Anchovy is a small fish that belongs to the family Engraulidae. It comes with excellent nutritional properties such as omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant. [1] They abound in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. They are usually green in color with a silver stripe.
Anchovies are quite popular when it comes to salad dressing. It adds a strong flavor to the seafood. You can find them in the super shop as a paste or fillet salted in brine. While you can use the fillet, the paste is the most popular form of anchovy and easier to use. The preservation method gives the fish an intense flavor.
But the anchovy paste is difficult to find, and you may not like to use the fillet. So you can try some anchovy substitutes.
In this article we will discuss some substitutions for anchovies that you can use to bring a super savory flavor in your food.
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Substitute for Anchovies (Non-veg and Vegan)
These are some of the nearest alternatives for anchovy you can use.
Some of these replacements are very salty, so you have to be careful with other ingredients to make a balance.
1. Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is the first thing that comes to mind for an anchovy substitute.
The reason behind it is simple, the ingredients. One of the main components of this sauce is anchovy. Worcestershire sauce has a flavor equivalent to anchovies.
This fermented liquid consists of many other ingredients to give your food the same fishy flavor.
If you like anchovy in paste form, you’ll love the Worcestershire sauce as.
But, you must consume this sauce moderately as too much consumption may lead to a kidney problem. [2]
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2. Asian Fish Sauce
It is a must-have ingredient in the kitchen for those who love to wow people with their delicious dishes. [3]
People use fish sauce to bring a unique flavor to the dishes. It is a necessary ingredient to make, mainly Chinese and Japanese dishes.
But, you must use it moderately as it comes with a tart taste and the flavor of your dish might vary a little.
Asian fish sauce is an excellent substitute for anchovy in soups, Caesar salad, stews, and stocks.
3. Shrimp Paste
Shrimp paste is one of the most famous ingredients in Southern Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine.
This paste is fermented ground shrimp with salt. It’s quite healthy as shrimp is an excellent source of iron. [4]
You can use it while making curries and sauces. Use the same proportion for shrimp paste as an alternative to anchovy paste.
Shrimp paste has a strong taste, so adjust other ingredients accordingly.
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4. Capers
The green buds of caper bush often come as a pickle in salt or vinegar.
You can use them to make sauces and some seafood.
Capers are rich in medicinal value. It can be beneficial for diabetes, fungal infections, intestinal worms, etc. [5]
It’s a good substitute for anchovy fillets as its flavor is strong but not overpowering.
Use a ½ tablespoon of capers for one tsp of anchovy.
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5. Umeboshi Paste
Umeboshi or pickled plum is initially from Japanese cuisine and a great side dish with rice.
Umeboshi paste is a healthy anchovy substitute. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and memory-improving properties. [6]
It’s intense and salty taste can bring that umami flavors in this you’re looking. If you’re a vegetarian, it could be a good choice for you.
Umeboshi sauce works fantastic on Thai dishes, and you can also use it as a salad dressing.
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6. Seaweed
If you’re a vegan, then you can’t have anchovy. But you can still have the same flavor in your food.
Seaweed can help you with that. This mineral-rich herb can be an excellent vegetarian substitute for anchovies.
Seaweed is extremely healthy as you will find almost all the minerals found in oceans in it. [7]
It has no calories, no fats and sprinkles of the herb can bring that same umami flavor your craving.
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7. Soya Sauce
Who doesn’t know about soya sauce? After all, you can’t have your favorite sushi without it.
It is a staple condiment of many restaurants and kitchen. Soya sauce can also be a great alternative to anchovy.
The main ingredients of this sauce are soy that is an excellent source of protein. [8]
It’s great for those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart problems.
Soy is also great for type-2 diabetes, kidney disease, and pregnancy.
Make sure none of your family members are allergic to soy before using soya sauce in your food.
Bottom Line
Seafood and good salads with strong fish flavors are not only a treat for your tummy, but also for your heart.
Nothing is more precious than making a delicious dinner for your family. But missing out an essential ingredient can ruin everything. That’s why you should count on the alternatives.
You must ensure neither you nor any of your family members are allergic to any of these substitutes. And if you’re a vegetarian, there are better alternatives as well.
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