Anchovy Fillet Substitute

Updated on November 11th, 2022

If you like anchovies, you’ve probably looked for alternatives when your favorite fish isn’t available. You won’t believe how many tasty and simple substitutes there are! Fortunately, there are numerous options available to satisfy your craving! We’ll go over 11 different options in the following article if you need a quick fix.
We all know how important it is to be prepared for the next cooking adventure as foodies. But what happens when your star ingredient is unavailable? This article will look at what makes a good substitute for anchovies when they’re not available.

Because it contains anchovy, it is a good substitute for anchovies in Worcestershire. Anchovy is a common fish flavor used to boost the saltiness of a dish. Regardless of how popular this type of fish is, there must be times when it runs out unexpectedly in the middle of your cooking. Fish sauce can be too salty at times, whereas Worcestershire Sauce successfully replicates the saltiness found in anchovy dishes. We can also replace anchovies with sardines, capers, Kalamata olives, and miso.

Here are Some Best Substitutes for Anchovy

1. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is an excellent substitute for casseroles, soups, stews, and sauces. When making Caesar dressing or any other sauce that requires an anchovy flavor punch, add a dash of Worcestershire Sauce.
Worcestershire sauce has a dropper-style top that allows you to add a dash.

For many generations, Worcestershire sauce has been a kitchen staple and is an old-time favorite of chefs and home cooks alike due to its strong flavor. You don’t need anchovy paste or even bacon these days, but if you want those flavors, Worcestershire does a good job of replicating them (though I recommend adding less salt).
There is only one brand of Worcestershire sauce that I recommend: Lea & Perrins. They’ve been making this for decades and are the number one sauce provider for a good reason.

2. Sardines

Sardines are an excellent like-for-like substitute for anchovies. These fish are cousins and are similar enough to work as stand-ins.
Sardines have a slightly softer texture than anchovies and a more subtle flavor. In some dishes, the softer flavor can be beneficial; however, if you want the full anchovy flavor, add miso paste or Worcestershire sauce to the sardine fillets before cooking!
Sardines in tins are the best way to get your fish, and they have a slightly saltier taste, similar to anchovies. I recommend Ocean Prince Sardines because they are caught in the wild and do not contain hormones like those found in fish farms.

3. Soy Sauce

Don’t worry; soy sauce is an excellent substitute if you can’t find any anchovies.
Because Japan has an abundance of saltwater fish but no freshwater stocks nearby, soy sauce has been used. It is still popular today because of its versatility, as We can use it in Japanese and Western dishes such as stir fries, soups, and salads! Add some soy sauce to your pizza sauce or pasta sauce to get that familiar salty flavor.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Kikkoman Lite Soy Sauce for soy sauce. I’ve had this for years and switched from the regular to the lite version five years ago. It has the same flavor as the original, but it is much better for your heart.

4. Shrimp Paste

In Asian cuisine, shrimp paste is frequently used to replace anchovy products to achieve the same flavor. This popular paste found throughout Southeast Asia is made by grinding shrimp and other sea animals with salt and allowing them to ferment.
Shrimp paste can be used as a quick and easy substitute for anchovy paste in any recipe or dish that calls for it. Por Kwan Shrimp Paste is a popular and full-flavored shrimp paste that is also high in quality and taste.

5. Fish Sauce

Fish sauce is another anchovy substitute. We can substitute fish sauce for anchovies in Thai dishes, Vietnamese dishes like pho and goi cuon, and Southeast Asian curries like green and Panang. You’ll discover that this substitution works best with noodles, stir-fries, and soups.
The fish sauce packs a lot of flavour into a small jar and has a strong flavour. So, when cooking with this anchovy substitute, use caution when adding it to your dish; a little goes a long way. The main ingredient in Red Boat Fish Sauce is anchovies, making it an excellent substitute for filleted anchovies in sauces and dressings.

6. Miso

Miso is made from soybeans and can be either a liquid or a paste. Miso comes in various flavors, including white (a lighter flavor), red or brown (rich flavors), and black/white combo pack misos for when you want to mix things up! You may have noticed how frequently chefs use anchovies because they are so flavorful; now, there is an alternative available that does not contain any animal products – choose your favorite variety and whether you want to work with a liquid or paste and get cooking!
Because of its intense and rich flavor, miso can be used as a broth substitute. It’s also versatile, so you won’t have to worry about the dish becoming bland or watery if you use it instead of anchovies, which are commonly used by people who want a bold flavor.
Muso Smart Miso from Japan is a premium and delicious miso paste that is light and sweet. They also have Brown Rice and Dark Aged Miso paste as options.

7. Capers

Everyone has heard of anchovies on pizza, but what happens when you can’t find any? Perhaps you want something different because there aren’t many alternatives that pizzerias can use?
The next best thing is capers! You can add them on top as a garnish or mix them into your sauce – either way is delicious.
Capers are a popular substitute because they are not just a sauce or a paste; they are small, salty little buds with a strong pickling flavor.
But they’re not just for pizza. For an extra kick, sprinkle capers on salads or over pasta.
Agostino Recca’s untapered capers salted fresh quality for decades to elevate your cooking is an absolute favorite that I recommend you try in your next dish!

8. Olives Kalamata

When anchovies are unavailable, Kalamata olives are an excellent substitute. They have a fruity flavour, but the tangy juice that comes with them stands out. They’re extremely versatile, so this is your go-to option if you want to make a paste or add to your salad!
Substituting olives for anchovies does more than make a vegetarian dish; it also improves its health. Olives are high in antioxidants and nutrients, which aid in the fight against ageing.

Use olives as an anchovy substitute when you want to reduce your seafood intake while still getting plenty of protein.
With their distinct texture and savoury flavour from their juice, olives are an excellent choice for almost every dietary requirement.

It is critical to consider textures and flavours when substituting anchovies for olives. Olives add some much-needed saltiness while providing enough natural oils to keep the dish from becoming too dry. And because they are made with high-quality olive oil, there is no need to fry them first.
Make the most of your dish by using Roland Foods’ authentic Greek kalamata olives from Greece. This is my number one recommendation for authentic Greek olives and a fridge staple in my house.

9. Seaweed

Nori seaweed is a great alternative to anchovies with some health benefits.
A quick Google search will reveal that Nori is an excellent substitute because it has many of the same flavors as anchovies and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. However, when combined with other ingredients, it’s best to make a more complex sauce, such as combining miso paste and tamari or adding ginger to taste, depending on the dish!
Organic Sushi Nori Roasted Seaweed Sheets from ONE ORGANIC are delicious and make an excellent substitute for anchovies in salads.

10. Bragg Liquid Aminos

Bragg’s “Liquid Aminos,” like the popular Asian condiment found in most grocery stores, is made of soybeans and has a milder taste and less salt than traditional soy sauce. Bragg Liquid Aminos, unlike regular soy sauce, do not contain wheat and are thus gluten-free.
Bragg Liquid Aminos is a versatile condiment that We can use in anchovies in dressings, sauces, soups, and other dishes. This salty-tasting sauce adds a punch of flavour to any dish that can benefit from it.

11. Umeboshi

If you enjoy sushi or Japanese cuisine, you’ve probably heard of Umeboshi. This ingredient has a very strong flavor and should be used sparingly, and it’s a great substitute for anchovies paste in dishes that call for “umami” flavoring!
This vegan-friendly condiment can be used as a substitute for fish sauce or anchovy paste in Thai dishes to add protein and depth of flavor without animal products. I highly recommend Shirakiku Umaboshi for authentic flavour at an affordable price!

12. Marmite and Vegemite

Marmite and Vegemite, both British and Australian staples, are surprising anchovy paste substitutes. Marmite has a salty, umami flavour, whereas Vegemite has a more distinct bitterness, making them excellent substitutes for soups, sandwiches, sauces, and pasta!

Looking for Some Delicious Recipes to Make Using Anchovies?

Then it would help if you considered the below recipes.

Provençal Pissaladière

This savoury Provençal onion tart is layered with anchovies, olives, and herbs for a delicious light lunch or snack that can be found in fast-food restaurants throughout France and even further afield. You can also serve it as an appetizer by cutting it into small squares and making your own using puff pastry as the foundation for a simple dish.

Classic Caesar

After trying this homemade Caesar salad, you’ll never go back to bottled Caesar salad. Fresh Parmesan, a generous amount of garlic, egg yolks, and anchovies contribute to the dish’s signature rich and creamy texture and aromatic, zesty flavour. Top fresh romaine with crispy croutons, dress a wrap or even top a grilled chicken sandwich with it.

Fried Fresh Anchovies

Try frying fresh anchovies in this simple and delicious presentation if you can find them at your local seafood counter. Make sure the anchovies are especially small for this recipe, no bigger than your pinkie finger. They only require a squeeze of fresh lemon and a cold beer on the side, though they also taste great dipped in garlic aioli.

Anchovies Marinated in Vinegar (Boquerones en Vinagre)

These vinegar-marinated fresh anchovies are frequently found on tapas menus in Spain, sometimes over potato chips or alongside olives. Buy anchovies that have already been cleaned or quickly clean them yourself before marinating them for a few hours and serving as part of your appetizer spread for a unique starter. They’re perfect with a glass of vermouth or fortified wine.

Anchovy Butter

Anchovy butter has a strong flavour that goes well with steak, chicken, or salmon, and it couldn’t be simpler to make. Combine chopped, mashed anchovy fillets (or anchovy paste) and softened butter, roll up, and chill. Add lemon juice, garlic, or capers to the compound butter to enhance the flavour.

Are There Vegetarian Alternatives to Anchovies?

We can replace anchovies with vegetarian alternatives. You could use Kalamata olives, miso, or even seaweed to make an alternative.
While seaweed was not on our list of options, it has a strong flavour and texture that can easily replace anchovies in various dishes. Use seaweed in salads or on pizza.

What Gives Anchovies Their Salty Flavor?

The curing of the fish causes saltiness, and they are cured in salt and vinegar, which gives them a distinct salty and funky flavour. As a result, other salty foods such as soy sauce and fish sauce are suitable substitutes.

Can Sardines be Substituted for Anchovies?

Sardines have a different flavour and are not as salty as anchovies, so We cannot use them in place of anchovies. We can use anchovies in place of sardines, and if you don’t have any other options, just a few sardine pieces with the other ingredients.

Can you Eat Anchovies Right Out of the Can?

We can eat anchovies right out of the can. Anchovies, like tuna, can be used in the same way. They are frequently coated in oil and salt so that you can pick them out of the tin and eat them. This is an option that We can use on bread.

Conclusion

Okay, We understand what you’re thinking. Who doesn’t keep anchovies in their fridge? There are still plenty of ways for your dishes to be delicious with these alternatives!
There are still plenty of ways for your dishes to be delicious with these alternatives!
But it’s not always easy to find, and when that happens, it’s good to know that there are plenty of other options available.