The secret behind the delicious taste of many Thai dishes lies in fish sauce. But did you know that the rich, balanced flavor in dishes like Tom Yum or Pad Kra Pao isn’t just from saltiness? The hidden magic in real fish sauce is amino acids, naturally created during the meticulous fermentation of fish. These compounds are what make the best-quality fish sauces stand out from ordinary ones. Let’s explore how amino acids give fish sauce its unique taste.
More Than Just Salty: The Role of Amino Acids
Many people think of fish sauce only as a salty condiment. In truth, carefully fermented real fish sauce offers much more. During fermentation, proteins from fish break down into amino acids. These amino acids are essential in creating umami, the savory, rounded flavor that enhances food naturally.
What Are Amino Acids in Fish Sauce?
Amino acids in fish sauce are small organic compounds formed naturally during the fermentation of fish and salt. Enzymes and microorganisms break down the fish proteins into different amino acids. One of the most important is glutamic acid, the key contributor to the umami flavor that gives dishes a deep, savory deliciousness—not just plain saltiness.
Functions of Amino Acids in Fish Sauce
- Enhance umami flavor → Add depth, richness, and complexity to food.
- Soften saltiness → Make flavors smoother and less harsh.
- Boost natural aroma → Create appetizing fragrance without the need for MSG.
- Stabilize flavor → Keep dishes consistently tasty even when cooked at high heat.
4 Quality Fish Sauces from Squid Brand
- Squid Brand Green Label – Original Recipe
- Made from fresh sea fish and premium sea salt.
- Naturally fermented for 18 months.
- Full-bodied umami taste from natural amino acids.
- Made from fresh sea fish and premium sea salt.
- Squid Brand Yellow Label – Balanced Recipe
- Naturally fermented for 18 months for pronounced umami.
- Smooth, balanced flavor—ideal for cooking, dipping, and seasoning.
- No sugar, no preservatives, sweetened naturally with stevia.
- Keto-friendly.
- Naturally fermented for 18 months for pronounced umami.
- Squid Brand Himalayan Salt Recipe
- Made with pink Himalayan salt, rich in over 84 minerals.
- Delivers a milder, more delicate flavor.
- Retains natural amino acids for umami depth.
- Great for both cooking and dipping sauces.
- Made with pink Himalayan salt, rich in over 84 minerals.
- Squid Brand Gold Label
- Premium fish sauce made from carefully selected anchovies and pure salt.
- Meticulously fermented for deep, refined flavor.
- Rich in natural amino acids that elevate every dish.
- Premium fish sauce made from carefully selected anchovies and pure salt.