Homemade Shrimp Paste
on Jun 08, 2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Shrimp paste is a popular fermented condiment that’s traditionally used in Southeast Asian cooking. It adds a delicious umami flavor to dishes and is easy to source at large grocery stores and Southeast Asian specialty stores.
You can also make your own shrimp paste! It has a delicious flavor and comes together easily.
What Is Shrimp Paste?
Shrimp paste is made from shrimp that have been mashed and mixed with salt. The mixture is then fermented for weeks. The color of shrimp paste can range from light to dark brown. It can have a texture that ranges from soft to very hard.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- fresh shrimp
- unsalted butter
- cooking wine
- freshly squeezed lemon juice
- cayenne pepper
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Shrimp Paste
- Heat butter in a large skillet until melted. Add the shrimp, salt, and black pepper and cook over high heat, stirring often, until the shrimp are cooked through. This will take about 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cooking wine, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. Cook over high heat until the liquid is reduced to about 3 tablespoons and is quite syrupy.
- Immediately add the mixture to the shrimp in the food processor and process until the shrimp are puréed. With the motor running, add the remaining butter, a few pieces at a time, and process until thoroughly blended. Turn the food processor off and taste the shrimp paste for seasoning. Add additional salt or black pepper as needed.
- Let the shrimp paste cool completely before using. Store covered in the fridge for up to one week.
Ways To Use Shrimp Paste
Shrimp paste can be added to cooked foods like soups, curries, and stir fries. It can also be used in marinades and dipping sauces.
Where Can I Buy Shrimp Paste
Shrimp paste can often be found in large grocery stores and most Asian grocery stores. Depending on the store, it could be labeled as shrimp sauce. Note that the Vietnamese condiment known as mam ruoc, is also labeled as shrimp paste or shrimp sauce. It has a different flavor and is used in different dishes.
Shrimp Paste Substitutes
If you can’t find shrimp paste or are looking for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option, fish sauce, vegetarian stir-fry sauce, and soy sauce can be used. Just know that with soy sauce, the dish may have a darker color and not as much flavor.
Homemade Shrimp Paste Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 ⁄4 cup cooking wine
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 ⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 ⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1/3 cup of the butter in a large skillet until melted. Add the shrimp, salt, and black pepper and cook over high heat, stirring often, until the shrimp are cooked through. This will take about 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cooking wine, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. Cook over high heat until the liquid is reduced to about 3 tablespoons and is quite syrupy.
- Immediately add the mixture to the shrimp in the food processor and process until the shrimp are puréed. With the motor running, add the remaining butter, a few pieces at a time, and process until thoroughly blended. Turn the food processor off and taste the shrimp paste for seasoning. Add additional salt or black pepper as needed.
- Let the shrimp paste cool completely before using. Store covered in the fridge for up to one week.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
Thanks for this recipe. Can you freeze the shrimp paste at all?