Pantry Staples

The Best Fish Sauces

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Fish sauce is a fundamental ingredient in many Asian cuisines, adding a complex umami depth that’s hard to replicate. Choosing a high-quality fish sauce can elevate your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary, impacting flavor, aroma, and overall taste.

No. 1
Red Boat Fish Sauce | Premium 40°N Fish Sauce made with just 2 ingredients in Vietnam | Keto, Paleo & Whole...
  • JUST TWO INGREDIENTS: We use only sea salt and black anchovies caught off of the crystal clear waters of Vietnam’s Phú Quốc archipelago
  • 100% PURE FLAVOR: Our first press fish sauce is first press and 40N, which means that it has high protein content (more fish = more flavor)
  • FERMENTED FOR A YEAR: Anchovies and sea salt are slowly fermented in carefully selected wooden barrel for a year in Vietnam using a centuries-old fermentation tradition
  • FAMILY OWNED: Our founder, Cuong Pham, started Red Boat because he couldn't find a fish sauce that tasted like home in the US. Over a decade later, the brand is still family owned and run.
  • EFFORTLESSLY ADD UMAMI: Use in sauces, marinades, dressings, soups, broths & stocks, fried rice, and vegetables.
No. 2
Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Premium Fish Sauce, 6.76 fl oz
  • Premium Fish Sauce carefully crafted from the pressing of salted anchovies
  • Gluten free
  • Made with sea salt
  • Use as a seasoning or in place of soy sauce or salt to add a savory taste to any dish
  • DID YOU KNOW? Our Fish Sauce blends perfectly with the sweet and spicy flavors of authentic Thai dishes
SaleNo. 3
Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce (1)
  • Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce 23 Fl. oz.
  • No MSG Added.
  • Ingredients: Anchovy Extract, Salt, Sugar, Water.
SaleNo. 5
Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce, 23.66 fl oz - One 23.66 Fluid Ounce Bottle of Fish Sauce Crafted for...
  • PREMIUM FISH SAUCE: Premium fish sauce contains fresh-pressed salted anchovies; features an intense flavor that is a hallmark of traditional Asian cooking
  • FEEL GOOD INGREDIENTS: This product is free of dairy, MSG and ingredients that contain gluten
  • AUTHENTIC THAI FLAVOR: Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce brings authentic quality, freshness and flavor
  • PERFECT FOR CHEFS: Fish sauce comes in a 23.66-fluid-ounce bottle that is ideal for adding a new flavors to your favorite recipes
  • VERSATILE INGREDIENT: Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce introduces a deep, complex flavor to marinades, dressings and more.
No. 7
Red Boat Fish Sauce, Phamily Reserve | Premium 50°N fish sauce sustainably made with just two ingredients in...
  • MORE UMAMI, MORE FLAVOR: Our Phamily Reserve is our most premium fish sauce and has the highest protein content for exquisite flavor. We choose our very best barrel every year for its exceptional tastiness and character.
  • JUST TWO INGREDIENTS: We use only sea salt and black anchovies caught off of the crystal clear waters of Vietnam’s Phú Quốc archipelago. There's zero dilution from water.
  • 100% PURE FLAVOR: Our fish sauce is first press and 50N, which means that it has the highest protein content (more fish = more flavor). We slowly ferment it for a year using a centuries-old fermentation technique with wooden barrels in Vietnam.
  • FAMILY OWNED: Our founder, Cuong Pham, started Red Boat because he couldn't find a fish sauce that tasted like home in the US. Over a decade later, the brand is still family owned and run.
  • EFFORTLESSLY ADD UMAMI: Use in sauces, marinades, dressings, soups, broths & stocks, fried rice, and vegetables.
  • ONLY THE GOOD STUFF: Paleo, Whole 30 and Keto friendly. No preservatives or additives. No sugar, gluten, soy, nuts, or shellfish.
No. 8
Red Boat Fish Sauce | Premium 40°N Fish Sauce made with just 2 ingredients in Vietnam | Keto, Paleo & Whole...
  • JUST TWO INGREDIENTS: We use only sea salt and black anchovies caught off of the crystal clear waters of Vietnam’s Phú Quốc archipelago
  • 100% PURE FLAVOR: Our first press fish sauce is first press and 40N, which means that it has high protein content (more fish = more flavor)
  • FERMENTED FOR A YEAR: Anchovies and sea salt are slowly fermented in carefully selected wooden barrel for a year in Vietnam using a centuries-old fermentation tradition
  • FAMILY OWNED: Our founder, Cuong Pham, started Red Boat because he couldn't find a fish sauce that tasted like home in the US. Over a decade later, the brand is still family owned and run.
  • EFFORTLESSLY ADD UMAMI: Use in sauces, marinades, dressings, soups, broths & stocks, fried rice, and vegetables.
SaleNo. 9
Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce (2)
  • Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce 23 Fl. oz.
  • No MSG Added.
  • Ingredients: Anchovy Extract, Salt, Sugar, Water.
No. 10
Red Boat Fish Sauce | Premium 40°N fish sauce sustainably made with just two ingredients in Vietnam | Keto...
  • JUST TWO INGREDIENTS: We use only sea salt and black anchovies caught off of the crystal clear waters of Vietnam’s Phú Quốc archipelago
  • 100% PURE FLAVOR: Our first press fish sauce is first press and 40N, which means that it has high protein content (more fish = more flavor)
  • FERMENTED FOR A YEAR: Anchovies and sea salt are slowly fermented in carefully selected wooden barrel for a year in Vietnam using a centuries-old fermentation tradition
  • FAMILY OWNED: Our founder, Cuong Pham, started Red Boat because he couldn't find a fish sauce that tasted like home in the US. Over a decade later, the brand is still family owned and run.
  • EFFORTLESSLY ADD UMAMI: Use in sauces, marinades, dressings, soups, broths & stocks, fried rice, and vegetables.
  • ONLY THE GOOD STUFF: Paleo, Whole 30 and Keto friendly. No preservatives or additives. No sugar, gluten, soy, nuts, or shellfish.

Last update on 2026-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Fish Sauces

Storage and Shelf Life

Unopened bottles of fish sauce can be stored in a cool, dark place for a long time. Once opened, it's best to refrigerate it to maintain its flavor and quality. While fish sauce doesn't truly spoil due to its high salt content, its aroma and flavor can diminish over time, especially if not stored properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fish sauce made of?
Fish sauce is typically made from fermented anchovies and salt. The fermentation process breaks down the proteins in the fish, creating the characteristic umami flavor and aroma.
How long does fish sauce last?
An unopened bottle of fish sauce can last for years when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerating it will help preserve its quality for at least a year, though the flavor may subtly change over time.
Can I substitute soy sauce for fish sauce?
While both are savory condiments, soy sauce and fish sauce offer different flavor profiles. Soy sauce is fermented soybean-based, while fish sauce is anchovy-based, providing a distinct umami and brininess that soy sauce cannot fully replicate.
What does 'umami' mean in fish sauce?
Umami is often described as the fifth basic taste, a savory, brothy, or meaty flavor. Fish sauce is a prime source of umami due to the breakdown of proteins during the fermentation of anchovies.
Is fish sauce gluten-free?
Most traditional fish sauces made only from anchovies and salt are naturally gluten-free. However, it's always wise to check the ingredient list for any added starches or flavorings that might contain gluten.