Where to Buy Shrimp Paste: A Guide to This Powerful Umami Ingredient

Shrimp paste, also known as terasi (Indonesia), kapi (Thailand), or bagoong (Philippines), is a pungent and flavorful condiment used in Southeast Asian cuisines. If you want to cook authentic dishes from this region, shrimp paste is a must-have ingredient. But where can you buy this unique item? This guide will cover everything you need to know about finding and purchasing shrimp paste.

What is Shrimp Paste?

Shrimp paste is made from fermented ground shrimp mixed with salt. Traditional production methods involve compressing a mixture of raw shrimp, water, and salt into a block, then allowing it to ferment for months.

This prolonged fermentation breaks down proteins into free amino acids like glutamic acid, creating a rich umami flavor. The paste develops an extremely pungent aroma as well as a deep pinkish-brown color.

Culinary Uses of Shrimp Paste

In Southeast Asian cooking, shrimp paste serves as a versatile flavor enhancer. Here are some of the most common uses:

• Small amounts are sautéed in oil to season curries, stir fries, marinades, dipping sauces, and more. The shrimp paste infuses dishes with savory depth.

• It is an ingredient in flavor bases like Filipino ginisa and Thai nam prik. These prepared mixtures provide instant umami to various recipes.

• Shrimp paste enhances the flavor of grilled foods. Skewers and seafood like satay are often dipped in a shrimp paste marinade before cooking.

• Fried shrimp paste cakes are eaten as a snack or condiment. The shrimp paste is combined with other ingredients and deep fried into fritter-like cakes

• It is added to dips and salsas for extra body and savoriness. Shrimp paste works especially well in chunky vegetable-based accompaniments.

So if you want to make iconic dishes like Thai curries, Vietnamese dipping sauces, or Filipino kare-kare, shrimp paste is the “secret ingredient” that makes them authentic. Now let’s look at where to source this essential item.

Where to Buy Shrimp Paste

Finding shrimp paste used to require shopping at specialty Asian grocery stores. But with the ingredient gaining popularity, you now have several options:

Asian Supermarkets

Stores like H Mart, 99 Ranch Market, and Hong Kong Supermarket will have the largest selection and most affordable pricing on shrimp paste. Advantages of buying at an Asian supermarket:

• Widest range of brands and package sizes. Can buy in bulk for better value.

• Freshest products with high turnover. Popular item so stocks are constantly replenished.

• More choices like fermented vs non-fermented and different regional styles.

• Staff likely knowledgeable about cooking with shrimp paste.

The main downside is accessibility, as these specialty grocers are still limited to major metro areas. But if you have one nearby, it should be your first stop for shrimp paste shopping.

Mainstream Grocery Stores

Large chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons have started carrying shrimp paste in the international aisle. Here are some things to consider when purchasing from a big grocery retailer:

• Very limited options – Usually just one brand in small jars.

• Potentially more expensive per ounce.

• Not a quick turnover item, so check expiration dates.

• Staff may have no advice for preparation and use.

But for those without easy access to an Asian market, mainstream grocers are better than nothing. Just avoid brands that look more pink than brown, as they likely have added colorants.

Online Spices and Specialty Stores

Purchasing shrimp paste online is now a viable option too. Retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty spice shops carry various brands. Benefits of online ordering include:

• Huge selection of paste types, brands, sizes, and quantities.

• Ability to buy in bulk with discounts. Some shops even offer wholesale pricing.

• Convenient shipping right to your door.

• Avoid the headaches of shopping in-person.

Just be mindful of high shipping costs on heavier items like shrimp paste. And wraps or insulation may be needed if you live in an extremely hot climate. But overall, specialty online stores are a handy shrimp paste resource.

Make Your Own

If you want the freshest shrimp paste possible, then making it from scratch at home is an option. DIY shrimp paste takes time and effort, but here are some benefits:

• Total control over ingredients and quality.

• Ability to adjust pungency and flavor.

• Satisfaction of crafting an iconic ingredient yourself.

• Lower cost than buying, especially when making large batches.

Search for recipes online that provide steps for proper fermenting. And research laws in your state, as homemade food preservation comes with safety considerations.

What to Look for When Buying Shrimp Paste

To select a high quality shrimp paste, here are the key characteristics to evaluate:

Color

• Good quality – Deep reddish, dark brown
• Lower quality – Bright pink, orange, purple

Darker color comes from prolonged fermentation. Lighter colors are added artificially.

Aroma

• Good quality – Extremely pungent, salty odor
• Lower quality – Mild smell

Shrimp paste should have an eye-watering stench when opened. Little to no smell means lack of fermentation.

Texture

• Good quality – Thick, chunky puree
• Lower quality – Smooth, loose paste

Proper fermenting results in a coarse, oily paste. A thin, gooey consistency is less desirable.

Ingredients

• Good quality – Shrimp, salt, water, minimal additives
• Lower quality – Fillers, preservatives, colorings, MSG

Traditional shrimp paste contains very few ingredients. Avoid products with long additive lists.

Packaging

• Good quality – Jar or plastic tub packaging
• Lower quality – Clear plastic with visible paste

Opaque, non-see-through packaging protects the light-sensitive paste from damage.

Buying a reputable brand from a seller with high turnover helps ensure you get a high quality, recently produced shrimp paste.

How Much Shrimp Paste to Buy

Shrimp paste is sold in a range of quantities:

• Small jars (3-5 oz)
• Large jars (8-12 oz)
• Plastic tubs (1 lb and up)
• Bulk bags (5 lbs+)

If new to shrimp paste, start with a small amount to test. But avid cooks may want to buy 1 lb+ at a time for better value per ounce. Shrimp paste keeps for several months, so bulk quantities won’t go to waste. Properly stored in a sealed container in the fridge, shrimp paste will remain safe and flavorful for a long time.

Storing Shrimp Paste

Once opened, transfer any unused shrimp paste to an airtight jar or container. Ensure no air pockets inside before sealing. Then store in the refrigerator to inhibit mold growth.

If paste does start growing mold, scrape off the top layer to expose the unaffected product below. And take care not to cross-contaminate other foods with dirty utensils used for the shrimp paste.

With proper storage techniques, shrimp paste can hold its potency for many uses over several months. Aging actually intensifies the flavor as amino acids continue developing.

Using Shrimp Paste Safely

Shrimp paste is a very concentrated, fermented product requiring careful handling:

• Avoid direct contact. Always use a utensil to scoop paste from the jar.

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Shrimp paste can irritate skin.

• Use only small quantities. Start with 1/4 tsp or less until familiar with potency.

• Fry or cook shrimp paste to reduce raw aroma and microbes. Do not eat it uncooked.

• Cook any sauce or dish containing shrimp paste before consumption.

With a little care, shrimp paste can add huge flavor with minimal risk. Employ it judiciously to bring authentic Southeast Asian taste to everyday meals.

Hopefully this guide provides everything you need to locate and purchase high quality shrimp paste. Let us know in the comments where you find the best shrimp paste and your favorite recipes using this pungent seasoning!