The ratio of small fish to salt in fish sauce and paste is typically 3 parts of fish and 1 part salt. This ratio ensures the right balance of flavor and preservation for the fish paste. Too much salt could make the paste too salty, while too little would affect its preservation and flavor.
- 4 parts of fish and 1 part salt: This is not the correct ratio for fish paste. While it may be used in other recipes, it doesn't align with the traditional ratio for fish sauce and paste.
- 3 parts of fish and 2 parts salt: This ratio results in too much salt compared to the fish, which could make the paste too salty for typical recipes.
- 3 parts of fish and 1 part salt: Correct! This is the proper ratio of fish to salt in traditional fish sauce and paste recipes. It provides the right balance of flavor and preservation.
- 2 parts of fish and 2 parts salt: This ratio has too much salt, making the paste overly salty, which is not typical for most recipes.
Thus, the correct answer is (3) 3 parts of fish and 1 part salt.