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+ servings

Homemade Shrimp Paste Recipe

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.
Servings: 2 cups
Author: Izzy

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.