8 Mistakes Home Cooks Make With Fish Sauce - Tasting Table

"Its bold umami flavor and saltiness make it a flavorful addition to a wide range of savory recipes, which is why we always keep some on hand. But whether you use fish sauce regularly or you're unsure of how to use it in your favorite recipes, there's probably plenty you don't know about the sauce, which makes it easy to make mistakes when stirring it into sauces, soups, pasta dishes, and beyond."

"If you've ever tasted fish sauce on its own before, then you already know what a strong, intense flavor it offers. That boldness is what makes it shine in so many recipes, but it can also sometimes be too bold, masking the other, more delicate flavors you're working with. One of the ways that the flavor of fish sauce can become too strong in your dish is by cooking it down too much."

Fish sauce delivers bold umami and concentrated saltiness that transforms savory dishes. Over-reducing the sauce by cooking it down too long concentrates salt and can overpower delicate flavors. Using multiple sources of salt alongside fish sauce increases the risk of oversalting. Improper timing of addition allows reduction to intensify fish sauce's potency. Failing to taste and adjust during cooking leads to unbalanced seasoning. Storing fish sauce correctly and monitoring freshness preserves its intended flavor. Measured, balanced use enhances complexity and savory depth while preventing salt domination, making fish sauce a versatile staple when applied with restraint and attention.

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