18 Southern Shrimp Paste Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Apr 26, 2024
Shrimp paste is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Southern regions. It is a fermented condiment made from ground shrimp mixed with salt and other spices, giving it a unique umami flavor. This versatile ingredient is used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to marinades and dips. In this article, we will delve into the world of southern shrimp paste and share a delicious recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Coriander Seeds, Black Peppercorns, Cumin Seeds, Fennel
Chicken Laksa is a spicy and aromatic Malaysian noodle soup that is bursting with flavor. It's a popular street food dish that is often enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The key to a delicious laksa is the rich broth made from a blend of spices, coconut milk, and chicken broth. This recipe calls for tender chicken pieces that are infused with the flavors of the soup, making each bite irresistible. Serve this dish with a side of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Main Ingredients: Shrimp Paste, Dark Brown Sugar, Shallots, Garlic
Nasi Goreng is a classic Indonesian dish that is beloved for its bold and spicy flavors. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or for a weekend gathering with friends and family. This recipe is made with chicken, shrimp, and vegetables and is seasoned with a delicious blend of spices. The key to a perfect Nasi Goreng is to use day-old rice, as it has a firmer texture and won't stick together when frying.
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Char Kway Teow
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh Fillets, Pork Belly, Oyster Sauce, Corn
Char Kway Teow is a popular street food dish in Singapore and Malaysia that is made with flat rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. The name "Char Kway Teow" translates to "stir-fried rice cake strips" in English, and the dish is known for its smoky and savory flavors. This recipe calls for crispy fried garlic, which adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor to the dish. Serve this dish hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Indonesian Nasi Goreng is a delicious and easy-to-make fried rice dish that is popular in Indonesia and Malaysia. This dish is typically made with leftover rice, but you can also use freshly cooked rice for a quick and tasty meal. In this recipe, the rice is stir-fried with chicken, shrimp, and vegetables and seasoned with a blend of spices and sauces. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day.
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Beef Massaman Curry
Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Red Chillies, Ground Coriander, Cumin
Beef Massaman Curry is a rich and flavorful Thai curry that is made with tender beef, potatoes, and peanuts. It has a unique blend of spices and flavors, including cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise, which gives the dish a warm and comforting taste. This recipe also calls for coconut milk, which adds a creamy and slightly sweet element to the dish. Serve this curry over a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Thai Panang Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Chicken Thigh Fillets, Coconut Milk
Thai Panang Chicken Curry is a creamy and spicy curry that is popular in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. This curry is made with tender chicken pieces that are simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce made with coconut milk, Panang curry paste, and spices. This recipe also calls for kaffir lime leaves, which adds a citrusy and fragrant element to the dish. Serve this curry with steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Thai Ground (Minced) Beef or Pork Curry
Main Ingredients: Thai Chilis, Medium Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Rather than using traditional chunks of meat, this Thai curry recipe calls for ground beef or pork, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. The meat is cooked with a blend of spices, including coriander, cumin, and turmeric, and is simmered in a flavorful coconut milk-based sauce. This dish is typically served with a side of steamed rice and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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How to Make Southern Thai Curry Paste
Main Ingredients: Thai Bird Chilies, Garlic, Turmeric, Galangal
This recipe will teach you how to make a delicious and authentic Southern Thai curry paste from scratch. This paste is the base for many flavorful Thai dishes and is made with a blend of spices, including lemongrass, galangal, and shrimp paste. Once you have made the paste, you can use it to make a variety of dishes, such as curries, soups, and stir-fries. Use this paste to elevate your Thai cooking and impress your family and friends.
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Southern Thai ‘Khua Kling’ Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Mince, Fish Sauce, Palm Sugar, Freshly Ground
Southern Thai ‘Khua Kling’ Pork is a popular dish in Southern Thailand that is known for its spicy and flavorful taste. This dish is made with pork belly that is stir-fried with a blend of spices and chili paste, giving it a fiery and fragrant taste. This dish is typically served with steamed rice and is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food. Add some extra chili if you like it extra spicy!
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Southern Thai Yellow Crab Curry
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Coconut Milk, Fish Sauce, Palm Sugar
This Southern Thai Yellow Crab Curry is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. This curry is made with tender crab meat that is cooked in a rich and creamy sauce made with coconut milk and a blend of spices. This recipe also calls for fresh Thai basil, which adds a delicious and fragrant element to the dish. Serve this curry with steamed rice for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
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Kare-Kare
Main Ingredients: Oxtail, Water, Banana, Eggplant, Long Beans, Leaves
Kare-Kare is a popular Filipino stew that is made with tender beef, oxtail, and vegetables, all cooked in a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This dish is typically served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for a delicious and unique flavor combination. The key to a delicious Kare-Kare is to use homemade peanut butter, which adds a rich and nutty taste to the dish. This is a comforting and filling meal that is perfect for any occasion.
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Southern Thai Gaeng Som - Sour Fish Soup
Main Ingredients: Fish, Water, Green Papaya, Shrimp Paste, Salt, Lime
Southern Thai Gaeng Som is a sour and spicy fish soup that is popular in Southern Thailand. This soup is made with a variety of vegetables, including pumpkin, eggplant, and green beans, and is flavored with tamarind paste and shrimp paste, giving it a tangy and savory taste. This recipe also calls for fish balls, which add a delicious and unique texture to the dish. Serve this soup hot with a side of steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
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Southern Thai Pork Rib Curry (แกงพริกกระดูกหมู)
Main Ingredients: Red Curry Paste, Fresh Turmeric, Ground Turmeric, Thai
Southern Thai Pork Rib Curry is a spicy and flavorful curry that is made with juicy and tender pork ribs. This dish is made with a rich and creamy coconut milk base and is flavored with a blend of spices, including chili, lemongrass, and turmeric. This recipe also calls for palm sugar, which adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the spiciness of the dish. Serve this curry with steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Satay Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh Fillet, Onion, Garlic, Lemongrass, Sugar
Satay Chicken is a popular street food dish in Southeast Asia that is made with tender and juicy chicken skewers that are grilled to perfection. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and sauces, including cumin, coriander, and soy sauce, giving it a delicious and fragrant taste. This recipe also calls for a peanut dipping sauce that is the perfect accompaniment to the chicken skewers. This dish is perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick and easy dinner option.
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Pinakbet
Main Ingredients: Pork, Large Egg, Bitter Melon, Squash, Large Tomato
Pinakbet is a classic Filipino vegetable dish that is made with a variety of vegetables, including squash, okra, and eggplant, all cooked in a savory shrimp paste sauce. This dish is typically served with crispy fried fish for a delicious and satisfying meal. The key to a delicious Pinakbet is to use fresh and seasonal vegetables, giving the dish a burst of flavor and texture. Serve this dish with steamed rice for a complete and nutritious meal.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
This Southern Cornbread recipe is a must-try for all cornbread lovers. It's made with simple ingredients, including cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, and is cooked in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy and golden crust. This recipe also calls for bacon drippings, which adds a delicious and smoky flavor to the cornbread. Serve this cornbread hot with a side of butter for a delicious and comforting side dish.
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Pork Binagoongan
Main Ingredients: Pork, Garlic, Vinegar, Onion, Tomato, Chili, Shrimp
Pork Binagoongan is a delicious Filipino dish that is made with tender pork pieces that are cooked in a savory and tangy shrimp paste sauce. This dish is typically served with a side of steamed rice and is perfect for those who enjoy bold and intense flavors. This recipe calls for crispy fried pork belly, adding a delicious and crispy element to the dish. Serve this dish hot for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Laing
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Pork Belly, Shrimp Paste
Laing is a classic Filipino dish that is made with taro leaves, coconut milk, and spices. It's a creamy and flavorful dish that is typically served with crispy fried fish and steamed rice. The key to a delicious Laing is to use fresh and young taro leaves, as they have a milder flavor and a more tender texture. This dish is perfect for vegetarians and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish.
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Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Oil, Garlic, Shrimp Paste, Shrimp, Steamed Rice, Fresh
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a popular and delicious dish that is made with a combination of sweet and savory flavors. This dish is typically served in a hollowed-out pineapple, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. The rice is stir-fried with shrimp, chicken, and vegetables, and is seasoned with a blend of spices and sauces, including fish sauce and soy sauce. Add some cashew nuts for a delicious and crunchy addition to the dish.
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Korean-Style Marinated Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Melissa, Daikon, Scallions, Hot Pepper Paste, Shrimp
These Korean-Style Marinated Cucumbers are a refreshing and delicious side dish that is perfect for hot summer days. The cucumbers are marinated in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. This dish is typically served cold and is a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes, such as Korean BBQ or fried rice. This is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
The History of Southern Shrimp Paste
Shrimp paste has a long history, dating back to ancient China. It was first introduced to Southern regions, such as Vietnam and Thailand, through trade routes and has since become a staple in their cuisine. The fermentation process of shrimp paste was discovered as a way to preserve seafood before refrigeration was available. Over time, different variations of the recipe were developed, using different types of shrimp and spices, resulting in a unique flavor profile for each region.
The Making of Southern Shrimp Paste
The key ingredient in southern shrimp paste is, of course, the shrimp. Traditionally, small freshwater shrimp were used, but nowadays, any type of shrimp can be used. The shrimp are cleaned, salted, and left to ferment for several weeks. During this time, the shrimp breaks down and forms a paste-like consistency. Other ingredients, such as shallots, garlic, and chili peppers, can also be added for extra flavor.
Versatility in Cooking
Southern shrimp paste is known for its strong, pungent aroma and flavor. It is often used as a base for soups, stews, and stir-fries, adding a depth of umami flavor to the dish. It is also commonly used as a dipping sauce for vegetables, meats, and even fruits. In Vietnam, it is a key ingredient in the famous dish, bún riêu, a crab and tomato-based soup.
Recipe for Southern Shrimp Paste
Now that you know more about the history and versatility of shrimp paste, it's time to try making it yourself. Here is a simple recipe for southern shrimp paste that you can make at home.
Ingredients:
1 pound shrimp, cleaned and deveined
1/4 cup sea salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1-2 red chili peppers, minced
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned shrimp with the salt and sugar. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, rinse the shrimp with cold water and pat dry.
In a food processor, add the shrimp, shallots, garlic, and chili peppers. Pulse until a paste-like consistency is formed.
Transfer the mixture into a glass jar and cover with a lid.
Leave the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks to ferment.
After the fermentation process, the shrimp paste is ready to be used in your favorite dishes.
In Conclusion
Southern shrimp paste is a unique and flavorful ingredient that adds depth to any dish. Its history and versatility in cooking make it a beloved staple in many cuisines. With this simple recipe, you can now make your own shrimp paste at home and experiment with different dishes to enjoy its rich umami flavor. So next time you're looking to add a little something extra to your dish, give southern shrimp paste a try.
