19 Malaysian Shrimp Paste Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Shrimp paste, also known as belacan in Malaysia, is a traditional ingredient that adds a unique depth of flavor to many dishes. Made from fermented shrimp, it is a staple in Malaysian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes such as curries, stir-fries, and sambals. In this article, we will explore the traditional Malaysian shrimp paste recipe and how it is made. Let's dive in and discover the delicious world of belacan!
Main Ingredients: Coriander Seeds, Black Peppercorns, Cumin Seeds, Fennel
Chicken Laksa is a popular Malaysian dish that combines the flavors of Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. It is a spicy coconut-based soup that is filled with noodles, chicken, and various herbs and spices. It is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
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Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Main Ingredients: Shrimp Paste, Dark Brown Sugar, Shallots, Garlic
Nasi Goreng is a staple dish in Indonesia and is commonly served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is a simple dish made with stir-fried rice, vegetables, and protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The key to making the perfect Nasi Goreng is using day-old rice, which helps to achieve the signature crispy texture.
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Malaysian Kapitan Chicken
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Chicken Thigh Fillets, Coconut Milk, Kaffir
Malaysian Kapitan Chicken is a spicy and flavorful chicken dish that is commonly found in the northern states of Malaysia. It is made with a combination of aromatic herbs and spices such as lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric, giving it a unique and delicious taste. This dish is typically served with steamed rice and is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals.
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Laksa Soup – Malaysian Curry Coconut Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Laksa Paste, Chicken Stock, Kefir, Salt
Laksa Soup is a popular Malaysian dish that is enjoyed by many across Southeast Asia. It is a rich and creamy coconut-based soup that is filled with noodles, shrimp, chicken, and various herbs and spices. It is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for cold and rainy days.
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The Hirshon Malaysian Laksa
Main Ingredients: Fresh Turmeric, Galangal, Chiles De Arbol, Jalapenos
The Hirshon Malaysian Laksa is a delicious and authentic version of the popular Laksa dish. It is made with a flavorful broth made with chicken, shrimp, and various spices such as chili, lemongrass, and tamarind. This dish is typically served with rice noodles, tofu puffs, and bean sprouts, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
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Malaysian Sambal Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Garlic, Shrimp Paste, Red Chili
Malaysian Sambal Eggplant is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. It is made with eggplants that are cooked in a spicy and flavorful sambal sauce made with chili, onions, garlic, and shrimp paste. This dish is typically served with steamed rice and is a must-try for those who love spicy food.
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Malaysian Mee Siam
Main Ingredients: Rice Vermicelli Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Chicken Thigh
Malaysian Mee Siam is a popular noodle dish that is commonly found in hawker stalls and restaurants across Malaysia. It is made with a combination of stir-fried rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, and a tangy and spicy sauce made with tamarind and chili. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Malaysian Curry Laksa (Laksa Lemak)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Coconut Cream, Tofu Puffs, Fish Sauce
Malaysian Curry Laksa, also known as Laksa Lemak, is a popular dish in Malaysia that is made with a rich and creamy curry broth, noodles, and various toppings such as chicken, shrimp, and tofu. The broth is made with a combination of coconut milk and spices, giving it a delicious and fragrant taste. It is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Malaysia.
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MALAYSIAN MAMAK FRIED CHICKEN
Main Ingredients: Chicken Legs, Shrimp Paste, Coconut Milk, Ginger
Malaysian Mamak Fried Chicken is a delicious and crispy fried chicken dish that is commonly found in Mamak stalls, which are open-air street-side restaurants in Malaysia. It is made with marinated chicken that is coated with a spiced flour mixture and deep-fried to perfection. It is typically served with various dipping sauces and is a favorite among locals.
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Char Kway Teow Malaysian Rice Noodle Stir-fry
Main Ingredients: Wide Rice Noodles, Dark Soy Sauce, Regular Soy Sauce
Char Kway Teow is a popular stir-fried noodle dish in Malaysia that is made with flat rice noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, and Chinese sausage. It is cooked in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, chili, and garlic, giving it a delicious and savory taste. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the diverse flavors of Malaysian cuisine.
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Malaysian Curry Noodles with Coconut Milk
Main Ingredients: Shrimps, Chilli Peppers, Galangal, Candlenuts, Turmeric
Malaysian Curry Noodles with Coconut Milk is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold and rainy days. It is made with a combination of noodles, chicken, shrimp, and various vegetables that are cooked in a rich and creamy coconut curry broth. This dish is packed with spices and herbs, making it a hearty and delicious meal.
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30 minute Malaysian Mee Siam
Main Ingredients: Rice Vermicelli, Vegetable Oil, Onions, Red Chillies
This 30 minute Malaysian Mee Siam recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and authentic Malaysian dish. It is made with stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, and a tangy and spicy sauce made with tamarind, chili, and garlic. It is a quick and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Malaysian Fried Rice With Shrimp or Belacan
Main Ingredients: Dried Shrimp, Cooking Oil, String Beans, Shrimp Paste
Malaysian Fried Rice with Shrimp or Belacan is a popular dish in Malaysia that is commonly found in street-side stalls and restaurants. It is made with stir-fried rice, shrimp, and a flavorful paste made with shrimp paste, chili, and garlic, giving it a unique and delicious taste. It is typically served with a fried egg on top and is a favorite among locals.
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Char Kway Teow (Malaysian Rice Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Shrimp Paste, Dried Chiles De Arbol, Peanut Oil
Char Kway Teow is a popular Malaysian dish that is similar to the Chinese Chow Fun noodles. It is made with flat rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese sausage, and various vegetables that are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, chili, and garlic. It is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
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The Hirshon Malaysian Peranakan Tamarind Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Lemongrass, Garlic, Yellow Bean Sauce
The Hirshon Malaysian Peranakan Tamarind Pork is a delicious and unique dish that is a fusion of Chinese and Malay cuisine. It is made with marinated pork that is slow-cooked in a tangy and spicy tamarind sauce, giving it a sweet and sour flavor. This dish is typically served with steamed rice and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the diverse flavors of Malaysian food.
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How To Make Malaysian Chili Paste (Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Chillies, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Shrimp Paste
Sambal is a staple condiment in Malaysian cuisine and is used in many different dishes. It is a spicy and flavorful chili paste that is made with a combination of chili, onions, garlic, and shrimp paste. It is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for future use. It is a must-have ingredient for anyone looking to recreate authentic Malaysian dishes at home.
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Laksa Soup – A Malaysian Coconut Curry Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Laksa Paste, Chicken Stock, Kaffir Lime
Laksa Soup is a popular dish in Malaysia that is made with a rich and flavorful coconut curry broth, noodles, and various toppings such as shrimp, chicken, and tofu. The broth is made with a combination of coconut milk and spices, giving it a delicious and fragrant taste. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the diverse flavors of Malaysian cuisine.
Main Ingredients: Onions, Garlic, Stock, Shrimp Paste
Sambal Tumis Udang is a simple and delicious Malaysian dish that is made with stir-fried shrimp and a spicy sambal sauce made with chili, onions, and garlic. It is typically served with steamed rice and is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals. This dish is easy to make and can be ready in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Indonesian Nasi Goreng is a popular dish in Indonesia that is similar to fried rice. It is made with stir-fried rice, vegetables, and protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The key to making the perfect Nasi Goreng is using day-old rice, which helps to achieve the signature crispy texture. This dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Beef Massaman Curry
Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Red Chillies, Ground Coriander, Cumin
Beef Massaman Curry is a rich and flavorful dish that is commonly found in Thai and Malaysian cuisine. It is made with beef that is cooked in a creamy and spicy curry sauce, giving it a delicious and complex flavor. This dish is typically served with rice and is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty and comforting meals.
The Making of Malaysian Shrimp Paste
Ingredients and Equipment
To make Malaysian shrimp paste, you will need fresh shrimp, salt, and a mortar and pestle. Traditionally, small local shrimp called krill are used, but you can use any type of fresh shrimp available to you. The quality of the shrimp is crucial as it will affect the end result of the paste.
Fermentation Process
The first step in making shrimp paste is to clean and prepare the shrimp. Once cleaned, the shrimp is mixed with salt and placed in a covered container for fermentation. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the climate and the desired level of fermentation. The salt helps to draw out the moisture from the shrimp, and the natural bacteria present on the shrimp helps with the fermentation process.
Grinding and Drying
After the shrimp has fermented, it is time to grind it into a paste. Traditionally, a mortar and pestle are used to grind the shrimp into a fine paste. This process can be time-consuming and requires a lot of elbow grease, but it is essential to get the right texture and consistency. The paste is then left out in the sun to dry, which can take a few days. Once dried, the paste is cut into blocks or cubes and stored for later use.
Flavor Profile
Malaysian shrimp paste has a pungent aroma and a strong, salty flavor. It adds a unique umami taste to dishes and is often used as a base for many Malaysian sauces and curries. The level of fermentation and the type of shrimp used can affect the intensity of the flavor, so experimenting with different types of shrimp can result in different tastes.
Uses in Malaysian Cuisine
Belacan is a versatile ingredient and is used in many Malaysian dishes. It is a key ingredient in sambal, a popular chili-based sauce that is often served with rice dishes or used in stir-fries. It is also used in curries, stews, and even as a condiment to add a depth of flavor to dishes.
In conclusion, Malaysian shrimp paste, or belacan, is a traditional ingredient that adds a unique flavor to many dishes in Malaysian cuisine. The process of making it may be time-consuming, but the end result is a versatile and delicious ingredient that is well worth the effort. So next time you are cooking up a Malaysian dish, don't forget to add a spoonful of belacan for that authentic taste.
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