The Shelf Life of Shrimp Paste: Does Shrimp Paste Go Bad?

Shrimp paste is a funky fermented condiment used in Southeast Asian and Chinese cuisines. Its intense umami flavor enhances soups noodles dishes, stir fries, marinades and more.

But this pungent paste also has a reputation for being stinky. The smell alone is enough to turn some people off of trying it. And that strong odor naturally leads to questions about how long shrimp paste lasts before it goes bad.

I was curious about the shelf life myself, so I did some digging into the storage and expiration of shrimp paste. Here’s what I learned about how long this polarizing ingredient stays fresh and when it’s time to toss it.

What is Shrimp Paste?

Before diving into shelf life let’s look at what shrimp paste is made of. There are many variations but traditional shrimp paste is made by fermenting small shrimp or krill with salt.

The process goes like this

• Small shrimp are caught and mashed into a pulp
• Salt is added and the mixture is left to ferment for months
• The fermented shrimp solids are then pressed into a firm, dark brick or loaf
• It develops a very pungent and salty flavor during fermentation

Key ingredients are just shrimp, salt and time. No preservatives are added. The salt lowers the amount of water in the shrimp solids so they can naturally ferment and store.

Common types of shrimp paste include:

• Belacan – Malaysian shrimp paste
• Terasi – Indonesian shrimp paste
• Kapi – Fermented shrimp paste used in Thailand and Cambodia
• Mam ruoc or mam tom – Vietnamese shrimp paste
• Bagoong alamang – Filipino shrimp paste

The ingredients may vary slightly between regions, but the overall process is similar – salt, ferment, press into a block.

Does Shrimp Paste Go Bad?

Now onto the big question – does shrimp paste expire? With such a strong odor, it seems like it would go bad quickly.

Here’s the general consensus on how long shrimp paste lasts:

Unopened – Basically indefinite shelf life. Over a year is common. The fermentation and salt preserve it.

After opening – Around 1 year when properly stored in the fridge. The flavor may start to decline but it’s still safe to eat.

So shrimp paste can last for well over a year, possibly several years, when unopened. Once exposed to air, its shelf life decreases but it still keeps for about a year.

Signs that opened shrimp paste may be expired:

• Mold growing on the surface
• Very dark color instead of purple
• An ammonia smell instead of just pungent shrimp
• Watery texture instead of firm

As long as it looks and smells normal, opened shrimp paste can be safely kept in the fridge for about 12 months.

How to Store Shrimp Paste

To get the longest shelf life out of your shrimp paste, follow these storage tips:

• Unopened – Store in a cool, dry spot away from light. A dark pantry is ideal. Refrigeration is not needed.

• After opening – Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Glass jars work well. Ensure the lid has a tight seal.

• Avoid temperature extremes – Don’t store shrimp paste anywhere that gets above 75°F or below 40°F. Freezing should be avoided.

• Watch for mold – Discard at first signs of mold. Mold can grow if air is trapped inside the container.

• Use clean utensils – Always use a clean spoon or knife each time you take paste out. Don’t re-dip a dirty utensil back into the jar.

• Air exposure – Limit air exposure by getting out only as much paste as needed. Remove any paste on the rim or lid to ensure proper sealing.

Following the above tips will help maintain quality and extend the shelf life of opened shrimp paste. Just be diligent about sealing the jar and refrigerating after opening.

How to Use Up Shrimp Paste Before It Spoils

To use up shrimp paste before it expires, here are some serving ideas:

• Add to stir fries, fried rice, noodles or congee dishes
• Use in marinades and sauces for meat, seafood or tofu
• Mix into dipping sauces for spring rolls, dim sum etc.
• Add to soups, stews or noodle broths
• Spread on fish before grilling or roasting
• Mix into ground meat for burgers or meatballs
• Add to vegetables before roasting or sautéing
• Stir into creamy salad dressings
• Use in place of anchovy paste or fish sauce in recipes

A little bit of shrimp paste goes a long way due to the concentrated flavor. Start with small amounts like 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in recipes until you get accustomed to the taste.

The fermented savoriness can enhance many savory foods without overpowering. Get creative with blending it into sauces, spreads, dressings, rubs and more to use it up before expiration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Paste Shelf Life

Here are answers to some common questions about how long shrimp paste lasts and whether it expires:

Does shrimp paste need to be refrigerated?

Unopened shrimp paste can be stored at room temperature. Refrigeration is recommended after opening to extend the shelf life.

How long does unopened shrimp paste last in the pantry?

Properly stored in a cool, dry place, unopened shrimp paste will keep for over 1 year past the printed expiration date, often several years.

Does shrimp paste go bad if frozen?

Freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor will degrade with freezing. Refrigeration is best for storing opened cans.

Can expired shrimp paste make you sick?

Consuming moldy or spoiled shrimp paste could potentially cause illness. Use by the “best by” date or within 1 year of opening to be safe.

What happens if shrimp paste goes bad?

Bad shrimp paste may grow mold, smell like ammonia, become watery or develop a very dark color. The texture also becomes less firm. Discard if any signs of spoilage.

How can you tell if opened shrimp paste is still good?

Look for the normal purple/red/brown color and firm yet spreadable texture. Sniff for the expected shrimp aromas without an ammonia smell.

The Takeaway on Shrimp Paste Shelf Life

• Unopened lasts 1+ years at room temp due to fermentation and salt
• Opened keeps for about 1 year in the fridge after opening
• Look for mold, off-smells or texture changes as signs it’s gone bad
• Limit air exposure and refrigerate after opening to extend shelf life
• Use within a year for best flavor and food safety

So while shrimp paste may seem like a suspect ingredient, it can actually last a remarkably long time. With proper storage, both sealed and opened shrimp paste can remain fresh and usable for many months past the printed expiration date.

Now that you know how long it lasts, try incorporating some shrimp paste into your recipes! Just go easy at first until your palate adjusts to the pungent fermented flavor.