Is Fish Sauce Halal? (Explained By Experts)

Fish sauce is a popular condiment used in many cuisines around the world, particularly in Southeast Asia.

It is made from fermented fish and has a salty, savory flavor that adds depth to dishes.

However, for those who follow Islamic dietary laws, the question arises: is fish sauce halal?

In this article, we will explore the ingredients of fish sauce and the halal status of different types of fish.

We will also look at examples of halal-certified fish sauce products and how they are produced.

So, if you’re curious about whether you can enjoy this flavorful condiment while adhering to halal guidelines, read on!

Is Fish Sauce Halal?

The answer to whether fish sauce is halal depends on the ingredients used in its production.

Most fish sauces are made from anchovies, water, salt, and sugar. These ingredients are all halal, meaning they are permissible under Islamic dietary laws.

However, some fish sauces may contain other ingredients that are not halal, such as alcohol or pork products. It is important to check the label and ingredients list before consuming any fish sauce to ensure it is halal.

What Is Fish Sauce And How Is It Made?

Fish sauce is a fermented condiment made from fish and salt. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Vietnamese, Cambodian, Thai, Burmese, Filipino, and Lao dishes. The intense flavor of fish sauce comes from the process of fermenting small fish like anchovies for several months to a few years.

To make fish sauce, anchovies and salt are arranged in wooden barrels to ferment slowly. The salt extracts the liquid from the fish via osmosis, producing a briny, fishy, savory liquid. This liquid is then pressed out of the fermented fish to yield the final product.

While most fish sauces are made solely from fish and salt, some may contain other ingredients like alcohol or pork products. It is important to check the label and ingredients list before consuming any fish sauce to ensure it is halal.

Fish sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add a sweet, salty, fishy, and funky flavor. It can be used as a cooking sauce or as a dipping sauce depending on the type and regional variation. When purchasing fish sauce, it is recommended to choose brands that use only anchovies and salt in their production process for a more authentic and high-quality flavor.

Understanding Halal Dietary Laws

Halal dietary laws are based on Islamic teachings and define which foods are permissible for consumption by Muslims. Halal foods are those that are lawful and free from any forbidden components or ingredients.

When it comes to meat, halal laws require that the animal be slaughtered in a specific way by a Muslim using a sharp knife. The name of Allah must be pronounced before the slaughter, and the animal must be healthy and alive at the time of slaughter. The blood must be drained from the animal, and it must not come into contact with any other meat.

In addition to meat, halal laws also apply to other food products such as dairy, grains, and seafood. Seafood is generally considered halal as long as it is caught using permissible methods and is not a species that could harm the consumer.

It is important to note that halal dietary laws also extend to the processing and packaging of food products. Foods that carry a halal symbol on their packaging have been approved by an agency and are certified to be free of any forbidden components or ingredients. Halal claims on the nutrition label or packaging must include the name of the certification body.

The Halal Status Of Different Types Of Fish

In Shia Islam, fish that have scales are permissible to consume, while fish without scales are considered haram or forbidden. This means that fish such as salmon, tuna, and cod are halal, while eels and catfish are not.

It is important to note that edible crustaceans such as shrimp are also halal, but crab is an exception and is considered haram. This is because crab is not classified as a crustacean in Islamic dietary laws.

When it comes to seafood in general, all types of food from the sea are permissible, whether they are plants or animals, alive or dead. The only requirement is that they must be obtained through lawful means and prepared in a halal manner.

In Thailand, where seafood is a popular ingredient in many dishes, it is important to check the halal status of the fish being used. While not all food in Thailand is halal, it is possible to find halal restaurants that serve local Thai dishes made with halal ingredients. It is also important to note that the further south you go in Thailand, the more likely you are to find Muslim communities where halal food may be more readily available.

Halal-certified Fish Sauce Products

For those who follow halal dietary laws, there are halal-certified fish sauce products available. One such product is Squid Brand fish sauce, which is certified halal by the Islamic Committee Office of Thailand. This fish sauce is not only ideal for stir-frying and marinating, but also for dipping. Its halal certification number is 71A3680051147 and its FDA number is 23-2-06947-2-0004. The halal certificate expires on 21/11/2022.

Another halal-certified fish sauce product is “Saigo no Itteki” (the last drop), developed by students and alumni of Niigata Prefectural Kaiyo High School in Japan. This fish sauce is a halal alternative to soy sauce and was certified by the Malaysian government’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM). The students established a new production line to ensure that other types of animal fat wouldn’t mix with the new product. A 100-mililiter bottle of “Saigo no Itteki” is sold for 840 yen with tax included, and a 200-mililiter bottle for 1,225 yen also including tax. The students plan to start with exporting the product to countries in Southeast Asia and expand to other countries from there.

Tiparos Fish Sauce is another widely used fish sauce in Thailand that is known for its premium quality taste. While it does not have a specific halal certification, its ingredients are all halal, making it permissible under Islamic dietary laws.

How Halal Fish Sauce Is Produced

To produce halal fish sauce, the key is to ensure that all ingredients used are halal and that the production process follows strict halal guidelines.

First, fresh anchovies are cleaned and mixed with salt in a large container. The mixture is left to ferment naturally for up to 18 months, during which time the anchovies break down and release their liquid.

Once the fermentation process is complete, the liquid is extracted and filtered to remove any solids or impurities. The resulting liquid is then bottled and sold as fish sauce.

To ensure that the fish sauce is halal, no alcohol or other non-halal ingredients are added during the production process. Additionally, the production facility must be certified as halal and follow strict guidelines for cleanliness and hygiene.

In some cases, such as with the “Saigo no Itteki” fish sauce produced by students at Niigata Prefectural Kaiyo High School in Japan, certification from a recognized halal certification body such as the Malaysian government’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) may be sought to ensure that the product meets international halal standards.

Tips For Using Halal Fish Sauce In Cooking

If you are new to cooking with halal fish sauce, it is recommended to start with a few drops and gradually increase the amount until you reach the desired flavor. It is important to taste the food as you go along, so you can adjust the amount of fish sauce accordingly.

Halal fish sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. It is also a great substitute for salt in many recipes, as it adds depth and complexity to the dish.

When using halal fish sauce in cooking, it is not necessary to mix it with other soy sauces or salts. This allows you to fully appreciate its unique flavor and learn how to work with it. Once you become familiar with using halal fish sauce, you can experiment by combining it with other sauces and flavors to create your own unique dishes.

Some popular dishes that use halal fish sauce include Som Tam (Papaya Salad) from northeastern Thailand, which is made with shredded unripe papaya mixed with a dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili peppers. Halal fish sauce can also be used in marinara sauces and as a dipping sauce for grilled meats or vegetables.

When purchasing halal fish sauce, look for brands that are certified halal by recognized Islamic organizations. This will ensure that the product meets the strict dietary requirements of halal food.