How to Choose Shrimp Paste for Hot Pot

An authentic Asian hot pot is defined by the quality of its ingredients. Alongside thinly sliced meats and fresh vegetables, additions like shrimp or fish balls are often what complete the culinary experience. However, finding the right shrimp paste can be a challenge. Many products vary significantly in quality, flavour, and shrimp content.

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my goal is to provide you with clear, objective guidance. This guide introduces a selection of products and gives you the criteria you need to make an informed decision for your next hot pot night.

What to Look for When Buying Shrimp and Fish Paste

To make the right choice, it helps to understand a few key product features. The following points will help you select the perfect paste for your culinary needs.

1. The Main Ingredient: Shrimp and Fish Content

The percentage of the main ingredient is a crucial quality indicator. A paste with a high shrimp or fish content typically offers a more intense, authentic flavour and a more pleasant texture.

• High Content (over 80%): Products in this category deliver a pronounced flavour and a firm, springy texture after cooking. They are ideal when you want the pure taste of seafood to be the star.
• Lower Content: Pastes with more starch or other fillers may have a softer texture and are often more budget-friendly. They work well as a base when combined with other ingredients.

Check the ingredients list to determine the exact percentage and choose the right Asian fish paste for you.

2. Preparation and Versatility

Shrimp paste isn't just a classic hot pot ingredient. Its versatility makes it a convenient staple in any Asian kitchen.

• DIY Shrimp Balls: Most pastes can be formed into balls directly from the package using a spoon and cooked in boiling broth or water.
• Fillings: The paste is an excellent filling for dumplings, tofu, or vegetables.
• Soup Additions: Quickly cooked balls make a nutritious and flavourful addition to noodle soups.

Packaging can also be a factor. Tubes or triangular portion packs are often especially practical for clean and easy handling.

Our top paste picks

Here is a selection of products that stand out for their specific qualities. The descriptions are based on manufacturer information to provide you with an objective basis for comparison.

Zhenweixiang Fish Paste 250g

Why It Stands Out: This fish paste from the Zhenweixiang brand is distinguished by its high fish content. According to the manufacturer, it consists of 80% mackerel, which gives it a distinct umami flavour and a tender, springy texture.

Pros:

• High fish content of 80% for an intense flavour.
• Versatile for use in soups, hot pot, or as a filling.
• Easy to portion and shape.

Who It's For: This product is a great choice for cooks looking for a flavour-packed and versatile base for various dishes, from classic fish balls to fillings for tofu or vegetables.

Zhenweixiang Shrimp Paste 250g

Why It Stands Out: With a declared shrimp content of 85%, this paste offers a truly authentic shrimp flavour. The manufacturer, Zhenweixiang, states that it combines traditional methods with modern technology to preserve the original taste of the shrimp.

Pros:

• Very high shrimp content of 85%.
• Smooth and elastic texture after cooking.
• Suitable for various cooking methods: boiling, steaming, and frying.

Who It's For: Ideal for purists who love the authentic taste of shrimp. Anyone looking for a high-quality, all-purpose paste for various preparation methods and who values a high meat content will find this to be an excellent product.

FRESHASIA Hot Pot Shrimp Paste (Triangle Pack) 150g

Why It Stands Out: This product from Freshasia stands out due to its exceptionally high shrimp content and convenient packaging. According to the manufacturer, the paste contains 95% shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The single-serving triangle pack is specifically designed for easy and hygienic use in hot pot.

Pros:

• Extremely high shrimp content of 95% for maximum flavour.
• Convenient and hygienic single-serving pack.
• The texture is described as tender, springy, and smooth.

Who It's For: This product is aimed specifically at hot pot enthusiasts who prioritise convenience and an intense, unadulterated shrimp flavour. The packaging makes it easy to portion directly into the pot.

Looking for More Options?

If the pastes featured here aren't exactly what you're looking for, or if you want to expand your range of fish and seafood products for Asian cuisine, you can find more options in our category.

? Discover more fish and seafood products in the Fish Sticks category

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you prepare shrimp paste for hot pot?

Preparation is straightforward. Remove the slightly thawed paste from its packaging. Using two spoons or your hands, form small balls. Drop them directly into the boiling broth of your hot pot. The balls are cooked once they float to the surface, which usually takes 3–5 minutes. This is a simple way to make your own shrimp balls.

What is the difference between shrimp paste and fish paste?

The main difference, as the names suggest, is the primary ingredient. Shrimp paste is made from minced shrimp and has a sweeter, characteristic seafood flavour. Fish paste is made from fish fillet (often white fish like mackerel or pollock) and has a more robust, umami-rich aroma. Both are popular hot pot ingredients and belong to the family of Asian fish pastes.

Where can you buy authentic shrimp paste?

Authentic, high-quality shrimp paste is usually sold frozen to preserve its freshness and texture. You can find it in well-stocked Asian supermarkets or at specialised online shops like Joybuy, which ensure an unbroken cold chain during shipping. When you buy shrimp paste, pay close attention to the storage instructions to maintain its quality.