Ground shrimp has become a game-changer in many kitchens, and I’m here to show you exactly why! As a cooking enthusiast who’s experimented with this ingredient countless times, I can tell you it’s way more versatile than you might think. Let me break down everything you need to know about ground shrimp and its amazing uses.
Quick Answer
Ground shrimp is primarily used in:
- Asian cuisine for dumplings and stir-fries
- Seafood cakes and patties
- Soups and chowders
- Sauces and seasonings
- As a protein-rich filling
- Fish and aquarium food
What Exactly is Ground Shrimp?
Ground shrimp is basically shrimp that’s been processed into a paste-like consistency You can make it at home by throwing peeled and deveined shrimp into your food processor – just pulse it 7-8 times until you get a coarse mixture But don’t overdo it! You want that nice chunky texture, not baby food consistency.
Popular Ways to Use Ground Shrimp
1. Asian Dishes
- Dumplings and spring rolls
- Stir-fries with garlic and ginger
- Fried rice
- Traditional soups
2. Seafood Dishes
- Shrimp cakes
- Fish balls
- Seafood stuffing
- Chowders
3. Sauces and Spreads
- Dips
- Pasta sauces
- Shrimp salad
- Seafood spreads
Storage and Preparation Tips
Here’s how to keep your ground shrimp fresh
-
Fresh ground shrimp:
- Store in airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Keep away from raw meats
-
Frozen ground shrimp:
- Use freezer-safe bags
- Remove all air before sealing
- Keeps for up to 3 months
Nutritional Benefits
Ya’ll gonna love this part! Ground shrimp is super healthy
- High in protein
- Low in calories and fat
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Contains important minerals like:
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Vitamin B-12
Pro Cooking Tips
Listen up! Here’s what I’ve learned from working with ground shrimp:
-
Quick cooking is key
- 2-3 minutes usually does it
- Overcooking makes it rubbery
-
Flavor boosting
- Add salt and spices
- Use aromatics like garlic and shallots
- Citrus works great
-
Binding tricks
- Mix with egg for patties
- Add breadcrumbs for structure
- Mayo helps hold it together
Creative Recipe Ideas
Here are some fun ways I love using ground shrimp:
-
Breakfast Options
- Shrimp and cheese omelets
- Savory breakfast bowls
- Protein-packed frittatas
-
Lunch Ideas
- Shrimp tacos
- Rice bowls
- Seafood sandwiches
-
Dinner Dishes
- Pasta with shrimp sauce
- Asian-style dumplings
- Seafood casseroles
Environmental Considerations
We gotta talk about sustainability too:
- Choose responsibly sourced shrimp
- Look for eco-certified products
- Consider environmental impact
- Support sustainable fishing practices
Alternative Options
Not everyone can eat shrimp, so here are some alternatives:
For Vegetarians:
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Mushrooms (especially shiitake)
- Chickpeas
For Vegans:
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potato
- Lentils
- Plant-based seafood alternatives
Final Thoughts
Ground shrimp is seriously underrated! It’s super versatile, healthy, and can transform ordinary dishes into something special. Whether you’re making Asian-inspired dishes, seafood cakes, or just want to add some protein to your meals, ground shrimp is definitely worth keeping in your kitchen arsenal.
Remember, the key is not to overthink it – just start experimenting! And hey, if you mess up the first time (like I totally did), no biggie. That’s how we learn, right?
Give ground shrimp a try in your next cooking adventure – I bet you’ll be surprised at how many amazing dishes you can create with this awesome ingredient!
Would you like me to explain or break down anything specific about using ground shrimp in your cooking?
How to Use Dried Shrimp
They are graded according to size, which to a large extent, determines how they are prepared and used. The larger the shrimp, the higher the grade. But that doesn’t mean that the tiny ones are of poor quality, they are just used differently. And unlike the slightly bigger ones, tiny shrimp have their shells left on.
You can use udang kering in so many different ways. In South East Asia, it is used an an ingredient. More often than not, you’ll find it ground up in the spice paste for a recipe, like in Laksa or in salad dressings like Thai Green Papaya Salad. However to all you Thai food lovers, you’ll recognise it as the floss topping on Pad Thai.
It is commonly used in:
- curries, stews and gumbos
- flavoured rice like fried rice and nasi ulam
- noodles, both fried and in sauce like mee siam
- stir-fries like kangkung belacan
- dumplings
- in hot sauces and chilli pastes
In South East Asian recipes, dried shrimp is often used chopped or ground. However, this does depend on the size as well as the recipe. Traditionally, they are soaked in hot water to soften, before being ground up or pounded.
Here on LinsFood and my other blog, Singaporean and Malaysian Recipes, so many of our recipes use udang kering in the base or spice paste.
What are Dried Shrimp?
Dried shrimp are shrimp that have been dried in the sun, resulting in a concentrated flavour and aroma, with a chewy texture, if eaten whole. You will find them used in many cuisines around the world, across the oceans.
I grew up calling them udang kering, which is what they are known as in the Malay language. There are some foods and ingredients in Singapore and Malaysia that are commonly known in one of our languages by most of the ethnic groups, dried shrimp being the perfect example.
- Udang = Prawns/Shrimp
- Kering = Dried
- Dried Shrimp = udang kering
Dried shrimp are a must-have ingredient in East and South East Asian countries, whether that’s Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam or China.
[KOREAN FOOD 03] Ground dried shrimp (Korean unique ingredient, 건새우, 천연 조미료)
FAQ
What can you use ground shrimp for?
- Potsticker Wrappers and Potstickers (Chive and Shrimp Potstickers) …
- Fried Shrimp and Pork Spring Rolls. …
- Mushroom and Sakura Shrimp Rice (Sushi Rice Version) …
- Special Pork & Shrimp Siomai with Garlic Chili Sauce. …
- Shrimp and Chicken Pancit Canton. …
- Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce.
What can I do with shrimp powder?
- curries, stews and gumbos
- noodles
- fried rice
- stir-fried vegetables
- dumplings (tiny shrimp are perfect for this)
- in sambals and hot sauces
What is shrimp powder used for?
One excellent use is a small amount added to fried rice, but shrimp powder does need to be used in moderation due to its strong flavour and aroma. A pinch is usually enough. A small amount will also intensify any seafood-based noodle soup, such as lakhsa, and it works very well with coconut-based dishes too.
Does ground dried shrimp go bad?
Dried shrimp do not keep indefinitely; store them airtight in the refrigerator for a up to a month or in the freezer for longer.May 21, 2008
What is ground shrimp used for?
Ground shrimp can be used as a component in nearly any savory dish to add tender texture and subtle brininess. Keep this versatile ingredient handy to elevate everyday cooking. With a mild flavor profile, it complements without overpowering. For endless inspiration, get creative mixing ground shrimp into your favorite recipes.
How do you use ground shrimp?
Use ground shrimp as you would ground meat or seafood in any recipe. Add at the end of cooking for brighter flavor in soups, pastas, and stir-fries. Mix with a binder like egg, breadcrumbs, or mayo to help hold patties and cakes together. Saute aromatics like garlic, shallots, and chilies first to build an flavor base.
What can you eat with ground shrimp?
Sautéed ground shrimp is a delicious, healthy addition to anything from soups and salads to curries, omelets and spring rolls. You don’t have to limit your ground shrimp usage to Asian cuisine — it is delicious subbed into pasta sauce (or any other pasta preparation) in place of beef, pork or veal. What can I do with powdered shrimp?
Should you cook ground shrimp?
Here are a few pros and cons of subbing this magical substance into your cooking repertoire: Ground shrimp won’t add a meaty richness the same way ground beef, pork or veal would. But you won’t have to drain off any oil. That said, shrimp has no fat, so you’ll need to cook it in a little oil.
What does ground shrimp taste like?
Ground shrimp adds a light, succulent texture and subtle sweetness to the mixand so can you! How do you make ground shrimp? Toss raw, peeled, deveined shrimp in a food processor and pulse 7-8 times until you have a chunky paste.
What are ground shrimp patties?
Ground shrimp are shrimp that have been sun dried and shrunk to a thumbnail size. A handful of shrimp are generally used for dishes. The flavors of this ingredient are released when allowed to simmer. Ground Shrimp is a delicious salty snack that comes with hot sauce. How do you make powder shrimp patties?