Best Dried Shrimp Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Dried Shrimp in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Soaked in water to plump; chop finely for texture. Retains full flavor while being easier to incorporate.
Looking for the best Dried Shrimp substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 7 reliable Dried Shrimp replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store or keep things plant-based. The top pick is Rehydrated dried shrimp — it's the closest match for most recipes. Soaked in water to plump; chop finely for texture. Retains full flavor while being easier to incorporate.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Dried Shrimp →All Dried Shrimp Substitutes (7 options)
Soaked in water to plump; chop finely for texture. Retains full flavor while being easier to incorporate.
Use half the weight as anchovies are more concentrated and pungent. Provides similar umami depth and briny character; soak briefly if you prefer milder flavor.
Use about three-quarters the weight. Similar umami punch with a fishier, smokier note; ideal for broths and as a garnish rather than in paste-based dishes.
Use equal weight and rehydrate. Provides umami and slight briny notes but lacks the sweetness of shrimp; works well in vegetarian broths and stir-fries.
Fermented and pounded form; very pungent and concentrated. Use sparingly and stir well to distribute.
Ground form dissolves into dishes; use half the amount as intensity is concentrated. Perfect for soups and sauces.
For 1 oz dried shrimp, use about 1.5 tbsp fish sauce. Delivers umami but lacks texture; best for soups, pastes, and dressings rather than dishes where shrimp texture matters.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Dried Shrimp
For most recipes, Rehydrated dried shrimp is the best starting point. Soaked in water to plump; chop finely for texture. Retains full flavor while being easier to incorporate. Going plant-based? Dried Wakame Seaweed is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. Watching your grocery budget? Dried Wakame Seaweed is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Dried Shrimp 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 Dried Shrimp Substitutes
The best substitute for Dried Shrimp is Rehydrated dried shrimp. Use the same amount. Soaked in water to plump; chop finely for texture. Retains full flavor while being easier to incorporate.
This guide lists 7 Dried Shrimp 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.
Dried Wakame Seaweed is a great plant-based alternative to Dried Shrimp. Use equal weight and rehydrate. Provides umami and slight briny notes but lacks the sweetness of shrimp; works well in vegetarian broths and stir-fries.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee