Tips for Using Authentic Fish Sauce to Make Your Dishes Fragrant and Delicious
Fish sauce is a key seasoning in Thai cuisine that enhances the aroma and richness of various dishes—ranging from pickled and fried to stir-fried recipes. When used correctly, authentic fish sauce can bring out deep, savory flavors and a mouthwatering aroma. Different types of dishes require different techniques when it comes to using fish sauce to achieve the best taste.
Types of Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is an essential ingredient in Thai and Southeast Asian cooking, known for adding saltiness and a distinctive aroma. It’s used for seasoning, as a dipping sauce, or even for marinating ingredients. However, not all fish sauces are the same. They vary depending on production processes and ingredients. Commonly, fish sauces can be categorized into three main types:
- Authentic Anchovy Fish Sauce
Made from anchovies, this type has a strong, savory flavor with rich umami and a fragrant aroma. It’s perfect for marinating, pickling, and enhancing flavor in many dishes.
- Fish Sauce from Other Marine Animals
Produced from other types of fish or sea creatures like shrimp or squid. These have distinct flavors and are ideal for specific dishes that require unique aromas and tastes.
- Blended Fish Sauce
Mixed with other flavoring agents or seasonings to create a more balanced taste and a more affordable option. Great for general cooking use.
3 Tips for Using Authentic Fish Sauce to Enhance Flavor
Authentic fish sauce adds both aroma and depth to Thai dishes. When used properly, it enhances the natural flavor of ingredients. Whether you’re pickling, frying, or stir-frying, here are some specialized techniques to help your dishes shine!
1. Pickled Dishes
Pickled dishes are one of the best ways to use fish sauce for an intense, delicious flavor—especially when pickling seafood, like marinated crab with fish sauce. It’s essential to use high-quality, authentic fish sauce to achieve a rich, well-balanced taste that’s not overly salty.
🦀 Squid Brand Tip: Simmer the fish sauce over low heat and let it cool before pickling. This helps prevent overcooking the crab roe.
2. Fried Dishes
When used in fried dishes, fish sauce boosts aroma and adds crispiness. A popular dish is Fried Chicken Wings with Fish Sauce, which relies on authentic fish sauce to deliver its signature scent.
🍗 Squid Brand Tip: Add a little oil to the fish sauce marinade to keep the chicken juicy and tender inside.
3. Stir-Fried Dishes
Fish sauce enhances aroma and depth in stir-fries. A great example is Stir-Fried Cabbage with Fish Sauce—a simple yet flavorful dish that requires quality authentic fish sauce to really shine.
🥬 Squid Brand Tip: Stir-fry quickly over high heat and pour the fish sauce around the edge of the pan, avoiding direct contact with the vegetables. This keeps the aroma light and pleasant.
Fish sauce plays a vital role in Thai cooking and can be used in a variety of dishes—pickled, fried, or stir-fried. Choosing authentic anchovy-based fish sauce brings out stronger, richer, and more fragrant flavors. If you’re looking for a quality fish sauce to try with these three dishes, don’t forget to go with “Squid Brand Original Green Label”, made from premium-grade anchovies. It adds bold flavor and irresistible aroma to elevate every dish you cook!