Fish Sauce

Servings: 4 servings Difficulty: Intermediate
Quick homemade Thai-inspired sauce with savory depth
Fish Sauce recipe image

Fish Sauce

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 servings Calories: 107.6

Description

This quick homemade sauce offers a savory, umami-rich flavor profile reminiscent of traditional Thai condiments, but ready in minutes rather than months. By poaching fresh catfish (or white fish) in salted water and blending it with tamarind pulp and a splash of commercial fish sauce, you create a versatile liquid gold. The texture is smooth yet robust, providing a salty, slightly sweet, and tangy kick that elevates stir-fries, soups, and dipping sauces. It is an excellent shortcut for home cooks who want the authentic taste of fermented fish sauce without the long aging process. Perfect for adding depth to curries or as a finishing drizzle for grilled vegetables.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Clean the catfish thoroughly, removing guts and heads, then rinse well under cold water.
  2. Cut the fish into large chunks to facilitate easier poaching and blending later.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and salt, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. Add the fish chunks to the simmering water and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the fish is opaque and fully cooked.
  5. Remove the cooked fish from the water using a slotted spoon, reserving the cooking liquid.
  6. Flake the fish into small pieces, discarding any large bones if necessary.
  7. In a blender, combine the flaked fish, reserved cooking liquid, tamarind pulp, and commercial fish sauce.
  8. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified.
  9. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or fish sauce if desired.
  10. Transfer the finished sauce to a clean jar or bottle for storage.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings


Amount Per Serving
Calories 107.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.4g6%
Saturated Fat 0.9g5%
Cholesterol 83.0mg28%
Sodium 2894.1mg121%
Total Carbohydrate 0.3g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 17.2g35%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: fish sauce, thai sauce, homemade sauce, catfish, tamarind, umami, condiment, asian cooking, quick recipe, flavor enhancer, poached fish, savory, tangy, dipping sauce, stir fry, curry base, seafood, kitchen staples, easy cooking
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