Fish Sauce

clemsontyger97

I am trying my hand at the Umami burger tonight.   For those of you who have used fish sauce...I have a question.   Is it supposed to smell like total ####?  Seriously, I've washed my hands 3-4 times now and still feel like it's all over me after tossing a TBS of it into the meat.

logchief

It's some pretty stinky sh!%.  I know that the stinkier it is the more the Thai and Vietnamese like it.  It's basically fermented fish leftovers.  It can't be substituted in a lot of Southeast Asian dishes.

clemsontyger97

Thanks, that makes me feel better (I think).   I was wondering if I'd just been unfortunate enough to buy a rancid bottle of it.   Here's hoping the flavor in the meat is a lot better than the pungent aroma in our house right now.

Griffin

Yes, but it is amazing in burgers. My wife won't let me do it anymore due to the sodium content, but I still sneak some in from time to time. What brtand are you using? If you can find it, I suggest red boat.

clemsontyger97

ChillyWillis

Like the others have said, stinks so bad but tastes so good. i generally use the 'taste of Thai' brand fish sauce and love it. 

Angus1978

I use red boat 40degrees.  That taste is worth the smell

Little Steven

If my wife knew all the stuff I use it in I would be single. I sometimes use chopped anchovies in burgers if she's around when I'm prepping. Same umami without the smell.

Biggreenpharmacist

I've made the fifth dimension powder. Its pretty pungent itself. Not as bad as fish sauce but still get that extra zip in the burger. 


http://foodthinkers.com/our-perfect-burger/

JohnB

If I'm not mistaken fish sauce acts on the flavor receptors on your tongue. I don't know that you're supposed to use so much you actually taste it. I've only seen recipes where just a small amount is called for, around 1/4 tsp.

Phatchris

I've heard great things about red boat.

Richard Fl

+1 for Red Boat. I sometimes mix with Kikkoman soy sauce and a few garlic chives chopped fine.  I prefer Kikkoman brand because it does not have as much salt as most of the other brands.

bclarksicle

+1 on Red Boat. Stuff is unbelievably delicious