17 Japanese Fish Sauce Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in many Japanese dishes, providing a rich and savory umami flavor. While most people are familiar with the popular soy sauce, Japanese fish sauce, also known as "shottsuru," is a lesser-known but equally delicious condiment. Made from fermented fish and salt, this sauce has been used in Japanese cuisine for centuries and is a key ingredient in many traditional recipes. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, ingredients, and process of making Japanese fish sauce, as well as some popular dishes that use this flavorful condiment.
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Cold Water, White Sugar, Soy Sauce, Cider
One of the most popular and well-known sauces in Japanese cuisine, teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. It pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of beer can chicken, adding a delicious caramelized coating to the skin. To make your own teriyaki sauce, simply combine equal parts soy sauce and mirin, along with a teaspoon of sugar, and simmer until thickened.
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Tonkatsu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Mustard Powder, Ketchup, Worcestershire, Soy Sauce
This tangy and slightly sweet sauce is a staple in Japanese households and is often served with tonkatsu, a breaded and fried pork cutlet. It's also a great accompaniment to beer can chicken, adding a burst of flavor with every bite. To make tonkatsu sauce, mix together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. Adjust the ingredients to your taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.
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Sweet Island Teriyaki Sauce
Main Ingredients: Light Soy Sauce, Sake, Fresh Pineapple, Honey, White
For a tropical twist on traditional teriyaki sauce, try this recipe that incorporates pineapple juice and brown sugar. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory flavors of the soy sauce, creating a delicious glaze for your beer can chicken. To make this sauce, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
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Yum Yum Sauce (Japanese Hibachi Style)
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Garlic
This creamy and tangy sauce is a popular condiment at Japanese hibachi restaurants. It's made with mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, and a few other ingredients for a unique and flavorful sauce. It pairs well with beer can chicken, adding a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish. To make yum yum sauce, simply mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Nước Mấm Chấm – Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Fish Sauce, Garlic, Sugar, White Vinegar
This Vietnamese dipping sauce is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It's a simple yet flavorful combination of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili peppers. It adds a burst of umami to beer can chicken and pairs well with the smoky flavors. To make this sauce, mix together fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chili peppers, and a touch of sugar.
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Thai Crack Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fish Sauce, Limes, White Sugar, Chili Pepper Flakes
This spicy and addictively delicious sauce is a must-try for any beer can chicken enthusiast. It's made with hot chili peppers, garlic, and fish sauce, creating a fiery and flavorful sauce that will keep you coming back for more. To make this sauce, blend together hot chili peppers, garlic, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar until smooth.
Kewpie mayonnaise is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is known for its rich and creamy texture. It's a great accompaniment to beer can chicken, adding a creamy and slightly tangy element to the dish. To make your own Kewpie-style mayonnaise, simply mix together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar.
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Irresistible Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce
Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Water, White Sugar, Garlic, Light Soy
This spicy and sweet sauce is a great addition to beer can chicken, adding a burst of flavor and heat. It's made with chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar, creating a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. To make this sauce, blend together chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar until smooth.
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Yakisoba Sauce
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Tonkatsu Sauce, Worcestershire
This savory and slightly sweet sauce is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often used as a glaze for yakisoba noodles. It also pairs well with beer can chicken, adding a unique and flavorful twist to the dish. To make your own yakisoba sauce, mix together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of ketchup.
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Authentic Japanese Ponzu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Mirin, Kelp, Bonito Flakes, Citrus Juice
Ponzu sauce is a tangy and citrusy sauce that is often used as a dipping sauce for sushi or as a marinade for meats. It's also a great addition to beer can chicken, adding a zesty and refreshing element to the dish. To make this sauce, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar.
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Ginger Fish Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fish Sauce, Granulated White Sugar, Fresh Ginger
This flavorful sauce is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is often used as a marinade or dipping sauce. It adds a burst of umami to beer can chicken, as well as a hint of ginger for a unique twist. To make this sauce, mix together fish sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar.
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Momofuku Fish Sauce Vinaigrette
Main Ingredients: Fish Sauce, Water, Rice Wine Vinegar, Lime, Sugar
This tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette is a popular dressing at Momofuku restaurants and adds a unique flavor to any dish. It's a great accompaniment to beer can chicken, adding a burst of umami and tanginess. To make this vinaigrette, mix together fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a touch of sesame oil.
This savory and nutty sauce is often served with steak in Japanese restaurants, but it also pairs well with beer can chicken. It's made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds for a flavorful and versatile sauce. To make this sauce, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and a touch of sugar.
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Vietnamese Fish Sauce (Nuoc Chom)
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Sugar, Fresh Lime Juice, Fish Sauce, Garlic
This classic Vietnamese dipping sauce is a great accompaniment to beer can chicken, adding a burst of umami and tanginess. It's made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili peppers for a flavorful and versatile sauce. To make nuoc chom, mix together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili peppers.
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Black Fish Sauce Caramel
Main Ingredients: Palm Sugar, Water, Black Pepper, Fish Sauce, Black
This rich and savory sauce is a staple in many Vietnamese dishes and adds a unique and complex flavor to beer can chicken. It's made with fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper, creating a sweet and salty caramelized glaze. To make this sauce, simmer fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper until thickened.
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Diane’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dip (Nước Mắm/Chấm)
Main Ingredients: Fish Sauce, Water, Fresh Lime Juice, Large Garlic
This traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce is a must-try for any fan of beer can chicken. It's made with fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili peppers for a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. To make this sauce, mix together fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili peppers.
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Real Satay Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Dry Roasted Peanuts, Water, Garlic, Dark Soy Sauce
Satay peanut sauce is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine and is often served with grilled meats. It also pairs well with beer can chicken, adding a nutty and slightly sweet element to the dish. To make this sauce, blend together roasted peanuts, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili peppers until smooth.
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Easy Peanut (Satay) Sauce
Main Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Coconut Milk, Sugar, Fish Sauce, Curry
This simple and delicious peanut sauce is a great addition to beer can chicken, adding a creamy and nutty flavor. It's made with peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili peppers for a flavorful and easy sauce. To make this sauce, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili peppers.
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Nuoc Cham - Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Fish Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Sugar, Fish Sauce, Lime, Garlic, Chili
Nuoc cham is a tangy and slightly sweet dipping sauce that is often served with Vietnamese dishes. It's a great accompaniment to beer can chicken, adding a burst of flavor and tanginess. To make this sauce, mix together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers.
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Best Ever Arrabbiata Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Yellow
This spicy and flavorful tomato-based sauce is a great addition to beer can chicken, adding a burst of heat and tanginess. It's made with tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes for a simple yet delicious sauce. To make arrabbiata sauce, simmer together tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes until thickened.
The History of Japanese Fish Sauce
The origins of Japanese fish sauce can be traced back to the Nara period (710-794 CE) when it was introduced to Japan from China. However, it wasn't until the Muromachi period (1336-1573 CE) that it became widely used in Japanese cuisine. During this time, the Japanese began to develop their own unique method of making fish sauce, using locally sourced ingredients such as bonito, sardines, and mackerel. Today, Japanese fish sauce is an integral part of traditional Japanese cooking and is loved by locals and visitors alike.
The Ingredients and Process of Making Japanese Fish Sauce
Japanese fish sauce is made by fermenting small, whole fish in a mixture of salt and water. The type of fish used can vary, but the most commonly used are mackerel, sardines, and bonito. The fish are layered in a barrel with salt, and then left to ferment for several months. During this time, the enzymes in the fish break down the proteins, creating a flavorful and savory liquid. After fermenting, the fish are removed and the liquid is strained and bottled, resulting in the final product – Japanese fish sauce. The longer the sauce is fermented, the more intense the flavor becomes.
Popular Dishes That Use Japanese Fish Sauce
Japanese fish sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It adds depth and complexity to soups, stews, and marinades, and is also commonly used as a dipping sauce for tempura and other fried foods. One popular dish that prominently features Japanese fish sauce is "tsukudani," a dish made by simmering small fish or seafood in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and fish sauce until the liquid is reduced and the ingredients are coated in a glaze. Another popular dish is "shottsuru nabe," a hotpot dish made with Japanese fish sauce, vegetables, and seafood.
In conclusion, Japanese fish sauce is a key ingredient in traditional Japanese cuisine, providing a unique and delicious umami flavor. With its long history and versatile uses, it is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Japanese cooking. So next time you're making a Japanese-inspired meal, don't forget to add a splash of this flavorful condiment.