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

Shrimp paste, also known as terasi, kapi, or belacan, is a pungent and funky umami-rich ingredient commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking Made from fermented ground shrimp mixed with salt, this salty paste packs a serious punch of flavor

But with its intense aroma and taste, it’s natural to wonder – does shrimp paste go bad? How can you tell if your shrimp paste has spoiled?

I did some digging into the shelf life of shrimp paste to find out. Here’s what I learned about how to store shrimp paste to extend its freshness and signs that your shrimp paste may have gone off.

Overview of Shrimp Paste

Shrimp paste originates in Southeast Asia, where it’s a foundational seasoning in cuisines like Indonesian, Thai, Malaysian and Filipino.

It’s made by mixing small shrimp with large amounts of salt and allowing it to ferment for months. This drawn-out fermentation process breaks down proteins and fats, resulting in a salty, umami-rich paste with a powerful scent and taste.

Shrimp paste is used in small amounts to add a savory depth of flavor Common uses include

• Curries, soups, stir fries
• Dipping sauces and marinades
• Seasoning for rice
• Condiment for noodle dishes

The color varies from light pink to dark purple to brown or gray depending on fermentation time. Good quality shrimp paste should have a smooth, consistent texture without lumps.

Does Shrimp Paste Expire?

Yes, shrimp paste does eventually expire and go bad. However, thanks to the salt content and fermentation process, it has an exceptionally long shelf life compared to fresh shrimp or other seafood.

With proper storage, shrimp paste will keep well over a year before opening. Once opened, it lasts several months refrigerated.

Here are signs that your shrimp paste may have spoiled:

• Mold growth – discard paste at first sign of furry mold.

• Rancid smell – a foul, bitter odor indicates the paste has gone off.

• Change in texture – liquefying, stickiness or tackiness points to rancidity.

• Discoloration – fading, darkening or unnatural colors mean it’s spoiled.

• Sliminess – a thick slimy film or sheen is a red flag for spoilage.

As long as you store shrimp paste correctly and watch for the signs above, it should retain its shelf life and potency for an impressively long time.

How to Store Shrimp Paste

Follow these tips to maximize the freshness of shrimp paste:

• Unopened – Store sealed shrimp paste in a cool, dry pantry away from light and heat. Refrigeration is not needed.

• After Opening – Transfer to an airtight jar or container. Make sure the surface is covered by a thin layer of oil. Refrigerate to prolong freshness.

• Prevent Drying – Dried out paste can be revived with some vegetable oil. Always use a clean utensil to prevent contamination.

• Contain Aromas – Double bag or seal tightly to prevent shrimp paste smells from spreading.

Proper storage is key to preventing shrimp paste from drying out or spoiling prematurely.

Shelf Life of Shrimp Paste

How long shrimp paste lasts depends on whether it’s opened or not:

• Unopened – 2 to 3 years stored in the pantry. Up to 5 years refrigerated.

• After Opening – 6 to 12 months in the pantry. About 1 year in the fridge.

As you can see, refrigeration substantially extends the shelf life after opening. But even without refrigeration, the combination of salt and fermentation give shrimp paste longevity far beyond fresh shrimp or fish.

Be diligent checking your opened shrimp paste for any mold, off-odors, texture changes or other signs of spoilage. Discard if you notice anything amiss.

Reviving Dried Out Shrimp Paste

Over time, shrimp paste can dry out and harden due to its salt content. Don’t worry – dried out paste isn’t necessarily spoiled.

You can rehydrate overly dry shrimp paste by:

• Chopping up any hard chunks into smaller pieces
• Mashing and pounding the paste until smooth
• Mixing in a bit of vegetable oil to restore a spreadable consistency

Once rehydrated, store revived shrimp paste in the refrigerator per the guidelines above. With this technique, overly dried shrimp paste can be reconditioned and saved.

Substitutes for Shrimp Paste

If you don’t have shrimp paste, possible stand-in options include:

• Fish sauce – contributes salty umami, though not as pungent
• Anchovy paste – mimics the intense fishy flavor
• Dried shrimp – grind into a paste after reconstituting
• Soy sauce – adds saltiness but not unique flavor

However, the distinctive aroma and taste of real shrimp paste is hard to duplicate. For best flavor authenticity, try to use genuine shrimp paste in recipes calling for it.

The Bottom Line

Thanks to the salt and fermentation process, shrimp paste has an exceptionally long shelf life compared to fresh seafood. Unopened cans keep for 2-3 years in the pantry easily. Once opened, it lasts for months refrigerated.

Check for mold, rancid odors, color changes and texture issues as signs your shrimp paste has spoiled. Follow the storage tips above to maximize freshness. With proper handling, a little shrimp paste can go a very long way!