Vegan Shrimp Paste (Belacan or Terasi)

Use this recipe to create a viable, shellfish-free substitute for authentic flavors in Southeast Asian cuisines.
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UPDATE: I discovered this doubles as an anchovy substitute!

After a little experimentation, we landed on a potent combination: miso blended with ground toasted nori…

America’s Test Kitchen, Cook’s Illustrated

Belacan or terasi, or shrimp paste, is a salted and fermented ingredient common to savory Malaysian, Indonesian, and Thai dishes. A mixture of powdered seaweed and fermented bean paste delivers the oceanic umami such recipes require. Wakame and red soybean paste offer the most accurate results, but nori or other seaweeds and miso work well too.

Vegan Shrimp Paste (Belacan or Terasi)

Description

This recipe yields 2 Tbsp. Proportionately adjust as desired.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, press and stir paste and powder into a uniform mixture.

  2. Line a ramekin or other vessel with plastic wrap. Firmly pack mixture into vessel.

  3. Carefully remove mixture. Use or refrigerate as needed.

Note

UPDATE: I discovered this doubles as an anchovy substitute!

Keywords: shrimp paste, belacan, wakame, soybean paste, seaweed, miso, umami

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Christi L. Corey

Kale yes, I'm soy excited you're here! My name is Christi, and sharing food brings me even more happiness than puns.

Does It Vegan? is a question for conventional recipes as well as an answer for my career. Because no matter what else I've been, I've been a plant-based cook who thrives on connecting with people through their favorite foods.

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