Ferments & funk · block

Belacan

Also called blachan, belachan, Malaysian shrimp paste, shrimp paste block

Malaysian fermented shrimp paste pressed into dense blocks; toasted before use, it gives intense savoury funk to sambal belacan, curries and stir-fried greens.

Gluten-freeDairy-freeContains: crustaceans

What can replace it

  • T1 · Great swapKapi

    Softer and wetter; toast it in foil before use.

  • T1 · Great swapTerasi
  • T2 · GoodMam ruoc

    Wet and saltier; reduce salt elsewhere.

  • T3 · In a pinchDried shrimp

    Pound finely; sweeter and much less funky. (use 1.5× the amount)

  • T3 · In a pinchFish sauce

    Liquid and fishy rather than shrimpy and toasty. (use 0.5× the amount)

Cook with Belacan