Shrimp paste is made up of shrimp that has been ground up, fermented, and mixed with salt (via The Spruce Eats). It is used in dishes all across Southeast Asia for its concentrated and pungent taste. This ingredient is crucial to add to almost any curry paste because it provides that unique and rich umami flavor that's different from just salting your food. But, as an added bonus, it does still add a pleasant amount of saltiness for balancing flavors. Serious Eats notes that shrimp paste is often a small addition to the many other flavors in curry, so it won't make your dish taste fishy. However, some curries — like gapi's funk — showcase it as one of the main flavors.
Shrimp paste is usually pretty easy to find in supermarkets. The Spruce Eats mentions that, in Southeast Asia, the ingredient is usually sold in very dry and firm blocks, while in North America, jars with a moist or even saucy paste are often sold. Some people may know it better in the North American region as prawn sauce.
As a substitute for shrimp paste, you can use dried shrimp or another fish sauce to create a layered and savory flavor profile. According to Serious Eats, a plant-based shrimp paste alternative called tua nao is often used as a substitute in Northern Thailand. So next time you indulge in some at-home curry, make sure to grab one of these unique ingredients for an authentic taste. Or, just order your favorite takeout! No judgment.
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