Shrimp Paste

shrimp paste Known as kapi in Thai, belacan in Malay, and trassi in Bahasa Indonesia, shrimp paste can be bought in small containers or packages in Southeast Asian groceries. It is beige-pink or purple-gray in color. Look for dry shrimp paste, rather than paste stored in oil. Once opened, store it well sealed in the refrigerator, where it will keep well indefinitely. Before using, wrap in foil and dry-roast, either directly over an open flame or by heating in a dry skillet for 5 minutes. Cooking eliminates any fishy taste and makes the shrimp paste more powdery and easier to blend with other ingredients. It is an essential ingredient in Thai curry pastes.