5 Best Fish Sauce Substitutes for Scones

Quick tip: Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness with a milder flavor, preserving scone texture and subtle sweetness.

Soy sauce works well as a fish sauce substitute in scones because it provides a similar umami and salty profile without introducing overpowering fish flavors. The liquid consistency also integrates smoothly into the dough, maintaining moisture balance.

When using soy sauce, measure precisely to avoid excess saltiness. Because soy sauce is thinner than fish sauce, it blends evenly without affecting dough consistency. Be mindful of the soy sauce's flavor intensity and opt for light soy sauce to keep the scones delicate.

Compared to fish sauce, soy sauce results in scones with a slightly less complex umami note but preserves the overall flavor harmony and texture, making it the best alternative.

Quick tip: Tamari offers a gluten-free soy sauce alternative with a smooth umami flavor, suitable for sensitive palates.

Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce variant that provides a rich umami flavor similar to fish sauce, making it a good substitute in scones. Its slightly thicker consistency helps maintain dough moisture without altering texture.

Use tamari in equal amounts to fish sauce and ensure it is well mixed into the dough to avoid localized saltiness. Because tamari is less salty than some soy sauces, you may need to adjust overall salt in the recipe slightly.

Scones made with tamari will have a mild umami depth and retain their tender crumb, closely mimicking the subtle savory note fish sauce would add.

Quick tip: Coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty, so a slightly higher quantity is needed to match umami and saltiness.

Coconut aminos are a soy-free, gluten-free alternative that provides mild umami and sweetness, making them suitable for scones where a subtle savory note is desired. Their lower sodium content requires a slight increase in quantity to achieve similar flavor impact.

When substituting, increase the amount by about 25% and reduce added sugar elsewhere if the recipe is sweet. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution and avoid overly moist spots in the dough.

The final scones will be slightly sweeter and less salty than those made with fish sauce, but still maintain a pleasant savory balance and tender texture.

Quick tip: Seaweed stock adds marine umami without fishiness but is much less salty, so use more and adjust salt accordingly.

Concentrated seaweed stock provides a marine umami flavor similar to fish sauce but without the fishy aroma, making it a good plant-based alternative for scones. Because it is less salty, a larger volume is needed to replicate the flavor intensity.

Use it diluted but concentrated, and reduce other liquids slightly to maintain dough consistency. Adjust salt in the recipe to compensate for the lower sodium content.

Scones will have a subtle oceanic umami note without fishiness, maintaining the delicate crumb and flavor balance.

Quick tip: Mushroom soy sauce adds earthy umami and saltiness, complementing scones with a mild savory depth.

Mushroom soy sauce is infused with mushroom extracts, providing a rich umami flavor that can substitute for fish sauce in scones. Its saltiness and umami help enhance the dough's flavor without overpowering the subtle sweetness.

Use in equal amounts and mix well to ensure even flavor distribution. Because it is slightly thicker, it integrates well without affecting dough hydration.

The resulting scones have a nuanced savory note with an earthy undertone, differing slightly from fish sauce but still enhancing the overall flavor profile.