Shrimp Recipe

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Servings: 1 serving Difficulty: Beginner
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Aromatic Southeast Asian shrimp paste base with kencur and turmeric
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Shrimp Recipe

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 1 serving Calories: 8.5

Description

This recipe creates a fragrant, pungent base for shrimp dishes using traditional Southeast Asian aromatics. The combination of fresh turmeric, aromatic kencur (aromatic ginger), and toasted coriander seeds provides a deep, earthy foundation. Candlenuts add a rich, creamy texture and nutty depth, while dried shrimp paste (trasi) delivers an intense, savory umami kick. This paste is essential for authentic curries, sambals, or stir-fries. It pairs beautifully with fresh shrimp, rice, or noodles. Perfect for adding complex, home-style flavor to your meals.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Toast the coriander seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  2. Lightly toast the candlenuts in the same skillet until golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  3. Combine the peeled kencur, fresh turmeric, toasted coriander seeds, toasted candlenuts, and shrimp paste in a mortar.
  4. Pound and grind the mixture into a coarse paste, adding a splash of water if necessary to facilitate grinding.
  5. Alternatively, blend all ingredients in a food processor or spice grinder until a smooth, thick paste forms.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1 serving

Amount Per Serving
Calories 8.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.4g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 1.9mg1%
Sodium 4.7mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 1.4g1%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 0.6g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Kencur (aromatic ginger) can be substituted with fresh ginger or galangal if unavailable, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.

Fresh turmeric stains skin and surfaces yellow; peel carefully and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Dried shrimp paste (trasi) is very potent; adjust quantity to taste. It can be found in Asian grocery stores or online.

This paste can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: shrimp, paste, turmeric, kencur, coriander, candlenuts, trasi, shrimp-paste, curry-paste, indonesian, malaysian, aromatics, umami, spices, ginger-family, base
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