Best Substitutes for Anchovy Paste 🐟

What to do when there is no anchovy paste in the pantry? Need an anchovy substitute?  These are the best anchovy alternatives packed with umami goodness.

Let's learn about flavorful substitutes for anchovy paste - from seaweed delights and tantalizing soy sauce to vibrant capers, and yes even some DIY options are available to you.

Jump to:

• Anchovy Substitute Highlights:
• Anchovy Paste vs. Anchovy Fillets: What's the Difference?
• Popular Substitutes for Anchovy Paste
• 1. Soy sauce substitute
• 2. Kalamata olives/tapenade 
• 3. Seaweed: an unexpected anchovy alternative
• 4. Miso paste
• 5. Capers
• 6. Umeboshi paste
• 7. Shrimp paste
• Tips for Using Anchovy Paste Substitutes in Recipes
• Anchovy to anchovy paste equlvilent
• Fish sauce or shrimp paste as a substitute
• Other Good Substitutes
• 8. Worcestershire sauce
• 9. Asian fish sauce
• Anchovy paste recipe
• FAQs about Anchovy Paste Substitutes
• Can anchovy paste be substituted for fillets in Caesar dressing?
• Can fish sauce be used as a substitute for anchovy paste?
• How much anchovy paste equals one anchovy fillet?
• How much fish sauce equals one fillet?
• FAQs
• Can I substitute anchovy paste for anchovy fillets in pasta?
• What can I use as an anchovy paste substitute for Caesar dressing?
• Is fish sauce a good substitute for anchovy paste?
• How many fillets does one tin of the anchovy paste equal?
• 🍱 More Recipes To Explore
• Ingredients
• 📖 Recipe
• 👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock
• Comments

Anchovy Substitute Highlights:

• One of the best substitutes for anchovy paste is mashed anchovy fillets.
• Fish sauce can also be used as a substitute for anchovy paste in most recipes.
• Worcestershire sauce, Asian fish sauce, shrimp paste, capers, and umeboshi paste are other substitutes suggested in the article.
• The substitutes mentioned in the article can recreate the same umami flavor as anchovy paste.
• Some other substitutes for anchovy paste include capers, olives, and green beans.
• Trout and sardines can also be used as more authentic alternatives to anchovy paste.
• The article mentions using anchovy paste substitute in Caesar dressing recipes.
• The ratio of anchovy paste to mashed anchovy fillet is suggested as one teaspoon to one fillet.
• The article highlights that the substitutes mentioned can be used as alternatives to actual anchovies in recipes.

Anchovy Paste vs. Anchovy Fillets: What's the Difference?

Anchovy paste and anchovy fillets differ in form, concentration, and usage in culinary preparations. Anchovy paste is a blended mixture of ground anchovies, vinegar, water and salt. This makes it a fantastic addition to sauces or dressings where robust flavors are desired.

On the other hand, anchovy fillets are whole fish that have been cured and then packed typically in oil or salt. They possess a less pronounced taste compared to their pasted counterparts but deliver a solid umami kick nonetheless when used right.

The fillets can be finely chopped or mashed for recipes requiring more texture while still invoking rich savoriness. Plus, you can substitute one teaspoon of paste with two fillets or one teaspoon of finely chopped/mashed anchovies for your favorite dishes.

Popular Substitutes for Anchovy Paste

There are several popular substitutes for anchovy paste, including soy sauce, kalamata olives/tapenade, seaweed, miso paste, capers, and umeboshi paste.

1. Soy sauce substitute

Since it's readily available worldwide, utilizing soy sauce as a swap is convenient for most home cooks. Soy sauce packs a punch of umami flavor, making it an excellent substitute for anchovy paste. It's brewed from fermented soybeans and shares the same savory taste that you find in anchovies.

In recipes where originality matters, such as Caesar dressing or pasta dishes, using soy sauce can add depth without overly affecting texture or color. But be careful with the amount you use; soy sauce can be powerful! Start with small quantities and adjust according to your taste preferences to avoid overwhelming your dish.

2. Kalamata olives/tapenade 

Kalamata olives, known for their distinct flavor and purple color, make a fantastic anchovy paste substitute. These Greek olives are often pitted and mashed into a spread called tapenade, which shares similar salty and briny characteristics with anchovies.

No food processor? Don't fret! Simply chop them finely or crush them using a mortar and pestle, then you're all set to create deliciously savory recipes without any hint of fishiness. And if you're adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets - this is perfect for you!

3. Seaweed: an unexpected anchovy alternative

Seaweed is another excellent substitute for anchovy paste that can add a savory, umami flavor to your dishes. It can be used in various forms, such as dried seaweed flakes or powder.

Simply sprinkle it into your recipes to enhance the taste and provide a hint of oceanic richness. Seaweed is not only vegetarian-friendly but also highly nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals like iodine and calcium.

4. Miso paste

Made from fermented soybeans, miso paste offers a rich and savory flavor that can closely resemble the umami taste of anchovies.

It adds depth and complexity to dishes, making it a popular choice in Asian cuisine. Just like with anchovy paste, you'll want to start with a small amount of miso paste and adjust it according to your taste preferences. It may not be an exact replica of the fishy taste of anchovies but can still provide a delicious alternative in various recipes.

5. Capers

These little briny buds add a burst of tangy flavor to dishes, making them an excellent option for recreating the umami taste of anchovies.

You can use capers in a variety of recipes, such as pasta sauces, dressings, and even pizza toppings. Just remember that capers are quite strong in flavor, so you may need to adjust the amount depending on your personal preference.

6. Umeboshi paste

A flavorful Japanese condiment that can work as a substitute. Made from salty pickled plums, umeboshi paste adds a unique tanginess and umami taste to dishes.

Its intense flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for vegetarian or vegan recipes needing that extra punch of flavor. 

7. Shrimp paste

Shrimp paste tends to be slightly sweeter and less fishy in flavor compared to anchovy paste. But it can still provide that savory, seafood flavor punch that anchovies offer.

Tips for Using Anchovy Paste Substitutes in Recipes

To substitute anchovy paste in recipes, you can use fish sauce or shrimp paste for a similar umami flavor. Experiment with different amounts to find the perfect balance for your dish.

Anchovy to anchovy paste equlvilent

I love using anchovy paste in my recipes, but sometimes I run out and need a substitute. One handy tip I've learned is that 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste can be replaced with either 2 fillets or 1 teaspoon of finely chopped/mashed anchovies.

This ratio works well to maintain the umami flavor that anchovy paste brings to dishes like pasta sauces or dressings. So, if you ever find yourself without anchovy paste, remember this easy substitution!

Fish sauce or shrimp paste as a substitute

Fish sauce is made from fermented fish, while shrimp paste is made from ground up shrimp that has been fermented. Adding them to your dishes will give a similar depth of flavor as anchovy paste would.

For substituting with shrimp paste, the general recommendation is to use about half the amount of shrimp paste as you would anchovy paste. So if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste, use around ½ teaspoon of shrimp paste. 

Other Good Substitutes

If you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, there are a few other creative options to substitute for anchovy paste.

8. Worcestershire sauce

Just like anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce contains fermented fish that brings the umami taste to your meals. Its tangy and robust profile complements various cuisines, from pasta sauces and dressings to marinades and stews.

So if you're in need of a vegetarian-friendly substitute or simply want to try something different, Worcestershire sauce is worth considering as an alternative to anchovy paste in your cooking adventures.

9. Asian fish sauce

It is made from fermented fish and has a strong umami flavor that can mimic the taste of anchovies. Fish sauce can be used as a suitable substitute in various recipes such as dressings, marinades, soups, and stir-fries.

Asian fish sauce provides an excellent alternative for those who are looking for vegetarian or vegan substitutes for anchovy paste. Its rich flavor profile makes it an ideal choice when you don't have anchovy paste on hand but still want to achieve that umami taste in your dishes.

Anchovy paste recipe

To make your own anchovy paste at home, you'll need a few simple ingredients, anchovy filets and an optional squeeze of lemon juice.

1. Start by finely chopping or mashing 4 to 6 anchovy fillets - this will give you about 1 teaspoon of paste.
2. Then, mix in some olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. You can also add a touch of lemon juice for extra freshness if desired.

This homemade anchovy paste can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for store-bought anchovy paste, adding the same savory umami flavor to your dishes.

FAQs about Anchovy Paste Substitutes

Can anchovy paste be substituted for fillets in Caesar dressing?

Yes, anchovy paste can be substituted for fillets in Caesar salad dressing. In fact, it is a common practice to use anchovy paste as a convenient alternative to whole anchovy fillets. The ratio is usually 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste to replace 2 fillets or 1 teaspoon of finely chopped/mashed anchovies.

Can fish sauce be used as a substitute for anchovy paste?

Fish sauce can indeed be used as a substitute for in many recipes. It provides a similar umami flavor and adds depth to dishes just like anchovy paste. In fact, fish sauce is commonly used in Asian cuisines as a flavor enhancer and can bring that same savory taste to your cooking.

How much anchovy paste equals one anchovy fillet?

To achieve the same taste in your recipes, you can substitute one teaspoon of anchovy paste with either two fillets or one teaspoon of finely chopped/mashed anchovies. This ratio will help maintain the umami flavor that anchovy paste provides.

Experimenting with different amounts is also a good idea to find the perfect balance for your dishes.

How much fish sauce equals one fillet?

In my experience, when substituting fish sauce for anchovy paste in recipes, it is suggested to use about one teaspoon of fish sauce as an equal replacement for one anchovy fillet.

FAQs

Can I substitute anchovy paste for anchovy fillets in pasta?

Yes, if you're out of fillets, you can use an equivalent amount of anchovy paste as a substitute in your pasta recipe.

What can I use as an anchovy paste substitute for Caesar dressing?

For those who don't have anchovies or are vegetarian, using capers or Worcestershire sauce can bring similar tangy taste to your Caesar dressing like the original recipe.

Is fish sauce a good substitute for anchovy paste?

Yes! Fish sauce is known to impart similar flavors and tastes just like that of the anchovies, making it a good alternative when there's no access to them.

How many fillets does one tin of the anchovy paste equal?

Usually, two teaspoons of this condensed savory product equals about five whole medium-sized fish, but the equation might be slightly altered based on brands.

🍱 More Recipes To Explore

📖 Recipe