Well, after staring at your pantry and realizing you’re out of shrimp paste, you might be wondering what you can do to substitute it. Don’t worry – there are plenty of alternatives that you can use, and some of them you may even have at home already.
Fish Sauce as a Shrimp Paste Substitute
This is the traditional go-to alternative for shrimp paste. Not only is it similar in flavor, but it’s also more widely available so it’s easier to find. You might be hesitant to use it because of its strong, distinct fishy aroma, but as long as you don’t use too much, it adds an interesting flavor to your dish. Use it in small amounts, just like you would use shrimp paste until you have the flavor you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a shrimp paste substitute, consider fish sauce! This Asian-style condiment is strong, fragrant and slightly sweet – a great replacement for shrimp paste in your dishes. Fish sauce is made with fermented fish and salt, creating a liquidy, umami-rich flavor that can take your meals to the next level.
With its extra salty taste and aroma, it can instantly add depth and structure to any dish. Plus, it’s easy to find in most Asian markets! Start experimenting with fish sauce, and see how it enhances your dishes – you won’t be disappointed.
Miso Paste as a Substitute
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly substitute, then miso paste might be the right option for you. It has a nutty, slightly salty flavor that works well as a substitute for shrimp paste. You can find it in many Asian grocery stores as well as specialty health food stores or even online.
I can’t lie, shrimp paste is an amazing ingredient. But sometimes you just don’t have it on hand and that’s why Miso Paste is the perfect substitute. Miso Paste is a traditional seasoning made from fermented soybeans, rice, and salt. It is used in many cuisines in Japan and is known to be rich in protein and antioxidants.
As a Shrimp Paste substitute, Miso Paste adds a savory, Umami flavor to sauces, marinades, and salad dressings. You can even add it to soups and stir-fries, and it will give your dish an extra depth of flavor. So the next time you find yourself out of Shrimp Paste, don’t worry, Miso Paste is a great alternative. Enjoy!
Seaweed as a Shrimp Paste Substitute
If you want something crispy and salty, then Seaweed is a great option. It has a salty, umami flavor that works well as a substitute for shrimp paste. It’s easy to find in most grocery stores and you don’t have to worry about any fishy smells. Just chop up some seaweed, add it to your recipe, and enjoy the resulting flavor.
Anchovy Paste
Anchovy paste is another popular substitute for shrimp paste. It has a slightly sweet and salty flavor that works well in many dishes. You can find it in most grocery stores or online. Just keep in mind that anchovy paste is traditionally used in small amounts, so be sure to not use too much.
The last Shrimp Paste Substitute in the list – Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is also a great alternative to shrimp paste. It has a strong, salty flavor, so use it in moderation. This is especially important if you are using a sweet dish, as the soy sauce will be overpowering if you’re not careful.
These are just a few of the many alternatives to shrimp paste. Try them out and see what works best for you and your dish. You may find that you prefer one to another, or that a combination of a few of them works best.
Whichever way you choose to go, it’s always nice to know that you have options when you’re in a pinch and don’t have what you need.
Photo by Kawê Rodrigues on Unsplash
I have always loved cooking and discovering new flavors. My hobby gradually grew into a serious hobby and now I write about food professionally on my blog. For almost a year now, I’ve been sharing my thoughts with the world and helping many people find their perfect “recipe” 🙂