I\u2019d used fish sauce only a handful of times while learning to make some of my favorite Thai dishes, but then I spilled half the bottle all over my kitchen counter. It\u2019s not a move I\u2019d recommend. But as I cleaned up the salty condiment, I got up close and personal with it, whereas previously I averted my nostrils and poured carefully. Spilling it helped me realize that, yes, it\u2019s pungent, but it\u2019s also complex, full of umami<\/a> and not worth the caution I had given it. These recipes with fish sauce might lead you to the same realizations.<\/p>\n As an essential Asian sauce<\/a>, fish sauce is used widely across Asia and Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnam and Thailand. Fish sauce helps give Thai noodle dishes, like pad thai and drunken noodles, and soups, like pho, a deeply flavored yet not overly salty taste. But that doesn\u2019t mean you need to save fish sauce just for your favorite Thai recipes<\/a>. As these recipes show, you can use it to season burger patties, marinate meat and create sticky, savory sauces for fried wings, to name just a few uses.<\/p>\n When you use a small amount of fish sauce, you almost can\u2019t tell it\u2019s there, but it can give a recipe a gentle boost of flavor if it tastes flat. I\u2019ve sprinkled it into marinara sauce and Caesar dressing<\/a>, for example, when more salt would just make it salty but it needed more depth. Fish sauce is made from anchovies after all, so it\u2019s really not that unusual! When using fish sauce more generously, embrace its deep funk and pair it with something sweet and something acidic for balance. This collection is a great way to test the fish saucy waters and embrace its unique flavor.<\/p>\n <\/body><\/div>\n 1<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> Don\u2019t be deceived by how simple these noodles look or how quickly they come together. Between the 20(!) cloves of garlic, fish sauce, oyster sauce, Maggi seasoning and Parmesan cheese, the saucy, bouncy chow mein noodles are an umami bomb. The garlic should soften in the butter without browning so it\u2019s pungent but not bitter, pairing perfectly with the salinity of the fish sauce.<\/p>\n <\/body>\n\t<\/div>\n 2<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> These loaded burgers, inspired by a classic Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, are thick, messy, crunchy, saucy and all I want on my next burger night. You need only\u00a0a teaspoon of fish sauce in the beef and pork patty to deepen the meat\u2019s flavor and season it, so you can use up the last of a bottle. Add a few burger sides<\/a>, and you\u2019ll have a feast.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 3<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> If the idea of using fish sauce to dress fresh fruit initially sounds more confusing than delicious, I beg you to give it a chance. A single tablespoon of fish sauce, mixed with brown sugar, lime and mint, creates a just-salty-enough dressing for peaches and berries. It has just enough umami to make the fruit taste sweeter and brighter, not like seafood. A sliced serrano adds spice and crunch, perfect for pairing with grilled meats for dinner, but you could leave out the serrano if you want a more dessert-like dish.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 4<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> The secret to these extra-crispy wings is to coat them in cornstarch and baking powder, then refrigerate them to set the coating and dry the wings. After frying, toss them with a sweet and salty sauce made of honey, garlic, fish sauce and brown sugar, and they will still be crunchy. I recommend making a double batch of sauce so you have extra for dunking on the side.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 5<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> Pad thai was the first Thai recipe<\/a> I learned to make at home and my initial foray into using fish sauce. Stir-frying the rice noodles with just the right combination of sweet, sour and salty ingredients is what makes pad thai taste as it should, and fish sauce is a big part of that equation. The recipe gives you the option of using soy sauce instead, which is helpful in a pinch, but I really recommend using fish sauce\u2014you\u2019ll notice the difference.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 6<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> These thin pork chops are marinated with lemongrass, shallot, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce and fish sauce to infuse the lean, mild meat with all those aromatic flavors often found in Vietnamese dishes<\/a>. After grilling or broiling the chops until tender and lightly charred, they are served with a dipping sauce with even more fish sauce for that salty, umami bite. Between the marinade and sauce, you\u2019ll need about 6 tablespoons of fish sauce, so it\u2019s a great recipe to crack open a fresh bottle.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 7<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> This creamy coconut milk-based soup has a lot of ingredients, but that\u2019s the key to the deep aroma and layered flavors that are light yet rich at the same time. A small amount of fish sauce is stirred into the broth in the last few minutes of simmering so it seasons the broth and retains its bold fragrance. When I\u2019m under the weather, I crave this ginger, lemongrass and lime leaf soup even more than classic chicken noodle soup<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 8<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> Drunken noodles are one of my favorite rice noodle recipes<\/a> because the wide noodles have more surface area to absorb the thick sweet-and-salty sauce. The sauce has soy sauce, oyster sauce and fish sauce, but don\u2019t think they all taste the same. Each condiment has a unique flavor, so it\u2019s not just salt on salt. And don\u2019t worry, there\u2019s no alcohol in the recipe; it\u2019s believed to be named for its popularity as a hangover cure.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 9<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> There are a bunch of great ground chicken recipes<\/a> you can make, but I always come back to larb gai. Sauteed shallots, garlic and chiles plus lime juice, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha and fish sauce give the mild meat a sharp boost of flavor that I find irresistible. I often scoop it right from the skillet into my mouth! There\u2019s no added salt in the recipe since the fish sauce provides enough seasoning, so don\u2019t be tempted to hold back on adding the full amount.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 10<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> The salty, fragrant taste of this grilled chicken comes from a quick marinade with lemongrass and fish sauce, plus a side of N\u01b0\u1edbc ch\u1ea5m. N\u01b0\u1edbc ch\u1ea5m, made with lime juice, sugar, fish sauce and chili garlic sauce, is a staple condiment in Vietnamese cooking, served on the side for dipping or spooning over food. It\u2019s light in color, but the bold, sour, sweet and salty taste is perfect for cutting through the char of grilled meats and seafood or rich, crunchy fried spring rolls.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 11<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> Using a slow cooker to make homemade chicken soup is such a smart move because it gives the broth plenty of time to bubble away with flavorful aromatics. Here, ginger, garlic, lemongrass and fish sauce combine with the classic mirepoix<\/a> trio of carrot, celery and onion. There is just enough fish sauce to make the broth taste well-seasoned and complex but not enough to pick it out specifically.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 12<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n \t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> When summer hits and every day offers a new opportunity to make refreshing watermelon recipes<\/a>, this herb-laden watermelon and rice noodle salad should be at the top of the list. In addition to featuring chunks of watermelon, some of the fruit is blended and mixed with sweet chili sauce, lime juice, ginger and fish sauce to coat chilled noodles and veggies. The fish sauce may smell intense while simmering, but cooking it will soften the flavor and it will balance with the sweet, acidic ingredients.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 13<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> Between the fragrant Thai basil and sweet, sour and salty sauces, this classic Thai chicken recipe<\/a> is one of my favorites. Fish sauce is used twice in this recipe. It\u2019s in the Thai basil sauce, with oyster sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar, used to stir-fry the chicken and green beans, as well as in the spicy prik nam pla that\u2019s spooned over the top. While the basil sauce is more savory and earthy, the prik nam pla includes fresh chiles and garlic, lime juice and fish sauce, making it sharp and fiery.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 14<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> The star of this easy slow-cooker soup<\/a> is the aromatic homemade broth made by simmering bones from a rotisserie chicken with broiled onion and ginger, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and more until deeply fragrant. Then, brown sugar, fish sauce and lime juice are stirred in for the essential Thai flavor balance of sweet, sour and salty. The broth is served over cooked rice noodles and shredded chicken, but I\u2019d be content to sip it right out of a mug.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 15<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> With a few essential Thai ingredients<\/a> in the pantry, curry recipes<\/a> are an amazing option for fast weeknight dinners. Coconut milk, brown sugar, Thai red curry paste and fish sauce create a broth for plump shrimp and lightly sauteed bell pepper and onion that\u2019s creamy, slightly sweet and fragrant. There\u2019s only 1 tablespoon of fish sauce in the broth, so it seasons the dish without being too forward. I often add an extra splash of fish sauce right before serving to perk up the flavor.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 16<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> What I love the most about lettuce wraps is the contrast between the light, crisp veggie cups and the warm, highly seasoned meaty filling, just as with this gingery, salty ground pork mixture. Although fish sauce is listed as an optional ingredient, the umami it adds to the dish makes the meat taste super rich and savory alongside the tangy pickled carrots and crisp, fresh vegetable toppings, so I wouldn\u2019t skip it.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 17<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Nutrition Facts:<\/span> What separates pad see ew from pad thai or drunken noodles comes down to the sauce. Here, wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli and egg are coated in a dark sauce heavy on savory, umami-rich condiments like oyster sauce, fish sauce and soy sauce, with just a touch of sweetness to lighten the saltiness. It\u2019s not spicy or sour, so the charred flavor of the stir-fried noodles shines through.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 18<\/span>\/<\/span>23<\/span><\/p>\n From the Recipe Creator:<\/span> Kimchi is the star of this comforting yet easy-to-make Korean recipe<\/a>, and it\u2019s flavorful enough that only a handful of supporting ingredients are needed to tie everything together. Since it can be difficult to find aged kimchi (though do pick it up if you can), our recipe includes a bit of fish sauce and soy sauce to deepen the funk and umami of the broth.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tVietnamese Garlic Noodles\t\t<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tThese Vietnamese garlic noodles could not get more savory! We love them for the simple, flavorful sauce and the green onion garnish that makes the noodles pop on your plate. \u2014Taste of Home<\/em> Test Kitchen\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1-1\/4 cups: 578 calories, 28g fat (16g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1647mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tBanh Mi Burgers\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tThese pork burgers have all the flavors of banh mi sandwiched between two hamburger buns. Thinly sliced cucumbers, pickled carrots and radishes, cilantro and jalapenos are the toppings that take this burger over the top! \u2014Jessica Thompson, Manor, Texas\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1 burger: 531 calories, 34g fat (8g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tFruit Salad with Fish Sauce Dressing\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tI saw a recipe for pickled blackberries that were on a green salad. I made the recipe and thought, Why wouldn’t this work for fruit in general?<\/em>\u00a0Several trials proved that it was especially yummy with fleshy fruits like peaches, nectarines and berries\u2014which is how this blackberry peach salad recipe was created. The dressing is so scrumptious! \u2014Carolyn Eskew-Poe, Hillsboro, Ohio\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1\/2 cup: 124 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 12g fiber), 4g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tFish Sauce Wings\t\t<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tThese crispy sticky wings are perfect for any game night. The fish sauce adds a nice umami flavor that’s balanced by the sweet honey. \u2014Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1 piece: 151 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tShrimp Pad Thai\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tYou can make this yummy Thai classic in no time. Find fish sauce and chili garlic sauce in the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store. \u2014Elise Ray, Shawnee, Kansas\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1-1\/4 cups: 338 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 1675mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. \t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tVietnamese Pork Chops\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tServe these tender Vietnamese pork chops with rice and sliced cucumbers. In addition to grilling or broiling, they can also be cooked in a skillet. \u2014Taste of Home<\/em> Test Kitchen\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1 pork chop: 227 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tTom Kha Gai\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tThis irresistible coconut chicken soup recipe is infused with classic Thai ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, chiles and makrut (or kaffir) lime leaves. It’s creamy yet tangy, comforting but light and simply bursting with flavor. Ladle it over jasmine rice, and serve it with lime wedges and a little hot chili oil if you like. \u2014Malina Syvoravong, Los Angeles, California\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1 serving: 502 calories, 29g fat (21g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tThai Drunken Noodles with Beef\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tWe raise wagyu beef on our ranch and love to use it in this quick pasta dish. I think it’s better than many of the drunken noodles you get at Thai restaurants, but I’ll let you be the judge of that. \u2014Cassandra Butler, Tempe, Arizona\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1-2\/3 cups: 497 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 2393mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tLarb Gai\t\t<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tLarb gai (Thai chicken salad) is a dish made with ground chicken, chiles, mint and basil. Serve as a main dish or as an appetizer in lettuce cups. For a heartier version, serve it with rice. \u2014Taste of Home<\/em> Test Kitchen\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1\/2 cup: 262 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1211mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tLemongrass Chicken\t\t<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tI have made this dish several times, and it has always received rave reviews for being so moist and flavorful. Bonus: It’s incredibly easy to make and tastes even better the next day. I like to serve it with a side of steamed brown rice, watercress or bok choy. \u2014Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t6 ounces cooked chicken: 218 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 880mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tLemongrass Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup\t\t<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tThis recipe is inspired by my favorite childhood Filipino soup dish, chicken tinola, which is a chicken soup simmered in gingery broth. Since I married an Italian American, I gave this dish a twist by turning it into a chicken tinola lasagna soup, adding a bit of Italian influence so my husband would enjoy it even more. \u2014Maribeth Hanson, Londonderry, New Hampshire\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1 cup: 205 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tSpicy Thai-Inspired Noodle Watermelon Salad\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Spicy-Thai-Inspired-Noodle-Watermelon-Salad_EXPS_RC21_258396_E02_19_9b.jpg?w=700\")
<\/figure>\n
\n\t\t\tOur county is famous for its fabulous Green River melons. While you won\u2019t find this unique and refreshing salad at the county fair, it\u2019s definitely our favorite way to eat watermelon all summer long! \u2014Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t3\/4 cup: 240 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tThai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)\t\t<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tThis is a quick and flavor-packed Thai dish that is perfect for weeknights. It’s served with homemade prik nam pla sauce, a sour, salty, sweet and spicy condiment passed at the table. \u2014Malina Syvoravong, Los Angeles, California\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1 serving: 165 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tThai Chicken Noodle Soup\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tThis slow-cooker soup is a semi-homemade version that coaxes all the flavor out of a rotisserie chicken. The prep work for this can be done the day before so you can toss it into the slow cooker with ease. \u2014Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t2-1\/2 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 398 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1321mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein. \t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tCoconut Curry Shrimp\t\t<\/a>
\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tHere\u2019s a shrimp dish with sweet coconut milk complemented by the spiciness of curry. Jasmine rice makes a fragrant bed for the sumptuous stir-fry. \u2014Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1 cup (calculated without rice): 256 calories, 13g fat (10g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. \t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tPork Lettuce Wraps\t\t<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tCasual, flavorful and low in carbohydrates, these Vietnamese pork lettuce wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wraps, allowing them to personalize to suit their tastes. \u2014Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t1 wrap: 199 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. \t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tPad See Ew\t\t<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tPad see ew is a popular Thai takeout dish with saucy noodles and fresh vegetables. You\u2019ll need to invest in some novel pantry ingredients, but then you\u2019ll be making restaurant-style noodles in no time. \u2014Megan Barrie, San Jose, California\n<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t2 cups: 567 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 2055mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRecipes
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\n\t\t\tKimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae)\t\t<\/a>
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\n\t\t\tKimchi soup is a staple recipe in any Korean food lover’s kitchen. Made with aged kimchi, the fermented cabbage provides a strong, deep flavor and is an excellent source of probiotics. \u2014Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n