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a beloved ingredient from scratch, especially when it’s plant-based. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, I can whip it up in no time. Join me as we dive into the wonderful world of flavor with this homemade Vegan Fish Sauce.

Vegan Fish Sauce Ingredients

The ingredients for Vegan Fish Sauce are both simple and effective, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the earthy taste of shiitake mushrooms to the salty kick of dulse. They come together beautifully, yielding a sauce that’s both rich and complex.

• Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: About 2 large dried shiitake mushrooms or a handful of small dried shiitake mushrooms add deep, savory notes to the sauce. Their robust flavor provides the umami base.
• Dried Dulse: This sea vegetable adds a natural saltiness and a hint of ocean flavor, making it an essential ingredient in replicating the taste of traditional fish sauce.
• kosher Salt: Using about a quarter cup of Diamond Crystal kosher salt (less if using finer salts) helps to elevate all the flavors and preserves the sauce.
• Coconut Aminos: About two tablespoons of coconut aminos contribute a sweet, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of the sauce.
• Water: Three cups of water serves as the base, allowing all the ingredients to meld together beautifully during cooking.

Step by Step Guide for Vegan Fish Sauce

Creating this Vegan Fish Sauce is quite the rewarding experience! Follow these steps to bring it to life. Once you start making your own sauces, the flavor possibilities are endless. Let’s get cooking!

1. Begin by breaking up the dried shiitake mushrooms (including the stems) into small pieces. This will help them infuse their flavor into the sauce. You can do this by hand, but if they’re tough, a meat pounder or a mortar and pestle works wonders.
2. Next, toss the broken shiitake mushrooms into a small saucepan. Make sure to gather all the bits!
3. Now, add the rest of the ingredients—the dulse, salt, coconut aminos, and water—to the saucepan. This combination will create the foundation of your sauce.
4. Place the saucepan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. This step activates the flavors and gets everything cooking together nicely.
5. Once boiling, decrease the heat enough to maintain a simmer. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil over.
6. As it simmers, you’ll notice the liquid reducing. Aim for it to reduce by half, which concentrates all those beautiful flavors into the sauce.
7. After 20 minutes, prepare to strain the mixture. Grab a fine mesh sieve and place it over a bowl or another container. This will help separate the liquid from the solids.
8. Carefully pour the contents of the saucepan into the sieve, allowing the liquid to pass through while discarding the solids. You should be left with a rich, flavorful liquid.
9. Let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the Vegan Fish Sauce into a sealed airtight container. This ensures it stays fresh and flavorful.
10. Your Vegan Fish Sauce is ready to be used! Feel free to use it immediately or store it for future meals.

Expert Tips about Vegan Fish Sauce

To get the best out of your Vegan Fish Sauce, here are some expert tips I’ve gathered over the years:

• Storage: Store your sauce in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to retain its flavors.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sauce for up to three months. Just remember that due to its high salt content, it may not freeze solid, but that’s perfectly fine!
• Pairing: This sauce works wonders in stir-fries, dressings, and marinades. Don’t hesitate to drizzle it over veggies or use it in soups.
• Adjusting Saltiness: If you’re sensitive to salt, start with less and gradually add more to suit your taste. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away!
• Experimenting: Feel free to add other ingredients like ginger or lime for a twist. Customizing the sauce can lead to exciting new flavors.
• Serving: Try using this sauce in a homemade vegan sushi roll or as a dip for fresh spring rolls.

Great Combinations for Vegan Fish Sauce

Serving your Vegan Fish Sauce opens up a world of culinary possibilities! Here are some fantastic combinations you can explore:

• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: A splash of this sauce can elevate a simple stir-fry into a flavor-packed meal.
• In Salad Dressings: Mix it with some olive oil, vinegar, and sesame seeds for a delicious salad dressing.
• For Dipping: Serve it as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls or dumplings for a delightful appetizer.
• On Top of Rice Dishes: Drizzle over rice dishes or grain bowls for an extra flavor boost.
• In Soups: Add a splash to your favorite soups for added depth and umami.
• During Meal Prep: Make a big batch and keep it handy for quick meals throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Vegan Fish Sauce is such a remarkable way to add depth and flavor to your dishes without any seafood. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. Once you taste the difference, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. Enjoy the flavors and get creative in your kitchen!

Vegan Fish Sauce

The ultimate umami flavor without any seafood! This Vegan Fish Sauce is quick to make and perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. You'll love how it adds depth to your meals. Try it tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine Asian

Servings 24 tablespoons

Calories 15 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Saucepan
• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

• 0.5 ounces Dried Shiitake Mushrooms about 2 large dried shiitake mushrooms or a handful of small dried shiitake mushrooms
• 0.25 cup Dried Dulse whole leaves, packed
• 0.25 cup Kosher Salt use about half the amount if you are using a fine grain salt or Morton's kosher salt.
• 2 tablespoons Coconut Aminos
• 3 cups Water

Instructions

 

• Break up the dried shiitake mushrooms (including the stems) into small pieces and toss them into a small saucepan. If your dried mushrooms are extra thick and hard to break up by hand, smash them into small pieces with a meat pounder or pulverize them in a mortar and pestle.
• Add the rest of the ingredients to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
• Decrease the heat enough to maintain a simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the liquid is reduced by half.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, reserving the liquid and discarding the solids. Cool to room temperature and transfer to a sealed airtight container.

Notes

• Nutrition: Nutrition facts are for 1 tablespoon of vegan fish sauce.
• Storage: You can store the vegan fish sauce in a sealed airtight container for up to a month.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Because of the high salt content, the sauce may not freeze solid, but that’s okay!

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