Shrimp paste substitutes
Shrimp paste substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fish sauce
Same amount as the shrimp paste
Fermented fish sauce with similar salty, umami flavor.
The best substitutes for shrimp paste are fish sauce, anchovy paste, miso paste, or a combination of soy sauce and fish sauce depending on the dish.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- curries
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of shrimp paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fish saucecurries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Anchovy pastecurries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Miso pastecurries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Soy sauce + fish saucecurries | Same amountCombine equal partsTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Oyster saucestir-fries | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Worcestershire saucestir-fries | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Fish sauce
similar taste, different texture
Fermented fish sauce with similar salty, umami flavor.
- Best for
- curries, stir-fries, soups, sauces
Similar salty, umami flavor but different texture.
Anchovy paste
similar taste and texture
Fermented anchovy paste with similar salty, umami flavor.
- Best for
- curries, stir-fries, soups, sauces
Similar salty, umami flavor and texture.
Miso paste
different taste, similar texture
Fermented soybean paste with similar umami flavor.
- Best for
- curries, stir-fries, soups, sauces
Similar umami flavor but different taste.
Soy sauce + fish sauce
similar taste, different texture
Combination that approximates shrimp paste's flavor.
- Best for
- curries, stir-fries, soups, sauces
Combines soy and fish flavors.
Oyster sauce
different taste and texture
Thick sauce with similar umami flavor.
- Best for
- stir-fries, sauces, marinades, glazes
Similar umami flavor but different taste.
Worcestershire sauce
different taste and texture
Tangy sauce with similar umami flavor.
- Best for
- stir-fries, sauces, marinades, glazes
Similar umami flavor but different taste.
Questions
4 questionsWhat does shrimp paste taste like?
Shrimp paste has a strong, salty, and umami flavor with a pungent aroma. It's often described as having a fishy, fermented taste that's quite intense.
Is shrimp paste the same as fish sauce?
They're similar but different. Shrimp paste is made from fermented shrimp and has a paste-like consistency, while fish sauce is made from fermented fish and is liquid.
Can I use shrimp paste in cooking?
Yes, shrimp paste is commonly used in cooking, especially in Southeast Asian cuisine. It's great for adding depth and umami flavor to curries, stir-fries, and soups.
How should I store shrimp paste?
Store shrimp paste in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It has a strong smell, so make sure the container is well-sealed to prevent the aroma from spreading.
Tips for substituting shrimp paste
6 tips- Shrimp paste has a strong, salty, and umami flavor
- Use sparingly as it's quite potent
- Common in Southeast Asian cuisine
- Great for adding depth to curries and stir-fries
- Can be used in both hot and cold dishes
- Store in refrigerator after opening