Shrimp Paste

Elevate your culinary creations with this homemade Shrimp Paste recipe—a bold and flavorful condiment cherished in Southeast Asian kitchens. Made with just three simple ingredients—fresh or dried shrimp, sea salt, and optional water—this versatile paste is a perfect blend of umami and brininess. Whether enhancing the depth of curries, stir-fries, or dipping sauces, this DIY shrimp paste delivers an authentic taste that’s unmatched by store-bought versions. With only 15 minutes of prep time and a short fermentation period, this recipe strikes a balance between simplicity and tradition. Store it in the fridge or freeze for long-term use, and let its savory essence transform your favorite dishes into culinary masterpieces.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 20

Ingredients

• 500 grams small shrimp (fresh or dried)
• 50 grams sea salt
• 30 ml water (optional, for blending)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities or sand. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2

If using dried shrimp, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate. Drain the shrimp and pat dry.

Step 3

Transfer the cleaned shrimp to a food processor or blender. Add the sea salt.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. If the paste is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5

Once the shrimp paste is prepared, transfer it to an airtight glass jar or container.

Step 6

Allow the paste to ferment at room temperature for at least 1-2 days. For a stronger flavor, ferment the paste for up to a week.

Step 7

After fermentation, store the shrimp paste in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freeze it for longer storage.

Step 8

Use the shrimp paste in recipes as desired, adjusting quantities based on your preferred flavor intensity.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(580.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	494.1

Total Fat 5.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 976.5mg	0%
Sodium 24367.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 120g	0%

Vitamin D 894.1IU	0%
Calcium 376.5mg	0%
Iron 1.8mg	0%
Potassium 1294.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 9.0%

Protein: 90.1%

Carbs: 0.9%