Best Fish Sauces of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Fish sauces are a staple ingredient in many Southeast Asian cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, and Filipino. Made from fermented fish and salt, these sauces add a savory, umami flavor to dishes. Some popular brands include Red Boat, Three Crabs, and Squid. Fish sauce can be used as a marinade or added to stir-fries, soups, and curries. It's also a key ingredient in the iconic Thai dish, Pad Thai. While the strong aroma may be off-putting to some, fish sauce adds a depth of flavor that can't be replicated by any other ingredient.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Red Boat Fish Sauce Cover #TOP 1
Red Boat Fish Sauce
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce, 23.66 fl oz Cover #TOP 2
Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce, 23.66 fl oz
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Red Boat Fish Sauce, Phamily Reserve Cover #TOP 3
Red Boat Fish Sauce, Phamily Reserve
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Fish Sauces

#TOP 1

Red Boat Fish Sauce

9681
Red Boat Fish Sauce Cover
Red Boat Fish Sauce | Premium 40°N Fish Sauce made with just 2 ingredients in Vietnam | Keto, Paleo & Whole 30 | Gluten and Sugar free | 17 fl oz

Red Boat Fish Sauce is made of two ingredients - sea salt and black anchovies, caught off Vietnam's Phú Quốc archipelago. It is first press and high in protein content. The anchovies and sea salt are fermented together for a year using a traditional method. This fish sauce is perfect for adding umami flavor in various dishes without any preservatives or additives.

What We Like
Clean and mellow taste
Great for marination
High-quality ingredient composition
Versatile in various dishes
Less fishy than competitors
What We Don't Like
Shipping can be costly
Small size for the price
#TOP 2

Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce, 23.66 fl oz

Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce, 23.66 fl oz Cover
Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce, 23.66 fl oz - One 23.66 Fluid Ounce Bottle of Fish Sauce Crafted for Dressings and Marinades for a Sweet, Tangy and Spicy Flavor

Thai Kitchen Premium Fish Sauce features fresh-pressed salted anchovies, perfect for dressings and marinades. This gluten-free and dairy-free product offers an intense flavor that adds complexity to your favorite recipes. It comes in a 23.66-fluid-ounce bottle, making it ideal for high-volume establishments.

What We Like
Authentic flavor profile
Versatile for many dishes
Free from artificial additives
High quality and smooth consistency
What We Don't Like
Saltier than some prefer
#TOP 3

Red Boat Fish Sauce, Phamily Reserve

Red Boat Fish Sauce, Phamily Reserve Cover
Red Boat Fish Sauce, Phamily Reserve | Premium 50°N fish sauce sustainably made with just two ingredients in Vietnam | Higher Protein For Exceptional Flavor | Gluten and sugar free, no preservatives | 8.45 fl oz.

Red Boat Phamily Reserve is a premium fish sauce with exceptional flavor due to its high protein content. Made in Vietnam with sea salt and black anchovies, this sauce offers pure umami taste. The slow fermentation process in wooden barrels enhances its character. Family-owned, it reflects traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship. Effortlessly add umami to your dishes like sauces, marinades, and soups. Paleo, Whole 30, and Keto friendly, it contains no preservatives, sugar, or gluten, catering to various dietary preferences.

What We Like
High protein content
Pure umami taste
Family-owned
#TOP 4

Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce

KONGZEE
Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce Cover
Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce (1)

Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce is a 23 Fl. oz. bottle of fish sauce that contains no MSG. The sauce is made of anchovy extract, salt, sugar, and water, making it a perfect addition to your kitchen for those who love to cook Thai cuisine.

What We Like
Delicious taste
Versatile seasoning
Affordable price
Quick delivery
Good quality
What We Don't Like
Flavor may be too light
Not as "funky" as some brands
#TOP 5

Red Boat Fish Sauce

Red Boat Fish Sauce Cover
Red Boat Fish Sauce | Premium 40°N fish sauce sustainably made with just two ingredients in Vietnam | Keto, Paleo, & Whole 30 friendly | Gluten and sugar free with no preservatives | 25fl oz. plastic PET bottle

Red Boat Premium Fish Sauce is made with only sea salt and black anchovies from Vietnam, fermented for a year using a traditional method. This first press 40N fish sauce offers pure flavor with high protein content. The family-owned brand, started by Cuong Pham, ensures authenticity and taste. Effortlessly add umami to your dishes like sauces, marinades, and soups. Enjoy the benefits of a product that is Paleo, Whole 30, and Keto friendly, with no preservatives or additives.

What We Like
Well-rounded flavor profile
Versatile for various dishes
High-quality ingredients
Sugar-free option
Made in Vietnam
What We Don't Like
Cumbersome large bottle
Strong fish odor
#TOP 6

Dynasty Fish Sauce 6.7 Oz

Dynasty
011152189369
Dynasty Fish Sauce 6.7 Oz Cover
Dynasty Sauce Fish 6.7 Oz

The Dynasty Fish Sauce, packaged in a convenient 6.7-ounce bottle, is a high-quality condiment hailing from Thailand. This rich and flavorful sauce enhances your dishes, making it perfect for marinating, dipping, or adding depth to soups and stir-fries. With its authentic taste, it allows you to easily elevate your cooking, bringing a touch of Thai cuisine to your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting, this versatile sauce is a must-have for creating delicious meals that impress.

What We Like
Enhances fried rice flavor
High-quality robust flavor
Long-lasting for infrequent use
Tasty compared to other brands
What We Don't Like
Pungent odor upon opening
#TOP 7

Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce 23 FL.OZ

23 Fl Oz
Lucky Brand Thai Fish Sauce 23 FL.OZ Cover
Lucky Brand Premium Thai Fish Sauce 23 FL.OZ Crafted for Dressings and Marinades for a Sweet, Tangy and Spicy Flavor, Pack of 1

Lucky Brand Fish Sauce is a versatile condiment perfect for enhancing your dishes. Made with anchovy extract, salt, sugar, and water, this sauce brings a delightful sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor to your dressings and marinades. You can use it to elevate the taste of salads, grilled meats, or stir-fries. The balanced ingredients ensure that you get a rich flavor without overwhelming your palate. Having this fish sauce on hand makes it easy to create restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen.

What We Like
Great for enhancing flavors
Versatile in various dishes
Lighter than some alternatives
Ideal for gentle flavor addition
What We Don't Like
Potentially too salty
#TOP 8

Megachef Premium Thai Fish Sauce 200ml

Megachef Premium Thai Fish Sauce 200ml Cover
Megachef Thai Fish Sauce 200 Ml (Premium Thai Fish Sauce)

Megachef Thai Fish Sauce is crafted using high-quality ingredients, featuring 72% anchovy, which gives it a deep, savory flavor. Being gluten-free and free from preservatives, it is a healthier choice for your meals. The absence of MSG and artificial colors means you can enjoy its natural taste without any unwanted additives. With two years of natural fermentation, it offers a rich briny flavor that enhances stir-fries, curries, and other Asian dishes, allowing you to elevate your cooking effortlessly.

What We Like
Excellent quality fish sauce
Great for various dishes
Authentic Thai flavor
Less smelly than some brands
Highly recommended by users
What We Don't Like
Contains some sugars
#TOP 9

Abalone Premium Thai Fish Sauce

Abalone Premium Thai Fish Sauce Cover
Abalone Brand (Hoi Pao Hae) Premium Thai Fish Sauce Delicious for Thai Food 95ml./3.33oz.

Abalone Thai Fish Sauce is crafted using only fresh anchovies and undergoes natural fermentation, ensuring a premium quality condiment for your dishes. With just three simple ingredients—76% anchovy, 23% salt, and 1% sugar—it delivers an authentic taste without overwhelming saltiness. This sauce boasts a complex flavor profile with a subtle sweetness, making it a versatile addition to various Thai recipes. Additionally, the compact 3.2 Fl Oz size is perfect for travel, allowing you to bring a taste of Thailand wherever you go.

What We Like
Small bottle size
Pleasant taste and scent
High quality
Less salty than others
Exceptional aroma
What We Don't Like
Seal issue on one bottle
Hard to find
#TOP 10

Haku Iwashi Whiskey Barrel Aged Fish Sauce

4205
Haku Iwashi Whiskey Barrel Aged Fish Sauce Cover
Haku Iwashi Whiskey Barrel Aged Fish Sauce (375 ml) - Authentic Japanese Umami Anchovy Seasoning Sauce - Refined Traditional Gourmet Dip Sauce, Condiment, Marinade for Meat, Salad, Stir Fry & Soup

The Haku Iwashi Whiskey Barrel Aged Fish Sauce is a premium fish sauce that Japanese professional chefs and chefs worldwide adore. This fish sauce is made of very fatty Iwashi anchovy, which is different from the Mediterranean or Thai ones. The sauce is aged for two years and then refined and aged for an additional 12 months in Japanese Whiskey Barrels, resulting in a more mellow and delicate texture with an understated sweetness.

What We Like
Exceptional flavor profile
Mellow aroma, not overpowering
Clean ingredients
Less salty than many brands
Versatile in various dishes
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
Smaller bottle size
Buying Guide Image

The Best Fish Sauces to Buy Right Now

Introduction

Fish sauce is an essential condiment in many cuisines around the world, particularly in Southeast Asian dishes. It is made by fermenting fish and salt for several months, which creates a savory and pungent liquid that adds a unique depth of flavor to food. But with so many fish sauce brands on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this article, we will provide some tips for selecting a high-quality fish sauce that will elevate your cooking to the next level.

Look for the Right Ingredients

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a fish sauce is the ingredients list. The best fish sauces are made from only two ingredients: fish and salt. Avoid fish sauces that contain preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors, as these can alter the flavor and reduce the quality of the sauce.

Additionally, look for fish sauces that are made from whole fish, rather than fish scraps or by-products. Whole fish will yield a richer and more complex flavor. It is also a good idea to check the label to see what type of fish the sauce is made from. Anchovies are the most commonly used type of fish for making fish sauce, but other varieties such as mackerel, tuna, and squid can also be used. Each type of fish will provide a slightly different flavor profile, so experimenting with different types can be a fun way to explore the world of fish sauce.

Consider the Region of Origin

Fish sauce is a traditional condiment in many parts of the world, but it is particularly popular in Southeast Asian cuisine. Each region has its own unique style of fish sauce, so it can be helpful to choose a fish sauce that is made in the region where you plan to use it. For example, Thai fish sauce is typically saltier and more pungent than Vietnamese fish sauce, which tends to be milder and sweeter.

Furthermore, the climate and fermentation conditions in each region can affect the flavor of the fish sauce. In general, fish sauces from warmer climates tend to have a stronger and more intense flavor, whereas those from cooler climates have a more subtle and nuanced flavor. Consider the climate of the region where you will be using the fish sauce, and choose a sauce that is well-suited to that climate.

Pay Attention to the Color and Consistency

The color and consistency of fish sauce can provide important clues about its quality and flavor. A high-quality fish sauce will have a rich golden or amber color, and a thick, syrupy consistency. Avoid fish sauces that are too light in color, as these may be diluted or of lower quality.

Additionally, look for fish sauces that are clear and free of sediment or other impurities. Sediment can indicate that the fish sauce has not been properly filtered, which can affect its flavor and overall quality. If you are unsure about the color and consistency of a particular fish sauce, you can always ask the seller or check online reviews for more information.

Taste Before You Buy

If possible, taste a small sample of the fish sauce before you buy it. This will give you a good idea of its flavor and how it will work in your cooking. Remember that fish sauce is a very strong condiment, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount, and add more to taste.

When tasting fish sauce, pay attention to its balance of flavors. A high-quality fish sauce will have a well-rounded flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of umami and a slight tang from the fermentation process. Avoid fish sauces that are overly salty, fishy, or bitter, as these can be unpleasant and overpower the flavor of your food.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fish sauce can be a daunting task, but with a little knowledge and a few simple tips, you can select a sauce that will elevate your cooking and add depth and complexity to your dishes. Look for fish sauces with simple ingredients lists, made from whole fish and consider the region of origin. Pay attention to the color and consistency, and taste before you buy to ensure that you are getting a high-quality fish sauce that will enhance the flavor of your food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What sauces do you eat with fish?

There are various sauces that go well with fish, such as parsley sauce, smoked-almond romesco sauce, fresh herb sauce, rich ketchup sauce, mint sauce, lemon cream sauce, salmoriglio sauce, and red wine sauce. These sauces add flavor and enhance the taste of fish dishes, offering a variety of options to suit different preferences.

2. What sauces are best with fish sticks?

Fish sticks can be paired with a range of sauces, including tartar sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, nacho cheese, cocktail sauce, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, and ranch. These sauces complement the crispy texture of fish sticks and add a burst of flavor to every bite.

3. What to serve with fresh fish?

When serving fresh fish, you can consider pairing it with lemon butter sauce, vermicelli rice, oven-roasted potatoes, gremolata, cauliflower mac & cheese, air fryer french fries, bloves sauce, or roasted vegetable medley. These side dishes complement the flavors of the fish and create a well-rounded meal.

4. What can I eat with fish sticks besides tartar sauce?

In addition to tartar sauce, fish sticks can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. Some options include french fries, coleslaw, cheese dip, avocado fries, crispy green beans, hummus, blooming onion, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, macaroni and cheese, and green salad. These side dishes provide a range of flavors and textures to accompany the fish sticks.

Editor's Notes

During our fish sauce research, we found 24 fish sauce products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 64,252 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fish sauces list. We found that most customers choose fish sauces with an average price of $14.46.

The fish sauces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fish sauces, including Red Boat, Thai Kitchen, TastePadThai, Dynasty, SPICEBRO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 152 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Fish Sauces Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Red Boat Thai Kitchen Red Boat TastePadThai Red Boat Dynasty SPICEBRO Megachef Abalone HAKU
Flavor Original Premium Fish Sauce Fish Fish Fish Fish Fish Fish Fish whiskey
Package Information Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle Bottle
Item Weight 0.62 Kilograms 1.6 Pounds 0.66 Ounces 0.01 Ounces 0.98 Kilograms 6.7 Ounces 454 Grams 0.43 Kilograms 0.26 Kilograms 0.79 Ounces
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
Where to Buy