Fish Sauce Recipe; the best recipe ever.
If you’re searching for a delicious and easy-to-make sauce that blends nutrition, color, and taste, this homemade fish sauce is a perfect choice. It’s rich in protein, packed with vegetables, and ideal for rice, yam, or pasta.
Best of all, you can prepare it in less than an hour using simple ingredients that are already in your kitchen.
Let’s walk you through how to make this tasty fish sauce from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Fish Sauce Recipe
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why this recipe is special.
First, it’s simple. You don’t need fancy spices or complex methods to make it taste great. Every ingredient works naturally to bring out a rich and balanced flavor.
Second, it’s versatile. You can serve this sauce with boiled rice, yam, spaghetti, or even bread. It adds life to every meal.
Finally, it’s healthy. Because the fish is rich in protein and the vegetables add fiber and vitamins, this sauce becomes a balanced dish that nourishes your body while pleasing your taste buds.
Ingredients for Homemade Fish Sauce Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need:
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1 medium-sized ice fish, cooked and pieced
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2 balls of fresh tomatoes, sliced
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2 sticks of carrots, shredded
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½ green pepper, sliced
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3 sticks of green beans, sliced
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1 bay leaf
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1 seasoning cube
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4 teaspoons of thyme
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½ cup of groundnut oil
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½ teaspoon of pepper
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Salt to taste
Together, these simple ingredients create a colorful and aromatic sauce that fills your kitchen with an irresistible smell.
Step-by-Step Process: Fish Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
To begin, wash your vegetables thoroughly. Then, slice the tomatoes, green pepper, and green beans. Next, shred your carrots neatly so they cook quickly and mix well into the sauce.
After that, cook your ice fish until tender. Once done, remove the bones and break the fish gently into pieces. Set everything aside for easy access.
At this stage, make sure everything is ready before you turn on the heat. This preparation saves time and helps your cooking flow smoothly.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Next, place your clean pan on medium heat and pour in the half cup of groundnut oil. Allow it to warm up slightly, but not smoke. Warm oil helps your spices blend better and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Then, add the sliced tomatoes into the oil and stir gently. Allow them to cook for about three to five minutes until the raw tomato smell fades. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Afterward, sprinkle in the thyme, seasoning cube, and bay leaf. Stir continuously so the spices spread evenly. Soon, you’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen — that’s a sign you’re doing it right.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Now, gradually add the shredded carrots, green pepper, and green beans. Stir them into the tomato base and let them cook for a few minutes. The vegetables shouldn’t overcook; instead, they should remain slightly crisp to preserve their nutrients and color.
At this point, your sauce will begin to take on a bright, inviting look.
Step 5: Add the Fish
Finally, add your cooked and pieced fish into the sauce. Mix gently to avoid breaking the fish pieces completely. Then, allow it to simmer on low heat for about five to seven minutes. During this time, the fish absorbs the tomato flavor while releasing its own natural taste into the sauce.
Before removing it from the heat, check for seasoning and adjust with salt or pepper if necessary.
Once the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors blend, take it off the stove.
How to Serve
Your freshly made fish sauce is now ready to serve!
This sauce pairs perfectly with:
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Boiled rice
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Fried or boiled yam
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Spaghetti
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Plantain
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Bread
Because it’s light yet flavorful, it complements almost any main dish. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this sauce brings color and taste to your table every single time.
Tips for the Perfect Fish Sauce Recipe
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and vegetables always make the sauce taste brighter and cleaner.
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Don’t skip the bay leaf: It adds a subtle depth and aroma that ties everything together.
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Adjust your pepper level: If you like spicy food, increase the pepper slightly; if not, keep it mild.
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Avoid overcooking the fish: Overcooking can make it too soft and cause it to break apart easily.
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Cook on low heat: This helps every ingredient cook evenly while preserving natural flavors.
Why Homemade Fish Sauce Is Worth Trying
Homemade sauces are far healthier than store-bought ones. Unlike packaged sauces that contain preservatives, this fish sauce is made from scratch with natural ingredients. Therefore, it’s light, nutritious, and easy to digest.
Moreover, making it at home saves money. You can prepare a rich, family-sized portion using everyday items without breaking the bank.
In addition, homemade sauces let you control flavor. You can choose your spice level, adjust salt to your taste, and even add extra vegetables for more nutrients.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you make more than you need, don’t worry — you can store your fish sauce easily. After it cools, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
When ready to eat again, warm it gently over low heat. However, avoid microwaving for too long, as it might change the texture of the fish and vegetables.
For longer storage, you can freeze it — just make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homemade fish sauce is one of those simple meals that never fails to impress. It’s quick, flavorful, and healthy — everything you need in a home-cooked dish.
With just a few fresh ingredients, you can prepare this sauce in less than an hour and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
So next time you want something different and tasty, grab some fish, vegetables, and a little oil — and create your own bowl of flavor-packed fish sauce.
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