How to Eat Dry Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

Dry shrimp are a popular pantry staple in many Asian cuisines. Their intense umami flavor makes them a versatile ingredient to always have on hand. But if you’re new to dry shrimp you may wonder – how exactly do you eat them?

In this article, I’ll share tips on preparing and eating dry shrimp to draw out their best flavor. With the proper techniques, these shriveled little shrimp transform into an umami flavor bomb!

Known as hae bee or har bee in Chinese, dry shrimp are whole shrimp that have been dried and salted This drying process concentrates their flavor while preserving them.

Several types of small shrimp are used to make dry shrimp, including akiami paste shrimp, bay shrimp, and Pacific white shrimp They range in size from tiny 1⁄2 inch shrimp to larger 2-3 inch ones

The drying process gives dry shrimp an intense savory taste that adds rich flavor to dishes. Plus their convenience makes them a pantry hero ingredient.

How to Prepare Dry Shrimp for Eating

Before eating dry shrimp, they need to be rehydrated and rinsed to remove excess salt. Here’s how to prepare them:

• Soak in warm water for 15-20 minutes until pliable. For larger shrimp, soak up to 30 minutes.

• Drain and rinse shrimp well under running water.

• Pinch shrimp to check for firmness. They should be supple but still have some chew.

• For whole dry shrimp, snip off antennae and legs using kitchen shears.

Once prepped, the dry shrimp are ready to eat!

Tasty Ways to Eat Rehydrated Dry Shrimp

Here are my favorite ways to eat prepared dry shrimp so you can take advantage of their incredible flavor:

1. Cook into rice or congee

Cook dry shrimp right into rice dishes or congee (rice porridge). Their flavor infuses the grains with savory depth.

For 1 cup uncooked rice, use 2 Tbsp chopped dry shrimp. Sauté with aromatics then add rice and cooking liquid.

2. Add to soups and broths

Add rehydrated dry shrimp to any soup or broth for an instant flavor upgrade. Their seafood sweetness gives a tasty boost.

For clear broths, simmer dry shrimp for 30 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Remove shrimp before serving.

3. Sprinkle on salads or bowls

Chop dry shrimp into smaller pieces and use as a protein topping for green salads, grain bowls, or veggie sides.

The shrimp add great texture and salty bursts of umami.

4. Mix into dips and spreads

Chop dry shrimp finely and incorporate into creamy dips, spreadable cheeses, or savory sandwich spreads.

They provide a flavor punch without being visually obvious.

5. Make shrimp salt or powder

Use a mortar and pestle to grind dry shrimp into a powder to sprinkle as a seasoning salt.

Or grind into a paste to mix into marinades, dressings, and sauces.

6. Fry until crispy

Fry dry shrimp in hot oil for 15-30 seconds until crispy. Toss with chili garlic sauce for a tasty snack or garnish.

They get wonderfully crispy and addictive thanks to their already dehydrated state.

7. skewer for grilling or broiling

Thread rehydrated dry shrimp onto skewers and grill or broil until lightly charred. Brush with a glaze of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.

The fire brings out the shrimp’s sweetness for a caramelized treat.

Tips for Cooking with Dry Shrimp

When cooking with dry shrimp, keep these tips in mind:

• Soak just until pliable but still somewhat stiff for best texture

• Remove tough legs and antennae to prevent choking hazards

• Chop, grind, or slice to control saltiness and chewiness

• Add at the end of cooking if you want shrimp visually intact

• Adjust amount to your taste—a little goes a long way!

Purchasing and Storing Dry Shrimp

When buying and storing dry shrimp:

• Look for plump, whole shrimp with an orange-pink hue

• Avoid any with black spots or yellow discoloration

• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place

• Refrigerate after opening to extend shelf life

• Use within 6 months for best flavor

Properly stored, dry shrimp will keep over a year but their flavor fades over time. For best results, try to use within 6 months.

Elevate Your Dishes with Dry Shrimp

Hopefully this article has demystified how to eat dry shrimp and inspired you to start cooking with them. Don’t be intimated by their appearance—with proper preparation, dry shrimp add incredible savory depth to both Asian and Western cuisine.

Try scattering them over salads, frying them into crispy bits, or grinding them into a seasoning powder. Their convenience and flavor make dry shrimp a pantry staple you’ll want to always have on hand.