Best Belacan (Shrimp Paste) Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Belacan (Shrimp Paste) in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Nearly identical in flavor and umami intensity; slightly fishier and more pungent. Use 1:1 as a direct swap.
Ran out of Belacan (Shrimp Paste) mid-recipe? Don't panic — you have options. This guide covers 4 tested Belacan (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, there's a swap here for you. The top pick is Bagoong (filipino Shrimp Paste) — it's the closest match for most recipes. Nearly identical in flavor and umami intensity; slightly fishier and more pungent. Use 1:1 as a direct swap.
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Get ratios for Belacan (Shrimp Paste) →All Belacan (Shrimp Paste) Substitutes (4 options)
Nearly identical in flavor and umami intensity; slightly fishier and more pungent. Use 1:1 as a direct swap.
Less funky and slightly less salty than belacan; use ¾ the amount. Best in cooked dishes where paste dissolves into sauce.
Soak dried shrimp in water, then grind to paste. Milder and less funky than belacan; use slightly more to achieve comparable intensity.
More liquid and intense; use half the amount and adjust to taste. Works well in curries and stir-fries but lacks paste texture.
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Tips for Substituting Belacan (Shrimp Paste)
For most recipes, Bagoong (filipino Shrimp Paste) is the best starting point. Nearly identical in flavor and umami intensity; slightly fishier and more pungent. Use 1:1 as a direct swap. 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 Belacan (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 Belacan (Shrimp Paste) Substitutes
The best substitute for Belacan (Shrimp Paste) is Bagoong (filipino Shrimp Paste). Use the same amount. Nearly identical in flavor and umami intensity; slightly fishier and more pungent. Use 1:1 as a direct swap.
This guide lists 4 Belacan (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.
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