🐟 Seafood

Shrimp Paste Substitute: Thai & Asian Cooking Guide

Discover the best substitutes for shrimp paste in Thai, Korean, and Asian cooking. Find alternatives for kimchi, curry pastes, and fermented dishes.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for shrimp paste are fish sauce, anchovy paste, or miso paste. For Korean cooking, use salted fermented shrimp or fish sauce. For Thai cooking, use fish sauce or anchovy paste.

Best Substitutes

Fish Sauce

1:1

Fish sauce provides the same salty, umami depth as shrimp paste. It's made from fermented fish and has a similar flavor profile.

Best for:

Thai curry pastesVietnamese dipping saucesstir-friessoups

Most similar umami flavor, use in Thai and Vietnamese dishes

Anchovy Paste

1:1

Anchovy paste offers intense umami flavor similar to shrimp paste. It's more concentrated, so use less than the recipe calls for.

Best for:

Italian dishespasta saucessalad dressingsmarinades

Strong umami flavor, use sparingly

Miso Paste

1:1

Miso paste provides fermented umami flavor similar to shrimp paste. Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor.

Best for:

Korean dishessoupsmarinadesvegetarian cooking

Fermented soybean paste with umami flavor

Salted Fermented Shrimp (Korean)

1:1

Salted fermented shrimp is the closest substitute for shrimp paste in Korean cooking. It has the same fermented, salty flavor.

Best for:

kimchiKorean stewsfermented dishestraditional Korean cooking

Traditional Korean ingredient, closest substitute

Dried Shrimp Powder

1:1

Dried shrimp powder provides concentrated shrimp flavor. Soak dried shrimp, then grind into a fine powder.

Best for:

curry pastesspice blendssoupsstir-fries

Grind dried shrimp into powder

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Start with less substitute than the recipe calls for and adjust to taste
  • 💡Fish sauce is the most versatile substitute for most Asian dishes
  • 💡For Korean kimchi, salted fermented shrimp is the best option
  • 💡Anchovy paste works well in Italian and Mediterranean dishes
  • 💡Miso paste adds depth to vegetarian and vegan dishes
  • 💡Dried shrimp powder can be made by grinding dried shrimp in a spice grinder

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for shrimp paste in kimchi?

For Korean kimchi, salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) is the best substitute. If unavailable, use fish sauce or miso paste, but the flavor will be different.

Can I use fish sauce instead of shrimp paste in Thai curry?

Yes, fish sauce is an excellent substitute for shrimp paste in Thai curry pastes. Use the same amount and adjust to taste.

Is there a vegetarian substitute for shrimp paste?

Yes, miso paste is the best vegetarian substitute. It provides similar umami flavor and fermented depth.

How do I make dried shrimp powder?

Soak dried shrimp in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and grind in a spice grinder or food processor until fine.

Can I substitute anchovy paste for shrimp paste?

Yes, anchovy paste works well as a substitute. Use the same amount, but taste and adjust as needed since anchovy paste can be stronger.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for shrimp paste in Asian cooking. Discover alternatives for Thai curry, Korean kimchi, and Vietnamese dishes with fish sauce, miso, and anchovy paste.