Shrimp paste is a staple in many Southeast Asian dishes, providing a rich, umami-packed flavor that elevates curries, sauces, and marinades.
However, whether due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or a plant-based lifestyle, you may need to find alternatives that mimic its salty, savory depth.
Fortunately, there are several plant based ingredients that can step in, delivering that distinct punch of flavor without compromising your dish’s authenticity.
This article explores the best shrimp paste substitutes, detailing how to use each effectively.
What is Shrimp Paste?
Shrimp paste, also called belacan or tapi, is a fermented condiment made from ground shrimp or krill mixed with salt.
The mixture is left to ferment for several weeks to months, resulting in a pungent savoury paste that enhances the elements of various dishes.
Commonly used in Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Filipino cuisine, shrimp paste is a core ingredient in recipes like sambal, laksa, and curry pastes. Its intense umami flavor adds depth, balancing sweet, spicy, and sour notes.
Since it’s made with shrimps, it’s not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Finding a vegan or vegetarian substitute for it can be challenging but there are actually many other ingredients you can use to add a similar umami note to your recipes.
Best Shrimp Paste Substitutes
1. Miso Paste
Miso paste, a fermented soybean product, provides a comparable umami punch and saltiness to shrimp paste. It’s very commonly used in Asian countries.
It might not have that briny note typical of shrimp paste, but it adds richness and a tiny bit of sweetness that’ll add the same depth and complexity to your dishes.
White miso (shiro) offers a milder flavor, while red miso (aka) has a deeper, more pungent taste.
How to Use
Miso paste can replace shrimp paste in soups, stews, and marinades. It’s especially useful in Thai curries and stir-fried dishes. For a closer match, combine miso with a bit of crumbled seaweed to mimic the oceanic flavor.
Ratio
1:1 Use 1 tsp of miso paste for every 1 tsp of shrimp paste. Adjust to taste based on the desired intensity.
2. Fermented Bean Paste (Doubanjiang)
Fermented bean paste, especially the spicy Sichuan doubanjiang, delivers similar depth and fermented complexity as shrimp paste. It has a robust, savory flavor that complements Asian dishes.
How to Use
Use fermented bean paste in curries, stews, dipping sauces, and noodle dishes. It’s excellent for enhancing stir-fried vegetables and tofu.
Ratio
1:1 Substitute 1 teaspoon of fermented bean paste for every teaspoon of shrimp paste.
3. Vegan Worcester Sauce
Worcester sauce (the one without anchovies) has a complex flavor profile, and it’s made with ingredients like vinegar, molasses, garlic, tamarind, and various spices. It provides a tangy, slightly sweet, and lots of umami.
How to Use
Ideal for sauces, marinades, and soups, Worcester sauce blends well in dishes requiring liquid seasoning.
Ratio
2:1 Use 2 tablespoon of Worcester sauce for every 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste.
4. Dried seaweed
Seaweed, such as dried nori sheets, with its oceanic flavour offers a briny and fishy flavor similar to shrimp paste without the animals. It’s a natural vegan option. You can use finely chopped or ground seaweed to add a similar flavour tone to your dishes.
How to Use
Crumble dried seaweed into broths, curries, and sauces. It adds a subtle seafood flavor without overpowering the dish.
Ratio
3:1 Use 1 tablespoon of crumbled seaweed for every teaspoon of shrimp paste.
5. Vegan Fish Sauce
Vegan fish sauce is typically made from fermented soy, seaweed, and mushrooms, mimicking the savory, salty profile of traditional fish sauces and shrimp paste. It’s an excellent alternative if you can find it near you.
How to Use
Add vegan fish sauce to soups, dipping sauces, and curries to achieve the right umami balance.
Ratio
1:1 Substitute 1 tablespoon of vegan fish sauce for every teaspoon of shrimp paste.
6. Vegetarian Oyster Sauce
Vegetarian oyster sauce, made from mushrooms, provides a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that can replace shrimp paste in many dishes.
How to Use
Use vegetarian oyster sauce in stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. Its thick consistency and umami notes enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
Ratio
3:1 Substitute 1 tablespoon of vegetarian oyster sauce for every teaspoon of shrimp paste.
7. Soy Sauce or Tamari (Gluten Free)
Soy sauce, or its gluten free counterpart Tamari, has a rich, umami flavor and it can be used to subsitute fish sauce.
How to Use
Soy sauce and tamari works well in marinades, stir-fries, and noodle dishes, providing a deep umami element.
Ratio
1:1 Use 1 tablespoon of tamari for every teaspoon of shrimp paste.
8. Mushroom Powder
Mushrooms are packed with umami and mushroom powder can provide a similar depth to shrimp paste when rehydrated and blended. They don’t have the fishy taste of shrimp paste, but the umami works great to add a earthy meaty flavour.
You can find mushroom powder in health stores or make it yourself by blending dry mushrooms
How to Use
Add to curries, sauces, or soups.
Ratio
1:1 Replace shrimp paste with the same amount of mushroom powder
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use in place of shrimp paste?
A great substitute for shrimp paste is miso paste. It provides a similar depth of umami and saltiness. Ground seaweed is also a good alternative. Fermented bean paste, vegan fish sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, soy sauce, tamari, and dried mushrooms can also work, though they might lack the briny quality of shrimp paste. For a closer match, combine miso with a bit of crumbled seaweed to mimic the oceanic flavor.
Can I leave out shrimp paste entirely?
Yes, but the dish may lack depth. Consider using one of the substitutes listed to replicate the umami flavor.
What is the best vegan substitute for shrimp paste?
Miso paste, seaweed, and vegan fish sauce are the best vegan alternatives for shrimp paste.
Will substitutes affect the flavor of traditional recipes?
Some substitutes may slightly alter the flavor, but they will still contribute to the dish’s overall richness and depth.
Can I combine substitutes for a stronger flavor?
Yes! For example, combining miso paste with seaweed can enhance the umami flavor even more.
Where can I buy these substitutes?
Most substitutes can be found in Asian grocery stores, health food stores, or online.
By incorporating these shrimp paste alternatives into your cooking, you can enjoy flavorful, authentic-tasting dishes while accommodating dietary preferences and restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right substitute for shrimp paste ensures that your dishes retain their authentic, savory depth without compromising dietary preferences. From miso paste and seaweed to vegetarian oyster sauce and fermented bean paste, a variety of options exist to suit different recipes and needs. Experiment with these alternatives to discover the best match for your culinary creations.
