Substitutes for Anchovies

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Small salt-cured fish used to add deep umami and salty flavor to Caesar dressing, pasta sauces, and pizza.

Can't find Anchovies in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Worcestershire Sauce 1 tsp per 1 anchovy fillet Caesar dressing, pasta sauces, marinades
Miso Paste 1 tsp per 2 anchovy fillets Caesar dressing, pasta sauces, soups
Vegan
Capers 1 tsp per 1-2 anchovy fillets Caesar dressing, pasta, salads
Vegan Gluten-Free
Nori (seaweed) + Soy Sauce Small piece nori + 1 tsp soy sauce per 2 fillets pasta sauces, dressings
Vegan Gluten-Free

How to Use

Contains anchovies — not vegan but same umami depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Anchovies?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Worcestershire Sauce is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1 tsp per 1 anchovy fillet.
What's a vegan substitute for Anchovies?
Miso Paste is an excellent vegan option. Use 1 tsp per 2 anchovy fillets.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.

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