Elevate your culinary creations with this homemade Shrimp Paste recipe—a bold and flavorful condiment cherished in Southeast Asian kitchens. Made with just three simple ingredients—fresh or dried shrimp, sea salt, and optional water—this versatile paste is a perfect blend of umami and brininess. Whether enhancing the depth of curries, stir-fries, or dipping sauces, this DIY shrimp paste delivers an authentic taste that’s unmatched by store-bought versions. With only 15 minutes of prep time and a short fermentation period, this recipe strikes a balance between simplicity and tradition. Store it in the fridge or freeze for long-term use, and let its savory essence transform your favorite dishes into culinary masterpieces.
Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities or sand. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
If using dried shrimp, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate. Drain the shrimp and pat dry.
Transfer the cleaned shrimp to a food processor or blender. Add the sea salt.
Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. If the paste is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
Once the shrimp paste is prepared, transfer it to an airtight glass jar or container.
Allow the paste to ferment at room temperature for at least 1-2 days. For a stronger flavor, ferment the paste for up to a week.
After fermentation, store the shrimp paste in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freeze it for longer storage.
Use the shrimp paste in recipes as desired, adjusting quantities based on your preferred flavor intensity.
Calories |
494 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.3 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 976 mg | 326% | |
| Sodium | 24368 mg | 1059% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.2 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 120.0 g | 240% | |
| Vitamin D | 22.4 mcg | 112% | |
| Calcium | 376 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 1294 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.