Name: Vegetarian Fish Sauce Substitute
Total time: 50 min
Yield: About 1¼ cups
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 cups water; 3 tablespoons salt; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/4 ounce dried sliced shiitake mushrooms

Why This Recipe Works

Soy sauce and mushrooms lend this fish sauce substitute that savory meatiness characteristic of the real (nonvegetarian) version.

Before You Begin

In order for this recipe to be gluten-free, you must use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Instructions

Simmer all ingredients in large saucepan over medium heat until mixture is reduced by half, about 20 to 30 minutes. Strain liquid and let cool completely. (Fish sauce can be refrigerated for up 2 months.)