Deutsch: Garnelenpaste / Español: Pasta de camarones / Português: Pasta de camarão / Français: Pâte de crevettes / Italiano: Pasta di gamberetti
Shrimp paste is a fermented condiment made from ground shrimp or krill that is mixed with salt and left to ferment for several weeks or months. It is widely used in Southeast Asian, Southern Chinese, and other regional cuisines as a flavour enhancer, known for its pungent aroma and strong, salty umami taste. Shrimp paste is typically added to dishes in small amounts due to its intense flavour.
General Description
Shrimp paste is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines, including Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, and Filipino cooking. It comes in various forms, ranging from wet, smooth pastes to drier, more granular varieties, and can range in colour from pale pink to dark brown, depending on the region and specific preparation method.
The fermentation process is key to developing shrimp paste's characteristic flavour and aroma. Fresh shrimp or krill are cleaned, mixed with salt, and then sun-dried or fermented in containers. The mixture is sometimes ground repeatedly and fermented over extended periods to deepen its flavour. This process not only preserves the shrimp but also intensifies its umami, making it a potent seasoning for a wide array of dishes.
Shrimp paste is used sparingly due to its strong smell and flavour, which can be overpowering if not balanced correctly. It is often fried or roasted before being added to dishes, which helps mellow its aroma and blend its taste with other ingredients.
Application Areas
Shrimp paste is utilised in a variety of culinary applications:
- Curries and Stews: Commonly used in Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian curries, such as Thai green curry and Malaysian laksa, to add depth and savouriness.
- Stir-Fries: Added to stir-fried vegetables, meats, or rice dishes for enhanced umami and complexity.
- Dips and Sauces: A key ingredient in Southeast Asian condiments such as sambal belacan in Malaysia, bagoong alamang in the Philippines, and kapi in Thailand.
- Marinades: Used in marinades for meats and seafood to impart a savoury, robust flavour profile.
Well-Known Examples
- Sambal Belacan: A Malaysian chilli paste made with shrimp paste, chillies, lime juice, and other seasonings, used as a condiment or side dish.
- Nam Prik Kapi: A Thai dipping sauce made from shrimp paste, chillies, garlic, and lime, often served with fresh vegetables and rice.
- Bagoong Alamang: A Filipino condiment made from fermented shrimp paste, commonly used in cooking or as a topping for dishes like kare-kare (a peanut-based stew).
- Terasi: An Indonesian shrimp paste used in sambals, soups, and stir-fries, known for its strong aroma and flavour.
- Gaeng Kua: A traditional Thai curry that includes shrimp paste as a primary seasoning ingredient, adding depth to the curry’s flavour.
Treatment and Risks
While shrimp paste is generally safe to consume, there are some considerations and potential risks:
- Allergies: Shrimp paste can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with shellfish allergies, and it should be avoided by those with sensitivities to seafood.
- High Sodium Content: Due to the salt used in the fermentation process, shrimp paste is high in sodium, which can be a concern for individuals managing their salt intake.
- Strong Aroma: The intense smell of shrimp paste can be off-putting to some people, especially if not accustomed to fermented foods.
Similar Terms
- Fish Sauce: A liquid condiment made from fermented fish, often used alongside or as an alternative to shrimp paste in Southeast Asian cooking.
- Anchovy Paste: A similar product made from ground anchovies and salt, used in Mediterranean and Western cooking as a flavour enhancer.
- Soy Sauce: A fermented soy-based condiment that shares umami characteristics with shrimp paste but lacks the seafood flavour.
Summary
Shrimp paste is a fermented seafood condiment widely used in Southeast Asian and Southern Chinese cuisines for its strong umami flavour and aroma. Made from ground shrimp or krill mixed with salt and fermented, it is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and complexity to curries, sauces, stir-fries, and marinades. While it offers distinctive culinary benefits, shrimp paste should be used with caution due to its potent flavour, high sodium content, and potential allergenicity for those sensitive to shellfish.
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