Out of Dried shrimp, one case
Dried shrimp substitute - Asian cooking alternatives
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fish sauce
1 tablespoon for every ¼ cup dried shrimp
The best substitutes for dried shrimp are fish sauce, anchovy paste, or miso paste. For texture, use dried mushrooms or seaweed. For flavor, use fish sauce or anchovy paste.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- pad thai
One casethe full shrimp card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ¼ cup dried shrimp | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fish saucepad thai | 1 tablespoonTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Anchovy pastepasta dishes | 1 teaspoonTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Dried mushroomsfried rice | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Miso pastesoups | 1 tablespoonTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Seaweed (nori or kombu)soups | 1 sheetTweak it | Tweak it |
Fish sauce
similar taste, different texture
Fish sauce provides the same umami depth and salty flavor as dried shrimp. It's the most common substitute in Thai and Vietnamese cooking.
- Best for
- pad thai, fried rice, stir-fries, soups
Add at the end of cooking for best flavor.
Anchovy paste
similar taste, different texture
Anchovy paste provides intense umami flavor similar to dried shrimp. It's more concentrated, so use less than the recipe calls for.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, stir-fries, sauces, marinades
Use sparingly as it's very concentrated.
Dried mushrooms
similar taste and texture
Dried mushrooms provide similar chewy texture and umami flavor. Shiitake or porcini mushrooms work best.
- Best for
- fried rice, stir-fries, soups, vegetarian dishes
Soak in warm water for 20 minutes before using.
Miso paste
similar taste, different texture
Miso paste provides fermented umami flavor similar to dried shrimp. Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor.
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, marinades, vegetarian dishes
Add early in cooking to develop flavor.
Seaweed (nori or kombu)
similar taste, different texture
Seaweed provides oceanic flavor and umami depth. Toast and crumble for best results.
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, rice dishes, vegetarian dishes
Toast and crumble for best flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Dried shrimp is used in many Asian dishes for its concentrated umami flavor and chewy texture. The best substitutes provide both the flavor depth and textural element that dried shrimp contributes to dishes.
Tips for substituting dried shrimp
6 tips- Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes before using
- Add fish sauce at the end of cooking to preserve flavor
- Toast seaweed before crumbling for enhanced flavor
- Use anchovy paste sparingly as it's very concentrated
- Add miso paste early in cooking to develop flavor
- For texture, use dried mushrooms or crumbled seaweed
Notes on dried shrimp
- Use fish sauce for authentic Thai and Vietnamese flavor
- Try anchovy paste for concentrated umami taste
- Use dried mushrooms for texture and flavor
- Add miso paste for fermented umami depth
- Use seaweed for oceanic flavor and umami
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for dried shrimp in pad thai?
Fish sauce is the best substitute for dried shrimp in pad thai. Add 1-2 tablespoons at the end of cooking for authentic flavor.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of dried shrimp?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Dried shrimp has concentrated umami flavor that fresh shrimp lacks. Use fish sauce or anchovy paste for similar taste.
How do I substitute dried shrimp in fried rice?
Use fish sauce or anchovy paste for flavor, and dried mushrooms for texture. Add the fish sauce at the end of cooking.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for dried shrimp?
Yes, use dried mushrooms or seaweed. Shiitake mushrooms work particularly well for texture and umami flavor.
Can I use shrimp paste instead of dried shrimp?
Yes, shrimp paste is made from dried shrimp, so it's a good substitute. Use 1 teaspoon per ¼ cup dried shrimp called for.