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Dried Scallops Substitute: Umami-Rich Options

Find the best substitutes for dried scallops, including dried shrimp, fish sauce, mushroom powder, and other umami-rich ingredients that provide the intense flavor of dried scallops.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for dried scallops are dried shrimp, fish sauce, mushroom powder, miso paste, or anchovy paste. Dried shrimp provides the closest flavor match, while fish sauce offers the most convenient alternative.

Best Substitutes

Dried Shrimp

1:1

Small dried shrimp that provide intense seafood flavor and umami. Available in Asian markets and online. Soak before using to rehydrate.

Best for:

broths and stocksrice dishessoupssaucesstir-friesdumpling fillings

Soak in warm water for 15-30 minutes before using. Can be ground into powder for more even distribution.

Fish Sauce

1 tbsp dried scallops = 1-2 tsp fish sauce

Fermented fish sauce with intense umami flavor. More convenient than dried ingredients and provides similar depth of flavor.

Best for:

broths and stockssaucesmarinadesstir-friessoupsrice dishes

Start with small amounts and taste as you go. Different brands vary in intensity.

Mushroom Powder

1 tbsp dried scallops = 1-2 tsp mushroom powder

Dried mushroom powder, especially shiitake or porcini, provides deep umami flavor. Vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Best for:

vegetarian dishesbroths and stockssaucesrice dishessoupsmarinades

Use high-quality mushroom powder for best results. Can be mixed with other umami ingredients.

Miso Paste

1 tbsp dried scallops = 1-2 tsp miso paste

Fermented soybean paste with rich umami flavor. Available in different varieties with varying intensities.

Best for:

broths and stockssaucesmarinadessoupsrice dishesvegetarian preparations

White miso is milder, red miso is stronger. Add at the end of cooking to preserve flavor.

Anchovy Paste

1 tbsp dried scallops = 1-2 tsp anchovy paste

Concentrated anchovy paste with intense fishy umami flavor. Very convenient and long-lasting.

Best for:

broths and stockssaucespasta dishesrice dishessoupsmarinades

Very concentrated flavor. Start with small amounts and taste as you go.

Dried Bonito Flakes

1:1

Dried, fermented fish flakes used in Japanese cuisine. Provides intense umami and seafood flavor.

Best for:

dashi brothsoupsrice dishessaucesstir-friesJapanese preparations

Use high-quality bonito flakes. Can be ground into powder for more even distribution.

Kombu Seaweed

1 tbsp dried scallops = 1-2 inch piece kombu

Dried kelp seaweed with natural umami compounds. Vegetarian-friendly and provides subtle seafood flavor.

Best for:

vegetarian brothsdashisoupsrice dishessaucespickling liquids

Soak before using. Don't boil as it can make broths bitter.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Dried shrimp provides the closest flavor match to dried scallops
  • 💡Soak dried ingredients in warm water before using to rehydrate them
  • 💡Use the soaking liquid from dried ingredients as part of your broth for extra flavor
  • 💡Fish sauce is the most convenient substitute and works in most applications
  • 💡Mushroom powder is excellent for vegetarian dishes and provides deep umami
  • 💡Miso paste should be added at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor
  • 💡Anchovy paste is very concentrated - start with small amounts
  • 💡Kombu seaweed works well for subtle umami in vegetarian broths
  • 💡You can combine multiple umami ingredients for more complex flavor
  • 💡Taste as you go when using concentrated substitutes like fish sauce or anchovy paste

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for dried scallops?

Dried shrimp is the best substitute for dried scallops as it provides the closest flavor match. Fish sauce is the most convenient alternative and works well in most applications.

Can I use fish sauce instead of dried scallops?

Yes, fish sauce is an excellent substitute for dried scallops. Use 1-2 teaspoons of fish sauce for every tablespoon of dried scallops called for in the recipe.

What's a vegetarian substitute for dried scallops?

Mushroom powder, especially shiitake or porcini, is the best vegetarian substitute. Miso paste and kombu seaweed are also excellent options for adding umami depth.

How do I use dried shrimp as a scallop substitute?

Soak dried shrimp in warm water for 15-30 minutes to rehydrate, then use them whole or grind into powder. Use the soaking liquid as part of your broth for extra flavor.

Can I use anchovy paste instead of dried scallops?

Yes, anchovy paste works well as a substitute. Start with small amounts (1/2 teaspoon) and taste as you go, as it's very concentrated.