Best Dried Shrimp Substitutes | Vegan & Seafood Alternatives
The best substitute for dried shrimp is Shrimp Paste at a 1 tsp paste per 2 tbsp dried shrimp ratio. It works best for curries, stir-fries, fried rice. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Shrimp Paste
1 tsp paste per 2 tbsp dried shrimp
Fermented shrimp paste provides similar umami intensity. Use sparingly as it's very pungent and salty.
What are the other substitutes for dried shrimp?
Dried Anchovies
1:1
Another dried seafood option with similar salty, umami depth. Soak and chop or grind into powder like dried shrimp.
Dried Mushrooms
1:1 by volume
Vegan option providing earthy umami. Shiitake works best. Lacks seafood flavor but adds depth to dishes.
Nori Flakes + Salt
1 tbsp nori + 1/4 tsp salt per 2 tbsp dried shrimp
Vegan substitute adding oceanic flavor without seafood. Toast nori and crumble before using.
Nutritional Yeast
1 tbsp per 2 tbsp dried shrimp
Vegan umami boost without seafood flavor. Best combined with seaweed for more complexity.
What should you know before substituting dried shrimp?
Soak dried shrimp in warm water for 15-30 minutes before using to soften them and reduce saltiness. Save the soaking liquid as it contains flavor and can be added to stocks or soups. Store dried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming rancid.
How do you substitute dried shrimp in a recipe?
Dried shrimp are small, sun-dried or oven-dried shrimp used in Asian and Latin American cuisines to add intense umami and seafood flavor to dishes. They're rehydrated before use or ground into powder for seasoning fried rice, soups, and stir-fries.
The best substitute for dried shrimp depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Shrimp Paste (1 tsp paste per 2 tbsp dried shrimp), which works well for curries, stir-fries, fried rice.
If you need a different option, Dried Anchovies (1:1) is another reliable choice. Another dried seafood option with similar salty, umami depth. Soak and chop or grind into powder like dried shrimp.
When substituting dried shrimp, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of dried shrimp?
Shrimp paste is the closest substitute, using 1 teaspoon paste per 2 tablespoons dried shrimp. For vegan options, use dried shiitake mushrooms for umami or toasted nori flakes with salt for oceanic flavor.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of dried?
Fresh shrimp won't provide the same concentrated umami flavor as dried shrimp. If substituting, use about 3 times the amount of fresh shrimp, mince finely, and add extra salt for similar depth.
How do you prepare dried shrimp for cooking?
Soak dried shrimp in warm water for 15-30 minutes to rehydrate and reduce saltiness. Drain and chop or grind as needed for your recipe. The soaking liquid can be used in stocks or soups for extra flavor.