What is vegan fish sauce made of?

To be very honest, the vegan fish sauce we bought in Vietnam was made of fermented soybeans and a few other additives. However, some versions sold in the West can be made from a variety of ingredients, including mushrooms, onions, and celery.

Can I make vegan fish sauce from scratch?

Yes, it's possible to make vegan fish sauce at home. Although I haven't made it (yet), you can probably make it from a variety of fermented vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, celery, etc. The only recipes I found online are ones from The Minimalist Baker and Feasting at Home , so feel free to check them out.

Can I use soy sauce instead of vegan dish sauce?

Soy sauce can be used as a vegan fish sauce replacement as it will add a similar saltiness and umami flavor to the dressing. However, it's not something I would recommend because the essence is not there, and it doesn't really do much to replicate the flavor of the traditional fish sauce. With this being said, if you're in a pinch and don't have any vegan fish sauce on hand, you might be able to do it with soy sauce.

How long does Nước Chấm Chay last?

If you're planning to make it ahead of time, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The saltiness of the sauce, derived from the vegan fish sauce, helps it stay fresh for a longer duration.

Vegan Vietnamese Dressing (Nước Chấm Chay)

Description

Salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy; these are the adjectives I can best use to describe this Vegan Vietnamese Dressing (Nước Chấm Chay).

Ingredients

Scale

4 tbsps of warm water
2 tbsps vegan fish sauce (Not so cool alternative: Soy sauce)
1 tbsp of sugar
1 tbsp of lime juice
2 garlic cloves
1 chili pepper (Alternative: Red chili flakes)

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp of vegan fish sauce (or soy sauce), 1 tbsp of lime juice, 1 tbsp of sugar, and 4 tbsp of warm water. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add minced garlic and sliced red chili or red pepper flakes to the liquid mixture.
Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors as needed. Add more sugar if you want it sweeter, more lime juice for added tanginess, or more vegan fish sauce for extra saltiness.
Allow the dressing to sit for at least 15 minutes before using. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more robust taste.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dressing
Cuisine: Vietnamese