Shrimp paste 虾酱 (xiā jiàng)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Nate

A pinkish-grayish sauce made from fermented shrimp ground with salt, it has a very strong, fishy, pungent odor and flavor. When used sparingly in Chinese cooking, the smell and flavor disappear and the paste enhances the flavor of the dish. It is referred to as balichão in Macanese cuisine. Shrimp paste is sold in jars at Asian grocery stores.

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