Fermented Shrimp Paste
Fermented Shrimp Paste
Sizzlefish Support
Rated 4.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Shrimp Recipe
Servings
1
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
120 hours
Calories
15
Description & Taste
A staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, fermented shrimp paste is known for its pungent, savory umami depth. Discover how it's made, its uses, and how to incorporate it into your dishes for an authentic flavor boost.
Fermented shrimp paste, also known as shrimp paste or shrimp sauce, is a condiment commonly used in various cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia. It is made by fermenting shrimp with salt for a period, which can range from several days to several months.
The fermentation process breaks down the proteins and develops complex flavors, resulting in a pungent, very salty, and savory paste with a distinctive aroma.
Different cultures have their own variations of fermented shrimp paste, and it goes by different names in different languages. For example, in Thai cuisine, it's called "kapi," while in Filipino cuisine, it's known as "bagoong alamang." It's a staple ingredient in many traditional recipes and adds a unique umami depth to dishes.
Our Gulf Shrimp Source
Our wild Gulf shrimp, the base for our homemade fermented shrimp paste, are sustainably sourced from the Gulf of California, ensuring the highest quality and freshness.
Health Benefits
Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals, our Gulf shrimp not only elevate your meals but contribute to a healthy diet.
FAQs & Substitutions
- Can I use other types of shrimp? Yes, while we recommend Gulf shrimp for their flavor and texture, other shrimp varieties can also be used for fermentation.
- Storage Tips: For extended shelf life, store the shrimp paste in a refrigerator or freeze for up to a year.
Customizing Your Shrimp Paste
Unlock the full potential of fermented shrimp paste by exploring its myriad uses across Southeast Asian cuisine:
- Stir-fries: Elevate your stir-fried dishes with a dash of fermented shrimp paste for an unmatched umami boost.
- Curries and Soups: Incorporate into your favorite curries and soups for a profound savory base that harmonizes all ingredients.
- Dipping Sauces: Mix with lime juice, chili, garlic, and sugar to craft delectable sauces perfect for grilled delicacies and vegetables.
- Marinades: Create aromatic marinades by blending with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar, infusing meats and vegetables with savory flavors.
- Noodle Dishes: Add to noodle favorites like pad Thai or char kway teow for a rich umami experience.
- Fried Rice: Stir into fried rice to amplify its flavor profile and aroma, creating a truly memorable dish.
- Condiments: Use as a standalone condiment or blend with other ingredients to enhance meals with an extra layer of flavor.
Remember, due to its potent flavor and food safety considerations, fermented shrimp paste should be cooked before consumption.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
Whether used in cooked dishes or as part of a marinade, fermented shrimp paste transforms meals with its unique flavor. Here are additional tips for storing your shrimp paste:
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator to slow bacterial growth, preserving its quality.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze in appropriate containers, leaving room for expansion. Frozen shrimp paste can last for a year or more, ensuring you always have this flavorful ingredient at hand.
Ingredients
-
2 portions Sizzlefish Wild Gulf Shrimp, thawed
2 tbsp coarse sea salt
1 shallot, coarsely chopped
2-3 red Thai chilies
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp fermented shrimp paste
2 tbsp neutral oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp coconut sugar
1 tbsp chopped green onion
For Fermented Shrimp Paste
To Make Shrimp Sauce/Dip
Directions
For Fermented Shrimp Paste
Rinse shrimp under cold water and blot dry with paper towel.
Transfer to a food processor and add salt. Pulse until shrimp is finely ground.
Transfer shrimp paste to a glass jar and press using the back of a spoon. Close lid tightly and store at room temperature for at least 5 days to allow paste to ferment.
At this point you can use the fermented shrimp paste for cooking and store in the refrigerator. Or take the shrimp paste a step further by creating a sauce/dip style condiment incorporating other ingredients like shallots, garlic, Thai chilies, lime juice, and sugar.
To Make Shrimp Sauce/Dip
Remove stems from chilies. Combine shallot, garlic, chilies, Pulse until everything is well chopped.
Add fermented shrimp paste, sesame oil, and neutral oil. Pulse a few more times. Transfer shrimp mixture to a pan over low heat. Sauté for 1 minute. Add lime juice, soy sauce, coconut sugar and green onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes longer.
Transfer sauce to a jar or bowl and cool for about 20 minutes. Cover tightly and store in refrigerator.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1 Cup
- per serving
- Calories
- 15
- Carbs
- 0.3 grams
- 9%
- Fat
- 0.1 grams
- 6%
- Protein
- 3 grams
- 85%
Leave a comment