Dried shrimp is a very popular dish, especially among people living in coastal provinces. Once dried, the shrimp can be enjoyed immediately with some simple seasoning, or used to prepare various dishes depending on personal taste. In the following article, Khô bò CALI will show you in detail how to make dried shrimp at home a simple, flavorful, and ready-to-eat snack. Let’s explore together!
What Is Instant Dried Shrimp?
Instant dried shrimp, also known as dried baby shrimp or shredded dried shrimp, is a flavorful snack made by steaming small-sized shrimp and then drying them either under direct sunlight or in a dehydrator, depending on the weather conditions. The drying process helps preserve the shrimp while concentrating its natural umami flavor.
Once dried, the shrimp can be stored in plastic bags or containers to retain their original taste, or they can be seasoned with various spices to enhance their flavor. These seasoned dried shrimp are often enjoyed as a ready-to-eat snack or used as a topping for other dishes.
In Vietnamese cuisine, this type of seasoned dried shrimp is a popular and familiar ingredient, especially for fans of street food. It’s commonly found in dishes like rice paper rolls, mixed rice paper (bánh tráng trộn), sautéed corn (bắp xào), and many other savory snacks. Its rich flavor and convenient preparation make it a household favorite and a must-have in many snack lovers’ pantries.
Popular Dishes Featuring Dried Shrimp
Instant dried shrimp is a versatile ingredient that appears in a wide variety of dishes, especially popular street foods and traditional Vietnamese snacks. Its rich umami flavor adds depth and texture, making it a favorite topping or main component in both simple and more elaborate recipes. Below are some delicious dishes that commonly use dried shrimp:
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Mixed rice paper (Bánh tráng trộn): A beloved street food made with shredded rice paper, dried shrimp, chili, herbs, quail eggs, and a savory tamarind sauce. Dried shrimp adds a chewy, salty kick to balance the sour and spicy flavors.
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Rice paper rolls (Bánh tráng cuốn): Soft rice paper is rolled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and often topped with dried shrimp for added taste and texture.
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Rice paper with dried shrimp (Bánh tráng tôm phơi sương): A specialty rice paper that’s lightly grilled and topped with dried shrimp and green onion oil — a simple yet flavorful treat.
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Bottle gourd soup with dried shrimp (Canh bầu nấu tép khô): A light, comforting soup made with fresh gourd and dried shrimp, offering a mildly sweet and savory flavor.
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Winter melon soup with dried shrimp (Canh bí đao nấu tép khô): A nutritious soup combining the cooling properties of winter melon with the rich, savory taste of dried shrimp.
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Malabar spinach soup with dried shrimp (Canh mồng tơi nấu tép khô): A traditional Vietnamese home-style soup, perfect for hot days, made with soft leafy greens and umami-packed dried shrimp.
These dishes highlight just a few ways dried shrimp can be used to elevate both everyday meals and indulgent snacks. Whether you’re cooking a hearty soup or enjoying a street food classic, dried shrimp brings a signature flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients Needed to Make Instant Dried Shrimp
To make delicious and flavorful instant dried shrimp at home, it’s important to prepare all the necessary ingredients in advance. These simple yet essential items will help you achieve the perfect balance of taste and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Dried shrimp (Tép khô): The main ingredient. Choose small, fresh shrimp that have been thoroughly cleaned and dried for the best texture and flavor.
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Fish sauce: Adds a signature savory depth and enhances the umami richness of the shrimp.
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Sugar: Balances out the saltiness and adds a hint of sweetness to the final dish.
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Seasoning powder (Hạt nêm): A convenient blend of spices that helps boost the overall taste. Chicken or mushroom seasoning is often preferred.
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Chili peppers: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, fresh or dried chili adds a spicy kick.
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Garlic: Provides a rich, aromatic base that complements the shrimp perfectly when sautéed.
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Ground black pepper: Adds a warm, slightly sharp flavor and enhances the overall seasoning.
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Cooking oil: Used for sautéing the garlic, chili, and shrimp, helping to blend all the flavors together smoothly.
Make sure all ingredients are fresh and well-prepared before starting. With these basic components, you’re all set to create a delicious batch of homemade instant dried shrimp — perfect for snacking or pairing with your favorite dishes!
Tips for Choosing Quality Shrimp for Making Dried Shrimp
Selecting the right shrimp is the first and most important step to ensuring your homemade dried shrimp turns out flavorful, fresh, and safe to eat. Whether you’re making a small batch for your family or producing dried shrimp in bulk, choosing high-quality shrimp will make all the difference.
The peak season for shrimp harvest typically falls around November in coastal regions. If you’re planning to make dried shrimp on a larger scale perhaps for selling or storing long-term, this time of year offers the freshest, most abundant supply at the best prices. Shrimp caught during peak season are usually firmer, sweeter, and more flavorful.
For those making dried shrimp in smaller quantities for home consumption, you can prepare it year-round. However, when purchasing shrimp, be sure to look for the freshest available:
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Choose shrimp that are fresh and sold the same day they were caught. The smell should be clean and ocean-like, not fishy or sour.
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Avoid shrimp that have lost their heads, appear pale or colorless, or have peeling or damaged shells. These are signs that the shrimp are no longer fresh and may affect both the taste and safety of your dried product.
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Check the texture: Fresh shrimp should feel firm to the touch and slightly springy — not mushy or slimy.
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Inspect the eyes (if still intact): Clear, shiny eyes usually indicate freshness, while cloudy or sunken eyes are a red flag.
By paying attention to these small but important details, you’ll ensure that the shrimp you use for drying are at their best, which means a tastier, more aromatic final product. Quality shrimp lead to quality dried shrimp and that’s the foundation of any great recipe.
How to Make Seasoned Instant Dried Shrimp at Home — A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking to prepare a delicious and flavorful batch of seasoned instant dried shrimp at home, you’re in the right place. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide that walks you through the entire process from fresh shrimp to perfectly seasoned, ready-to-eat bites.
Step 1: Clean the Shrimp Thoroughly
Start by purchasing fresh, small shrimp from a trusted vendor. Once you bring them home, rinse the shrimp thoroughly several times in clean water. This helps remove any sand, dirt, or impurities that may still cling to the shells. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. After washing, drain the shrimp well using a colander and let them sit for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Steam and Dry the Shrimp
Once the shrimp are clean and drained, it’s time to cook them. Prepare a steamer and steam the shrimp until they are fully cooked this helps preserve their natural sweetness and firm texture.
After steaming, you have two drying options:
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Sun-drying: Place the cooked shrimp on a tray and dry them under direct sunlight for several hours until they become completely dry.
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Oven-drying: If the weather doesn’t permit sun-drying, you can use a food dehydrator or oven set at a low temperature to dry the shrimp slowly and evenly.
At this point, you’ll have homemade dried shrimp — perfect for seasoning or storing as-is.
Step 3: Prepare the Seasoning
Although plain dried shrimp can be eaten directly, seasoning them brings out more aroma, flavor, and appeal — especially if you plan to use them as a snack or topping. This step transforms your dried shrimp into a tasty, irresistible treat.
Step 4: Stir-Fry with Spices
In a non-stick pan, heat a small amount of cooking oil. Finely mince some garlic and fresh chili, then sauté them in the pan until fragrant.
Next, add the dried shrimp and toss them well with the following ingredients:
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Fish sauce
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Sugar
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Ground black pepper
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Crushed chili or chili powder (optional, for heat)
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A small amount of water (optional, to help dissolve the sugar and evenly coat the shrimp)
Continue stir-frying over medium heat until the seasoning is fully absorbed and the shrimp begin to slightly crisp up. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid burning and to ensure even coating.
Once the shrimp are dry again and nicely golden with a shiny glaze, remove them from heat and let them cool.
Readmore: Made crispy fried crab myself golden, fragrant, rich in roe, and perfect to treat the whole family!
Enjoy the Authentic Taste of Seasoned Dried Shrimp – Only at Khô Bò CALI!
If you’re a fan of rich, savory flavors, you simply can’t miss out on our handcrafted seasoned dried shrimp at Khô Bò CALI. Each batch is carefully made from fresh, high-quality shrimp — steamed to perfection, dried at the ideal temperature, and seasoned using a special in-house recipe. The result is a delicious and healthy snack that’s hard to resist.
Why Choose Dried Shrimp from Khô Bò CALI?
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100% whole fresh shrimp – no artificial colors or preservatives.
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Bold, balanced flavors – a perfect harmony of salty, sweet, and spicy.
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Convenient packaging – easy to carry, store, and enjoy anytime.
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Perfect for pairing with rice paper snacks, steamed rice, or just munching on the go.
👉 Order today and experience the irresistible flavor of Khô Bò CALI’s dried shrimp — we guarantee one bite is all it takes to get hooked!
📦 Fast shipping – Secure packaging – Guaranteed quality
📞 Order now: +1 (714) 452-7679 / +1 (714) 234-6899
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