I’m going to assume that you’re reading this article because you either love Thai food or you just want to try it once in a while. Either way, you’ve probably wondered how long does Thai fish sauce last? Whether it’s been sat on your pantry shelf for years or you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get some flavor into your food, this article is for you. Here are the answers to the most common questions about Thai fish sauce:
How Do You Store It?
First of all, let’s discuss how long Thai fish sauce will actually last once you open the bottle. Depending on the brand and the quality, you can typically expect to use it within a year or two after buying it. Of course, the best way to enjoy its flavor is to cook with it. So, if you’re ever wondering how long it will be before you use up a bottle of Thai fish sauce, the answer is…it depends. In the meantime, here’s a handy guide to help you figure out how long you should store your bottles of Thai fish sauce:
What Is The Best Way To Store It?
In addition to the length of time that it will last once opened, there are also questions about how you should store it so that you can enjoy its full flavor. Here are the most common answers to store your Thai fish sauce:
- In the refrigerator
- In a cool, dry place
- In a cupboard
- In a pantry
- No where near the top shelf
- Above the stove
- In the oven
Of course, you should use your best judgement and keep in mind how you plan to use the bottles, but these are the guidelines above which you should strive to follow.
What Is The Worst Way To Store It?
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are always those that choose to store Thai fish sauce in the microwave or on the shelf above the refrigerator. These are the worst ways to store it because heat destroys the flavor of any food. So, if you ever notice a decline in the taste of your Thai food after you reheat it, it’s most likely because the flavor was dulled by the heat. It’s the same reason why recipes that are cooked on the stove top are always superior to ones that are prepared in the oven or microwave. So, if you want your Thai food to taste its best, avoid letting it heat up too much. The best way to enjoy Thai food without ruining it is by preparing it the traditional way which is, of course, fresh out of the ocean.
As for how long does Thai fish sauce last once you open the bottle…again, it depends on the quality and the brand. Although it will go bad eventually, the typical shelf life is two to three years. So, if you’ve been sitting on a bottle for a while and are now wondering when you’ll use it, the answer is…it depends on what you plan to do with it. If you’re thinking about cooking with it, then you might as well eat it soon after you open the bottle. Alternatively, you could pour it over some noodles or rice and enjoy it then, or you could refrigerate it and use it later in a dressing or marinade. It’s up to you.
Either way, it’s not going to hurt to try and remember to store your bottles of Thai fish sauce in a cool, dark place so that they can maintain their fresh flavor. In the meantime, be sure to check out all of our favorite ways to use Thai fish sauce.