Best Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Nearly identical in umami and funkiness; slightly less pungent than bagoong. Use 1:1 as a direct swap.
Ran out of Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) mid-recipe? Don't panic — you have options. This guide covers 4 tested Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) substitutes that actually work in cooking and baking, complete with exact ratios so you don't have to guess. Whether you need to save money at the store or keep things plant-based, there's a swap here for you. The top pick is Belacan (malaysian Shrimp Paste) — it's the closest match for most recipes. Nearly identical in umami and funkiness; slightly less pungent than bagoong. Use 1:1 as a direct swap.
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Get ratios for Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) →All Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) Substitutes (4 options)
Nearly identical in umami and funkiness; slightly less pungent than bagoong. Use 1:1 as a direct swap.
Milder and less funky; use three-quarters the amount. Works well when dissolved into cooked dishes.
Umami-rich but less funky; use 50% more to compensate. Best in soups and braises but won't provide bagoong's distinctive shrimp character.
More liquid and intensely salty; use half the amount and adjust to taste. Better for dipping sauces and dressings than paste applications.
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Tips for Substituting Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste)
For most recipes, Belacan (malaysian Shrimp Paste) is the best starting point. Nearly identical in umami and funkiness; slightly less pungent than bagoong. Use 1:1 as a direct swap. Going plant-based? Miso (red or Barley) is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. Watching your grocery budget? Anchovy Paste is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) Substitutes
The best substitute for Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) is Belacan (malaysian Shrimp Paste). Use the same amount. Nearly identical in umami and funkiness; slightly less pungent than bagoong. Use 1:1 as a direct swap.
This guide lists 4 Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Miso (red or Barley) is a great plant-based alternative to Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste). Umami-rich but less funky; use 50% more to compensate. Best in soups and braises but won't provide bagoong's distinctive shrimp character.
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