Substitutes for anchovies in cooking include miso paste and umeboshi paste for meat dishes, chopped Kalamata olives and capers for pizza and pastas, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce for sauces and dressings, and nutritional yeast and seaweed for vegetarian and vegan recipes.
Miso paste has a strong umami profile that works well in meat dishes. It can replace anchovies in rubs and braises. Use in small quantities as it is quite salty and potent. Hikari and Marukome are well-known brands.
Umeboshi paste, made from pickled Japanese plums, offers a tangy, salty flavor suitable for meat dishes. Use sparingly because of its strong flavor. Eden Foods is a recommended brand.
Kalamata olives offer a similar salty and briny profile to anchovies and can be used as a topping on pizzas and in pasta dishes. Chop finely and use in a similar quantity. Brands like Mezzetta and Divina are common.
Capers provide a tangy, salty flavor that can replace anchovies in pasta dishes and as pizza toppings. Use in smaller quantities due to their intense flavor. Popular brands include Cento and Goya.
Worcestershire sauce is a fermented condiment that has a similar umami flavor to anchovies. It can be used in dressings and sauces where anchovies are called for. Use sparingly as it is potent. Keep in mind it often contains anchovies, so it's not suitable for vegetarians. Popular brands include Lea & Perrins.
Soy sauce can provide the salty, umami flavor that mimics anchovies. It's suitable for vegetarians and can be used in dressings and sauces. Use in moderation due to its strong flavor. Kikkoman and Tamari are popular brands.
Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, umami flavor that can replace anchovies in vegetarian and vegan recipes. It's great for dressings and pasta dishes. Use according to taste preference. Brands like Bragg and Bob's Red Mill are popular choices.
Seaweed, particularly nori or kelp, can mimic the sea flavor of anchovies. It's an excellent vegan substitute in various dishes. Grind it into a powder or use it as flakes. Maine Coast and Emerald Cove offer good options.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Meat Dishes | Miso Paste, Umeboshi Paste |
| Pizza and Pastas | Chopped Kalamata Olives, Capers |
| Sauces and Dressings | Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce |
| Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes | Nutritional Yeast, Seaweed |
While anchovies impart a unique flavor to dishes, the substitutes provided can offer similar savory notes and complexity. Whether you're looking for vegetarian alternatives or simply out of anchovies, these substitutes can be adjusted to your recipe to achieve the desired taste.
