What is it?

Profoundly redolent of all things oceanic, shrimp paste is an essential and treasured source of flavor and texture in curry pastes and in nahm prik, the beloved genre of hot chile dipping sauces. Made from tiny shrimp which are boiled, peeled, salted, dried, and then ground to a fine, sturdy, and very aromatic paste, it ranges in color from purplish-red to brown, with a firm but moist texture. It packs a powerful scent and super-salty flavor, but it melds into curry paste without a trace of its original intensity.

How to store:

Look for it in small plastic jars and keep it tightly closed until you need it. If it’s sealed with a layer of wax, simply break the wax and discard it. Store it at room temperature, tightly sealed, for up to six months.

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Recipes

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  Recipe

  Thai Curry Paste

  The master recipe makes a red curry paste, using dried red chiles. For green curry paste, see the variation at the bottom. Thai curry paste is traditionally made using a sturdy…

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  Recipe

  Masmun Curry Paste

  You'll need a larger mortar and pestle to make this authentic Thai curry paste.