A fish stock, or fumet, is one of those things, especially if you’re…
…preparing a seafood-based dish like chowder paella, lobster bisque…
…or bouillabaisse.
Maybe you’re worried that you won’t be able to add that special…
…touch to your dish, because your supermarket doesn’t carry it.
You don’t need to worry! There are many great alternatives available.
Throughout this article, I will tell you which are the best fish stock substitutes.
As well as explaining the differences between fish stock and broth…
…I’ll talk about why a fish stock is important!
Keep reading…
Fish Stock vs Fish Broth
Fish stock is a flavorful broth made from fish bones, heads, and other trimmings, that provides the base for many dishes such as chowder, paella, and bouillabaisse. It is simmered for a shorter time than beef or chicken stock to capture its light and fresh flavors.
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Many people mistakenly use “stock” and “broth” in the same manner.
While both liquids are derived from vegetables, meat, or fish…
…there are a few differences between them.
Typically, broth and stock are consumed separately…
…whereas broth is used as a base for other dishes.
When making fish stock, the head and bones of the fish are used…
…while when making broth, only the meat is used.
The broth is usually prepared with additional seasonings…
…since it is intended for eating on its own.
While fish stock generally only contains a bit of salt and pepper…
…or perhaps a splash of white wine.
When compared to the clear broth, the fish stock appears cloudy…
…due to the bones used in it.
But before the move to the next section..
Let us hear Hannah’s story
My name is Hannah, and I enjoy cooking a lot
One day, I was going to make Risotto with baby shrimp
and I forgot to buy fish stock from the market.
When I returned to the market, it was sold out!
My concern is that I can’t make fish stock myself,
so I searched the internet and found so many fish stock substitutes!
Now I can cook Risotto with baby shrimp easily!
Let’s jump right in!
The Best Substitutes For Fish Stock
Several reasons may require the use of fish stock substitutes.
You might have forgotten to buy it. Your allergy to fish might…
…be a cause.
If you follow the quantities, you can use these ingredients as…
…a substitute for fish stock in almost any recipe.
Let’s get busy!
Chicken Stock
Whenever fish stock can’t be substituted…
…chicken soup is often the first choice.
Stock or broth made from chicken has a delicious flavor…
…that can enhance almost any type of recipe that calls for stock.
You can make the best chicken stock at home.
It is, however, easy to find ready-made chicken stock…
…at most supermarkets, if you do not have homemade chicken stock.
This is my favorite bone broth brand; it tastes ‘brothy,’ not like chicken noodle soup without the noodles. It’s also available in a handy single-shot format.
- Heart-healthy snack made from chicken bones, organic veggies, herbs and spices
Next…
Bottled Clam Juice
I use this as a substitute for fish stock.
This is because it is the nearest thing to a perfect replacement.
As long as you use the same quantity, you can pretty much replace it directly.
Clams contain glutamates, the same compounds…
…that enhance the flavor of fish stock.
A slight variation in concentration may occur, however.
Clam juice can be used as a substitute for fish stock in a few different ways.
There’s no need to use water and risk losing flavor, it works great and tastes great. This brand of clam broth is the only one I use, and it’s delicious.
Go on…
Miso Soup
It’s probably the most well-known Japanese soup…
…and you can find it in many other countries as well.
Like chicken soup, miso is easy to make and can be stored…
…in the fridge or freezer, or you can purchase it pre-made.
The ingredients in miso soup included dried sardines…
…which will give your food that fish flavor you long for.
However, only use the broth from the soup…
…since it will be concentrated enough.
You might be wondering to prepare dried sardines right? I was happily snacking on these as a nostalgic treat because I used to eat dried fish a lot as a kid. I was perplexed as to why my room smelled so bad hours later, completely missing the connection between fish and odor!
Vegetable Stock
Vegetable stock is an excellent alternative to fish stock…
…especially if you are cooking a recipe for a vegan…
…or if you are planning to eat a vegan dish.
Vegetable stock will not have the same taste as fish stock…
…so you might need to add some extra seasoning.
Adding some specific fish seasonings…
…however, can lead to one of the most delicious dishes you…
…will encounter without much effort.
You might be asking…
Yes, I have a favorite vegetable stock that my whole…
…family also uses it well.
It’s very simple to use, and it’s great to have on hand at all times. There’s no need to prepare this at all. It’s ready to go into whatever you’re cooking with right now. Make things easier for yourself!
Soy Sauce
It’s possible to substitute fish stock successfully with soy sauce…
…if you don’t overdo it.
If you add too much soy sauce, your food will taste too salty…
because it has a strong taste.
It might be a good idea to skip adding any extra salt if you add soy sauce.
Taste the food as you add soy sauce to know when you’ve added enough…
…since the amount will vary from recipe to recipe.
Plus, some people prefer it with more soy sauce while others prefer less.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what you want.
Wait for a while…
I’m pretty sure that every household has soy sauce in their…
…kitchen. But, I will let you know what soy sauce that I always…
…use it for my cooking needs.
Everybody knows it’s the best soy sauce. My mouth watered at the thought of another spoonful. Aside from being a giant bottle, I don’t anticipate buying more for a few months!
Diluted Fish Sauce
The same way you can successfully add soy sauce to your recipe…
…instead of fish stock, you can also add fish sauce.
However, you must keep the same aspect in mind.
A recipe with too much fish sauce will be too strong in flavor.
You shouldn’t have to add more than one or two tablespoons…
…of fish sauce to give your dish a fishy taste.
I do use fish sauce in my cooking. Red Boat does not have a bad odor. Not as potent as a can of sardines!
Diluted Worcestershire Sauce
The original Worcestershire sauce recipe also includes fish.
The fact that it is a fish stock or a fish broth…
…makes it perfect for a number of dishes.
Getting the right quantity of Worcestershire sauce…
…is the only aspect you need to consider.
Even if you enjoy this sauce a great deal…
…you should keep the quantities in check.
I love the flavor, I had been using a store brand until this arrived, there is no comparison! Hands down, Lea & Perrins! Much better flavor than the store brand, and not as sweet. I was expecting the bottles to be a little larger.
It gets better…
Dashi
In addition to using dashi for fish stocks…
…you can use it in lieu of your traditional stocks if they run out.
In some supermarkets or stores, you can find it already made…
…but don’t expect it to be as common as chicken stock.
Using this method, you can obtain the same flavor…
…as the famous miso soup without noticing the absence…
…of the original fish stock.
My soup is smooth and delicious with this! I’m hoping the flavor will be preserved this way, and I’ll have plenty of delicious soup to go around.
Beef Stock
Beef stock or beef broth might not sound like a good substitute for fish stock…
…but it can work just fine.
Your recipe will taste nice when you add beef stock to it, as it is rich in flavor.
Beef stock can be added in the same quantity as fish stock.
However, the taste of your dish will differ slightly from that of fish stock…
…due to the particular and strong flavor of beef stock.
You can find beef stock already made in most stores…
…and it is commonly used in a variety of dishes.
This is a fantastic product that you should try. There are no strange additives! I’ve been using it for years. Strongly recommended
Here’s the best part…
Seafood Broth
One of the best substitutes for fish stock in any recipe is seafood broth.
It is possible to make your own seafood broth…
…or stock in the absence of fish broth.
The broth is made just like chicken or beef broth…
…but it has a closer fishy taste that will go great with any fish dish.
If you use the same amount of seafood stock in your recipe…
…you won’t even notice the difference.
Rather than making my own seafood stock, which was tedious and time-consuming, I decided to try Kitchen Basics Seafood Stock when making seafood gumbo. It worked flawlessly, and the gumbo was delicious. This would be a good substitute for homemade stock!
Last but not least…
Oyster Sauce
Recipes in which fish stock is required can successfully be replaced…
…with oyster sauces.
The basic ingredient in this sauce, oysters, gives it a strong fish flavor…
…just like seafood stock.
You should be able to obtain the fish flavor you want…
…with a couple of tablespoons of oyster sauce…
…along with some plain water to dilute this concentrated ingredient.
This is real oyster sauce made with real oysters, not a flavored sauce with oysters like Panda sauce (which is also made by Lee Kum Kee). It’s a lot thicker than other sauces!
Now, Time to Decide It! Which One Do You Prefer?
| Image | Brand | Offer Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Kitchen Basics Original Chicken Bone Broth, 8.25 fl oz (Pack of 12) | Check On Amazon | |
Top
Top | Bar Harbor Clam Juice | Check On Amazon | |
Top
Top | Yamaki Salt Additive-free Fresh Building Eatable Small Fish Dried Sardine | Check On Amazon | |
Top
Top | Minor's Sauteed Vegetable Base, Instant Vegetable Stock and Base, Mirepoix | Check On Amazon | |
Top
Top | Red Boat Fish Sauce | Check On Amazon | |
Top
Top | Lea & Perrins Original Worcestershire Sauce | Check On Amazon | |
Top
Top | Ajinomoto - Hon Dashi (Soup Stock) | Check On Amazon | |
Top
Top | Kitchen Basics All Natural Original Beef Stock | Check On Amazon | |
Top
Top | Kitchen Basics Original Seafood Stock | Check On Amazon | |
Top
Top | Kikkoman Japan Made Soy Sauce | Check On Amazon |
Sum Up!
Fish stock can be used to enhance the flavor of many dishes…
…including soups and stir-fries…
…and it is popular in both Asian and Spanish cuisines.
Nevertheless, you can substitute any of the ingredients in this guide…
…for fish stock or broth if you do not have either.
It might be better to make your own fish stock…
…and store it so you never have to worry about replacing it.
It is one of the easiest stocks to make…
…and you will find it very useful in your kitchen.
In addition to the ingredients mentioned in the recipe…
…you may also add the seasonings of your choice.
Conclusion
We’ve compiled a list of the best recipes to replace the fish stock in.
If you consider these options, we hope you will be able to pick up…
…an attractive fish substitute quickly.
Enjoy a delicious dish anyone will fall in love with after the first bite…
…and have a joyous cooking time!
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
