Improvising Fish Sauces

When improvising any sauce, it is always helpful to have the actual foods that are available within view. Foods that are fresh and in season are almost always inspiring. Some of the best ideas for new dishes or fresh interpretations of old dishes happen while shopping in a large market. Many chefs miss this opportunity because hectic schedules compel them to order food by telephone and have it delivered unseen.

Sometimes a single ingredient will be impossible to pass by because of its beauty, freshness, or rarity and will become the focal point of the sauce. As a rule, the more perfect or inspiring the ingredient, the simpler the preparation need be. Some example approaches follow.