Does Shrimp Paste Go Bad? How to Tell if Your Shrimp Paste Has Spoiled

Shrimp paste is a pungent, funky ingredient used in Southeast Asian and Chinese cooking to add a rich umami flavor. Made from fermented ground shrimp, shrimp paste has an extremely strong smell and taste. Its potent flavor makes shrimp paste a polarizing ingredient – you either love it or hate it.

Given its intense aroma and flavor, a common question that arises is does shrimp paste go bad? With proper storage, shrimp paste can actually last a very long time without spoiling However, there are signs to watch for that indicate your shrimp paste may have gone off

Overview of Shrimp Paste

Known as terasi in Indonesia kapi in Thailand belacan in Malaysia and bagoong alamang in the Philippines, shrimp paste is a staple ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines. It’s produced by fermenting small shrimp with salt for several months.

The salty, funky paste packs tons of savory umami punch. Just a tiny bit can season an entire dish. Common uses include:

• Cooking base for curries soups stir fries

• Marinades and dressings

• Dipping sauces like sambal

• Condiment for dishes like laksa

• Seasoning for rice dishes

Shrimp paste varies in color from pink to brown to gray depending on ingredients and fermentation time. Good quality shrimp paste should have a consistent, smooth texture.

Does Shrimp Paste Go Bad?

Yes, shrimp paste can go bad eventually. However, thanks to its heavy salt content and fermentation process, shrimp paste lasts much longer than fresh shrimp or other seafood products. Properly stored shrimp paste will keep for well over a year in the pantry or several months once opened.

There are a few signs that indicate your shrimp paste may have spoiled:

• Mold growth – Any furry mold growth means the paste has spoiled. Discard.

• Rancid odor – A shrimp paste that smells unpleasantly bitter or rotten has gone bad.

• Change in texture – If the paste liquefies or seems very sticky/tacky, it could be rancid.

• Discoloration – Dramatic color changes like graying, darkening or green tinge indicate spoilage.

• Sliminess – A thick slimy texture or sheen also means the shrimp paste has gone off.

As long as your shrimp paste has been stored correctly and avoids the issues above, it should retain its shelf life and potency for a very long time.

Maximizing Shrimp Paste Shelf Life

To extend the shelf life of your shrimp paste as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

• Keep unopened shrimp paste in a cool, dry pantry away from light. Refrigeration is not needed for sealed paste.

• Once opened, transfer shrimp paste to an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic tubs work well.

• Refrigerate after opening to prolong freshness. Use within 3-4 months.

• Make sure paste surface is covered by a thin layer of oil to prevent drying out.

• Seal container tightly to contain strong aromas. Double bagging can help.

• Avoid contamination – always use a clean utensil to scoop out shrimp paste. Never double dip.

• If paste dries out, it can be revived by mashing in some vegetable oil.

Following proper storage methods and watching for signs of spoilage will allow you to keep shrimp paste for the long haul. Discard at the first hint of mold, off-flavors, excessive drying or other red flags.

How Long Does Shrimp Paste Last?

The shelf life of shrimp paste depends on several factors:

Unopened

• Pantry – 2-3 years

• Fridge – Up to 5 years

After Opening

• Pantry – 6-8 months

• Fridge – 1 year

As you can see, refrigeration substantially prolongs the shelf life after opening. But even without refrigeration, the salty fermented paste keeps for quite a while in the pantry. Just be diligent checking for any spoilage signs.

Reviving Dried Out Shrimp Paste

Due to its salt content, shrimp paste can dry out and harden over time. This doesn’t necessarily mean it has gone bad. Rehydrate dried shrimp paste by:

• Chopping up any hard chunks into smaller pieces.

• Mashing or pounding the paste till it breaks down.

• Mixing in a small amount of oil until a smooth, spreadable consistency is restored.

• Storing rehydrated paste in the fridge per above guidelines.

With this technique, overly dried shrimp paste can be refreshed and restored to avoid having to throw it out prematurely.

Substitutes for Shrimp Paste

If you don’t have shrimp paste on hand, possible substitutes include:

• Fish sauce – adds salty umami flavor, though not as pungent.

• Anchovy paste – similar strong, fishy flavor.

• Miso paste – good flavor replacement but not as briny.

• Dried shrimp – reconstitute and grind into paste.

• Soy sauce or salt – contributes saltiness but not unique flavor.

However, the unique aroma and taste of shrimp paste is difficult to replicate precisely. For best flavor authenticity, try to use genuine shrimp paste. A little goes a long way!

Thanks to its heavy salt content and fermentation process, shrimp paste has an exceptionally long shelf life compared to other shrimp products or fresh seafood. Use by dates over a year are common for unopened cans in the pantry. Once opened, shrimp paste keeps for 3-4 months refrigerated. Look for mold, foul odors, color changes and slimy texture as signs your shrimp paste has spoiled. With proper storage and handling, shrimp paste can last and retain its intense flavor for an impressively long time. A small amount of shrimp paste can transform a dish, so it’s worth keeping some on hand – just be sure to store it properly to extend its shelf life as long as possible.