Shrimp powder is an incredibly versatile seasoning that can add rich, savory umami flavor to all kinds of dishes.
Made from dried, ground shrimp, this powder packs a flavorful punch and makes a great alternative to MSG or store-bought bouillon cubes or powder.
Shrimp powder, also sometimes called dried shrimp powder, is simply dried shrimp that has been ground into a fine powder.
It is made by drying out whole shrimp through dehydrating, baking, or sun drying, then processing the dried shrimp into a powder using a food processor, blender, spice grinder, or even mortar and pestle.
The resulting shrimp powder delivers a concentrated burst of shrimp flavor, similar to anchovy paste or fish sauce but with a slightly sweeter, more versatile taste. Just a small amount adds savory depth and umami richness to dishes.
Benefits of Homemade Shrimp Powder
Making your own shrimp powder offers many advantages over buying bouillon cubes or powder:
- No added MSG. Store-bought bouillon products often contain MSG even when labeled "MSG-free." Making it yourself avoids additives.
- Control salt level. You can control how much salt goes into homemade shrimp powder.
- Versatile uses. Shrimp powder works wonderfully in soups, stir fries, meat dishes, and more.
- Intensifies flavor. The drying process concentrates the shrimp flavor for intense taste.
- Long shelf life. Kept dry in an airtight container, homemade shrimp powder lasts 6+ months.
So if you want to enhance dishes with savory flavor without chemicals or excess sodium, consider making your own shrimp powder.
Shrimp Powder Ingredients
The two essential ingredients for basic homemade shrimp powder are:
- Dried shrimp: The basis of the powder—pick an amount like 250g to start. Rinse well.
- Salt: Just a small amount of salt is needed to balance flavors.
You can also add extra flavor or nutritional boosters:
- Garlic, onion, shallots
- Chili powder or cayenne
- Lemongrass, lime zest
- Turmeric, curry powder
- Dried mushrooms, kelp
Play around with herbs, spices, and dried ingredients to make your own signature shrimp powder creation.
How to Make Shrimp Powder
Shrimp Powder Recipe
Ingredients
- Dried shrimp
- Salt
Instructions
Dry the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp well. Pat very dry with paper towels. Lay in a single layer on baking trays.
- Dehydrate 6+ hours at 200°F, or put trays in a 275°F oven for 1 hour, flipping halfway, until shrimps are completely dried out and brittle.
- You can also sun dry the shrimp for 6-12 hours until fully dehydrated. Cover trays with mesh screens to keep bugs away.
Process into Powder
- Break up any large pieces then pulse shrimp in a food processor until a fine powder. Alternatively, use a spice grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle.
Store in an Airtight Container
- Let the shrimp powder cool completely before transferring to a clean, dry jar or bottle. Seal tightly. Store in the freezer for maximum freshness.
- And that's it! Now you have homemade shrimp powder to use however you wish.
Key Takeaway: Drying shrimp fully before grinding into powder is essential—any moisture will drastically reduce the powder's shelf life.
Tips for Making Shrimp Powder
- Grind shrimp in short bursts to avoid overheating from friction.
- Use a powerful blender for smoothest powder.
- Adding salt and spices at the end allows flavor control.
- Label clearly and include the date for best quality.
- For better shelf life, store powder in freezer.
Substitutions and Variations
For those avoiding shellfish or who want a different flavor profile, shrimp powder can be swapped for anchovy or other types of fish powder.
Some tasty options include powders made from:
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Mackerel
- Herring
- Dried scallops or oysters
Experiment with different dried seafoods and spice mixes until you find your perfect homemade seasoning powder.
How to Use Shrimp Powder
A pinch or two of shrimp powder is all you need to add savory richness to all sorts of dishes:
Soups
Sprinkle shrimp powder into chicken noodle soup, seafood bisques, chowders, pho, ramen and more for extra depth.
Stir fries
Mix a large pinch of powder into the sauce to intensify stir fries with veggies, tofu, eggs or meat.
Stews and curries
Like bouillon cubes but without MSG, shrimp powder boosts flavor in rich meat stews, lentil curries, braised greens and more.
Rice, grains and beans
Stir powder into rice and grain dishes like rice pilaf, congee, bulgur salad, or beans for delicious umami taste.
Shrimp powder also makes a fantastic seasoning for popcorn, eggs, pasta, roast vegetables—anywhere you want a burst of savory richness. It keeps dishes vegetarian and low-carb friendly.
Key Takeaway: For best flavor, add shrimp powder at the end of cooking so it doesn't burn. A little goes a long way in enhancing taste.
Shrimp Powder Recipe Ideas
Here are just a few recipe ideas to inspire creative ways to cook with your homemade shrimp powder:
- Stir fry bok choy with garlic, shrimp powder and oyster sauce
- Pumpkin and kale soup seasoned with shrimp powder
- Shrimp powder fried quinoa with vegetables and egg
- Roast cauliflower massaged with shrimp powder and olive oil
- Shrimp powder coconut curry lentils
- Vegetable noodle stir fry with shrimp powder
- Air fried tofu cubes sprinkled with shrimp powder
Add this versatile, flavor-boosting powder to your savory dishes for instant extra yum!
FAQs
How long does homemade shrimp powder last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the freezer, shrimp powder keeps for 6-12 months.
What's the best way to dry the shrimp?
Dehydrating, baking, and sun drying all work well. The key is fully drying out the shrimp until very brittle.
Can I use small dried shrimp instead of big ones?
Yes, you can use tiny dried shrimp. Just be sure they are very dried out before grinding into powder.
Is mortar and pestle effective for making shrimp powder?
Yes, it just takes more physical effort and time to grind the dried shrimp into fine powder by hand.
Can I use shrimp powder to replace fish sauce or anchovies?
Shrimp powder makes a fine substitute for the umami flavor of fish sauce, anchovy paste, etc. Just use less volume since it's highly concentrated.
What are the best recipes using shrimp powder?
It's excellent in stir-fries, grains, soups and stews. Also tasty sprinkled on eggs, roast veggies, bean dishes, pasta and more.
Conclusion
Making your own shrimp powder allows you to avoid unwanted additives and control the flavor to suit your tastes.
Dried shrimp ground into a powder provides concentrated, versatile umami richness for all kinds of savory dishes from Asian stir-fries to hearty Italian soups and stews.
With a long freezer shelf life and powerful hit of flavor, homemade shrimp powder makes a handy alternative to MSG and salt.