🐟 Seafood

Thai Shrimp Paste Substitute: for Authentic Thai Cooking

Discover the best substitutes for Thai shrimp paste (kapi) in curry pastes, stir-fries, and traditional Thai dishes. Find alternatives that maintain authentic flavor.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for Thai shrimp paste are fish sauce, anchovy paste, or miso paste. Fish sauce is the most authentic substitute for Thai cooking and provides the same umami depth.

Best Substitutes

Fish Sauce

1:1

Fish sauce is the most authentic substitute for Thai shrimp paste. It provides the same salty, umami depth that's essential in Thai cooking.

Best for:

Thai curry pastespad thaistir-friessoups

Use Thai fish sauce for best flavor match

Anchovy Paste

1:1

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

Best for:

curry pastesstir-friessaucesmarinades

Use sparingly as it's very concentrated

Miso Paste

1:1

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

Best for:

vegetarian Thai dishescurry pastessoupsstir-fries

Use white or yellow miso for milder 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 Thai dishes.

Best for:

curry pastesspice blendssoupsstir-fries

Grind dried shrimp into fine powder

Salted Fermented Shrimp

1:1

Salted fermented shrimp is the closest substitute to Thai shrimp paste. It has the same fermented, salty flavor and texture.

Best for:

authentic Thai cookingcurry pastestraditional dishesfermented flavors

Use Korean saeujeot or similar product

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Use Thai fish sauce for the most authentic flavor
  • 💡Add anchovy paste gradually to avoid over-salting
  • 💡Toast dried shrimp before grinding for enhanced flavor
  • 💡Add a splash of lime juice for acidity
  • 💡Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor
  • 💡Store substitutes in the refrigerator for freshness

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for Thai shrimp paste in curry?

Fish sauce is the best substitute for Thai shrimp paste in curry. Use the same amount and adjust to taste.

Can I use regular shrimp paste instead of Thai shrimp paste?

Yes, but the flavor may be different. Thai shrimp paste (kapi) has a specific flavor profile. Use fish sauce for the closest match.

How do I substitute Thai shrimp paste in pad thai?

Use fish sauce or anchovy paste. Add 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste to the sauce mixture.

Is there a vegetarian substitute for Thai shrimp paste?

Yes, use miso paste or vegetable bouillon with seaweed. Miso paste provides similar umami flavor without seafood.

Can I make my own Thai shrimp paste?

Yes, but it requires fermentation. For a quick substitute, use fish sauce or anchovy paste mixed with a little sugar and lime juice.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for Thai shrimp paste (kapi) in curry pastes, stir-fries, and traditional Thai dishes. Discover alternatives that maintain authentic flavor.