In this blog, we will answer your question “What is fish sauce made of?”. We will also discuss what exactly is fish sauce, its uses, how it tastes and whether the fish sauce is healthy or not.
What is fish sauce made of?
Fish sauce in modern times is made from only anchovies and sea salt. A traditional method of fermenting anchovies involves covering them in sea salt and placing them in barrels.
In the process of fermentation (natural alchemy), bacteria break down the fish into a highly foul, briny liquid.
Fermentation can take weeks, months, or even two years. It is possible to preserve all enzymes and omega-3 fatty acids when raw kinds are treated at room temperature.
What is Fish Sauce?
Fish sauce is a common component in Thai cooking, as well as most Asian cuisines. It has a gorgeous, translucent reddish-golden brown colour and is commonly utilised in almost all Thai cuisine.
When blended with fresh chiles and lime juice, it’s often used as a fish and meat marinade, as well as a condiment. If you visit Thailand, you may see it on restaurant tables, where it is customarily used in the same way that salt and pepper are in the United States.
What does Fish Sauce taste like?
Fish sauce has a flavour that is fishy, salty, and a little weird, but in a good way. To assist balance the flavour and aroma, it’s usually combined with lime juice and other ingredients.
It doesn’t always make a dish taste “fishy” because it’s not always used as a stand-alone product unless it’s used excessively. It gives the meal a great umami flavour.
For example, a drop or two is widely used as a table condiment to enhance the flavours of noodle dishes. The earthy, savoury flavour field that gives mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, and soy sauce their rich, crave-able flavour is known for its umami in fish sauce.
Sure, there’s a strong fishiness to the sauce, but it’s countered by a salty, briny, caramel-y sweetness.
What are the uses of Fish Sauce?
Nam pla is one of those ingredients that contributes an ineffable element to a variety of Asian meals, but once you start working with it, you’ll be able to notice its presence and gain an understanding of how to balance its flavour in marinades, dipping sauces, and stir-fries.
It’s a fundamental ingredient in the Vietnamese dipping sauce nuoc cham, which is made with lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chillies. Here are some ways to use Fish Sauce-
- Vinaigrettes
- Pasta sauces
- Braised meats
- Marinades
- Soups
- Stir-fries
- Yoghurt dips
Is Fish Sauce healthy?
Traditional fish sauce is made from black anchovies and pure salt, and it’s a must-have condiment for any family supper. Fish sauce not only adds a deep flavour and deliciousness to the food, but it also contains beneficial nutrients. Here are the benefits of consuming Fish Sauce-
- Ensure a Good Source Of Amino Acids
- Natural Vitamins Should Be Added To Your Diet
- Iron is an important nutrient to include in your diet.
- Provide a Potent Omega 3 Source
Ensure a Good Source Of Amino Acids
Fish sauce is naturally fermented by the ageing process of fish and salt, and the hydrolysis process generates numerous amino acids.
Amino acids are split into bits in the intestines of fish thanks to an enzyme system found there, making it easier for your body to absorb them directly.
The traditional fish sauce includes 5/8 important amino acids for the body, including valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, methionine, and lysine, according to studies.
Valine, in particular, aids in body regulation, sleep support, and a healthy appetite. Isoleucine aids in the control of blood sugar levels and the return of health after strenuous activity.
Natural Vitamins Should Be Added To Your Diet
The level of various vitamins, such as B1, B2, PP, and especially B12, in the fish sauce would be boosted thanks to natural brewing from fish and salt. 5 micrograms of vitamin B12 are believed to be present in every 100 mL of fish sauce.
It aids in the hematopoiesis process, the maintenance of a healthy neurological system, and the enhancement of cell multiplication. Vitamin B12 is very important for pregnant women to improve the rate of healthy births and avoid birth abnormalities.
Pregnant or lactating women must consume 2.2 micrograms of B12 each day, according to international guidelines. For the average person, the body requires roughly 2.4 mcg to function correctly.
Iron is an important nutrient to include in your diet.
Iron is a useful nutrient found in fish sauce, and it is also one of the body’s important micronutrients. According to nutrition experts, there will be roughly 10mg of natural iron in every 10ml of pure fish sauce made from anchovies.
The rate of iron deficiency anaemia among women in our country has decreased over time due to the consumption of traditional fish sauces. Premature birth and mother and infant mortality would be reduced as a result.
Pregnant women are more likely to strengthen their bodies with fish sauce-seasoned dishes, such as braised meat and fish stock, according to the folk experience of highland ethnic groups. They have healthy skin since they have been supplemented with the essential iron content for the body.
Provide a Potent Omega 3 Source
As a naturally hydrolyzed product, the fish sauce contains a high amount of omega 3. Fish sauce, in particular, contains anchovies rich in omega 3. The average anchovy contains 2113 mg of Omega 3.
It is one of the body’s necessary fats, reducing blood fat, protecting the heart, and enhancing brain development. In children, omega 3 is also crucial to the development of nerves and vision.
It is recommended that people who rarely consume fish consume fish sauce as a natural source of omega 3. In addition to being a meal dipping sauce and cooking spice, fish sauce is a natural source of nutrients. Only authentic fish sauce provides these benefits.
Other FAQs about Sauces that you may be interested in.
What can i use instead of worcestershire sauce
What can i use instead of fish sauce
Substitute applesauce for eggs in brownie mix
What does marinara sauce taste like?
Conclusion
In this blog, we answered your question “What is fish sauce made of?”. We also discussed what exactly is fish sauce, its uses, how does it taste and whether the fish sauce is healthy or not.
Hope this blog was informative. If you have any queries, feel free to comment below.
citations
http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/features/fishsauce1.html
