🐟 Seafood

Shrimp Paste Substitute for Kimchi: for Korean Fermentation

Discover the best substitutes for shrimp paste in kimchi including salted fermented shrimp, fish sauce, and vegetarian options. Perfect for authentic Korean fermentation.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for shrimp paste in kimchi are salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot), fish sauce, or miso paste. For authentic Korean flavor, use saeujeot. For vegetarian kimchi, use miso paste or seaweed.

Best Substitutes

Salted Fermented Shrimp (Saeujeot)

1:1

Salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) is the closest substitute for shrimp paste in kimchi. It has the same fermented, salty flavor and is traditional in Korean cooking.

Best for:

authentic kimchiKorean fermentationtraditional recipesfermented dishes

Traditional Korean ingredient, closest substitute

Fish Sauce

1:1

Fish sauce provides the same salty, umami depth as shrimp paste. Use Korean fish sauce for the most authentic flavor in kimchi.

Best for:

kimchiKorean dishesfermentationsauces

Use Korean fish sauce for best flavor match

Miso Paste

1:1

Miso paste provides fermented umami flavor similar to shrimp paste. Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor that won't overpower the kimchi.

Best for:

vegetarian kimchiKorean dishesfermentationsoups

Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor

Seaweed (Nori or Kombu)

1 sheet per 1 tablespoon shrimp paste

Seaweed provides oceanic flavor and umami depth similar to shrimp paste. Toast and crumble for best results in kimchi.

Best for:

vegetarian kimchiKorean dishesfermentationsoups

Toast and crumble for best flavor

Dried Shrimp Powder

1:1

Dried shrimp powder provides concentrated shrimp flavor. Soak dried shrimp, then grind into a fine powder for use in kimchi.

Best for:

kimchiKorean dishesfermentationsoups

Grind dried shrimp into fine powder

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Use saeujeot for the most authentic Korean flavor
  • 💡Add fish sauce gradually to avoid over-salting
  • 💡Toast seaweed before crumbling for enhanced flavor
  • 💡Add miso paste early in the fermentation process
  • 💡Grind dried shrimp into fine powder for best results
  • 💡Store kimchi in the refrigerator for proper fermentation

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) is the best substitute for shrimp paste in kimchi. It's the traditional Korean ingredient and provides the most authentic flavor.

Can I use fish sauce instead of shrimp paste in kimchi?

Yes, fish sauce works well as a substitute. Use Korean fish sauce for the most authentic flavor and add gradually to taste.

How do I make vegetarian kimchi without shrimp paste?

Use miso paste or seaweed. Miso paste provides fermented umami flavor, while seaweed adds oceanic depth. Both work well in vegetarian kimchi.

Is there a difference between shrimp paste and saeujeot?

Saeujeot is the Korean version of salted fermented shrimp. It's more liquid than shrimp paste but provides the same flavor and is traditional in kimchi.

Can I skip the shrimp paste in kimchi?

Yes, but the kimchi will lack the traditional umami depth. Use fish sauce, miso paste, or seaweed to maintain the flavor profile.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for shrimp paste in kimchi including salted fermented shrimp, fish sauce, and vegetarian options. Perfect for authentic Korean fermentation.