Ever run into a recipe that requires fish sauce and feel overwhelmed with the choices at the store? Have no fear! Just look for the pink Viet Huong Three Crabs Brand. Trust me, my family has tried every brand imaginable and I can tell you that after extensive and highly scientific testing, we've concluded that Three Crabs is the best.
Fish sauce is a salty condiment used predominantly in Southeast Asian cuisine for seasoning stirfries, soups, and noodle dishes, or for dipping (usually after being boiled with vinegar and sugar). It's basically the extracted essence of fermented fish (typically anchovies). Since fermentation is what transforms the fishy taste into a complex nutty umami flavor, the longer the fish sauce ferments the better. So if Three Crabs is not available, look for one that has a deep, rich caramelly color (avoid Tiparos). And if the colors all look the same to you, then go with the more expensive one (trust me, it will make a world of difference).
