There are many variations to the classic Caesar dressing, but most recipes will include anchovies, as it adds quite a distinctive flavor to the dressing that many people love.
But if you’re making your own caesar dressing, and you don’t happen to have any anchovies, there’s no need to panic. There are a few alternatives that you can use, that will serve as a suitable substitute for the anchovies so that the dressing still turns out more or less the same. Let’s get right into it!
There are three main substitutes for anchovies when making a caesar dressing:
Worcestershire sauce:
Using Worcestershire sauce in the caesar dressing will add that slight fishy flavor that the anchovies would, although it won’t be as strong. However, most people prefer the fainter flavor!
But if you want to enhance the fishy flavor more, then you can mix the Worcestershire sauce in with some lemon juice, some garlic, salt, pepper, mustard, and capers in a bowl. (You can also add an egg to this, and mix it all into the dressing)
Asian fish sauce:
Asian fish sauce is usually made from fermented anchovies, so it’s one of the best substitutes for anchovies within a caesar dressing. It will essentially add the flavor of the anchovies, without having to use any, so it can be a comfortable option preferred by many! However, this sauce is quite strong, so remember to only use a few drops, or else it will completely overpower the dressing.
Anchovy paste:
Anchovy paste is always a good substitute for anchovies, no matter the recipe, and the same goes for making caesar dressing. To get the amount right, use half a teaspoon of anchovy paste for every anchovy that you would have used in the recipe, that way the flavor should be more or less the same in strength.