Shrimp Paste

Terasi (also known as trassie, and balachan or blachen in Malaysia). This is easily available in Oriental shops. It is sold in hard blocks, weighing about 250 g/8 oz, or in slices. The slices are individually packed, weigh about 50 g/2 oz, and have been roasted or fried, ready for use. Shrimp paste is extremely strong-smelling and extremely salty, and must be used very sparingly. If in doubt, use less rather than more. A quarter of one of the small slices is enough for one recipe. If you buy a large block, cut it into, say, 12–14 slices. Wrap these in a double layer of aluminium foil and bake in the oven at 100°C/210°F/Gas Mark ¼ for 10–15 minutes. When cold, the paste can be crumbled, so you can measure it with a teaspoon. Kept in an airtight container, the paste, whether baked, grilled, or raw, will last indefinitely.