Best Shrimp Paste Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Shrimp Paste in a Recipe?
Use 75% of the called-for amount (so if the recipe calls for 1 cup Shrimp Paste, use 0.75 cup Fish Sauce). Liquid and more intense umami; use about ¾ tsp per 1 tsp shrimp paste. Add gradually. Essential Southeast Asian substitute with similar fermented depth.
Looking for the best Shrimp Paste substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 4 reliable Shrimp Paste 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 Fish Sauce — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 75% of the amount. Liquid and more intense umami; use about ¾ tsp per 1 tsp shrimp paste. Add gradually. Essential Southeast Asian substitute with similar fermented depth.
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Get ratios for Shrimp Paste →All Shrimp Paste Substitutes (4 options)
Liquid and more intense umami; use about ¾ tsp per 1 tsp shrimp paste. Add gradually. Essential Southeast Asian substitute with similar fermented depth.
More subtle and slightly fishy; less fermented intensity. Use half the amount; works well in pastes and curry bases.
Grind dried shrimp with small amount of water or oil to create paste. Flavor is similar; requires minimal preparation.
Umami-rich but less pungent; different fermentation profile. Use 1:1; works for depth but less authentically Southeast Asian.
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Tips for Substituting Shrimp Paste
For most recipes, Fish Sauce is the best starting point. Liquid and more intense umami; use about ¾ tsp per 1 tsp shrimp paste. Add gradually. Essential Southeast Asian substitute with similar fermented depth. Going plant-based? Miso Paste is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. Watching your grocery budget? Dried Shrimp (ground into paste) is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which 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 Shrimp Paste Substitutes
The best substitute for Shrimp Paste is Fish Sauce. Use about 75% of the amount called for. Liquid and more intense umami; use about ¾ tsp per 1 tsp shrimp paste. Add gradually. Essential Southeast Asian substitute with similar fermented depth.
This guide lists 4 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 Paste is a great plant-based alternative to Shrimp Paste. Umami-rich but less pungent; different fermentation profile. Use 1:1; works for depth but less authentically Southeast Asian.
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