Fermented Shrimp Paste

Step 1

Rinse shrimp under cold water and blot dry with paper towel.

Step 2

Transfer to a food processor and add salt. Pulse until shrimp is finely ground.

Step 3

Transfer shrimp paste to a glass jar and press using the back of a spoon. Close lid tightly and store at room temperature for at least 5 days to allow paste to ferment.

Step 4

At this point you can use the fermented shrimp paste for cooking and store in the refrigerator. Or take the shrimp paste a step further by creating a sauce/dip style condiment incorporating other ingredients like shallots, garlic, Thai chilies, lime juice, and sugar.

Step 5

Remove stems from chilies. Combine shallot, garlic, chilies, Pulse until everything is well chopped.

Step 6

Add fermented shrimp paste, sesame oil, and neutral oil. Pulse a few more times. Transfer shrimp mixture to a pan over low heat. Sauté for 1 minute. Add lime juice, soy sauce, coconut sugar and green onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes longer.

Step 7

Transfer sauce to a jar or bowl and cool for about 20 minutes. Cover tightly and store in refrigerator.