Out of Shrimp paste, one case
Shrimp paste substitute: Thai & Asian cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fish sauce
Same amount as the shrimp paste
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.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- Thai curry pastes
One casethe full shrimp card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of shrimp paste | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fish sauceThai curry pastes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Anchovy pasteItalian dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Miso pasteKorean dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Salted fermented shrimp (Korean)kimchi | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Dried shrimp powdercurry pastes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Fish sauce
similar taste, different texture
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 pastes, Vietnamese dipping sauces, stir-fries, soups
Most similar umami flavor, use in Thai and Vietnamese dishes.
Anchovy paste
similar taste and texture
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 dishes, pasta sauces, salad dressings, marinades
Strong umami flavor, use sparingly.
Miso paste
similar taste and texture
Miso paste provides fermented umami flavor similar to shrimp paste. Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor.
- Best for
- Korean dishes, soups, marinades, vegetarian cooking
Fermented soybean paste with umami flavor.
Salted fermented shrimp (Korean)
similar taste and texture
Salted fermented shrimp is the closest substitute for shrimp paste in Korean cooking. It has the same fermented, salty flavor.
- Best for
- kimchi, Korean stews, fermented dishes, traditional Korean cooking
Traditional Korean ingredient, closest substitute.
Dried shrimp powder
similar taste, different texture
Dried shrimp powder provides concentrated shrimp flavor. Soak dried shrimp, then grind into a fine powder.
- Best for
- curry pastes, spice blends, soups, stir-fries
Grind dried shrimp into powder.
How it behaves in this recipe
Shrimp paste is essential in many Asian cuisines, particularly Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese cooking. It provides deep umami flavor and fermented complexity that's hard to replicate. The best substitute depends on the specific dish and cuisine you're cooking.
Tips for substituting shrimp paste
6 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
Notes on shrimp paste
- Use fish sauce for Thai and Vietnamese dishes
- Try miso paste for vegetarian and vegan cooking
- Use anchovy paste for Italian and Mediterranean dishes
- Make dried shrimp powder for concentrated flavor
- Use salted fermented shrimp for authentic Korean flavor
Questions
5 questionsWhat'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.