Dried Shrimp (虾米), Dried Krill (虾皮)

A plate of Dried Shrimp

Dried shrimps are used in Asian cuisines to enhance flavours in dishes. They are shrimps that are sun dried and shrunk, which explains their tiny size. Dried shrimps have a short shelf life and require to be refrigerated to keep its freshness longer. It is recommended to soak them in hot water for 15 mins prior to using it.

A plate of dried shrimp shells

Dried krill (虾皮), or Shrimp Shell or knowns as Udang Geragau Kering is slightly smaller and more affordable as compared to dried shrimp. Dried krill can be used to prepare soup base, which is tastier than dried shrimp, as the head and shell are not removed.

Preparatory methods 

Prior to using dried shrimp, it is recommended to soak it for 30 mins. This is done to hydrate the shrimps, and to release its flavour during cooking. If there is any salt added during preservation, soaking it in water helps to reduce its salt content. 

How to select a Good Dried Shrimp? 

  1. Avoid shrimps which look too dry, and broken into fragments. It means that it is stored for a long time, and of low quality.
  2. Ask for permission from stall owners to take some and give it a quick sniff. It should smell fresh, not musty or with a ‘fridge’ smell. 
  3. Colour of the dried shrimp should be a natural orange colour, not too white nor bright orange. If the dried shrimp is in bright orange colour, it could be dyed in artificial colouring. 

Commonly Known as

  1. Dried shrimps
  2. Dried prawns
  3. UDANG KERING
  4. 虾米 (xia mi)
  5. Hae Bee

How to store Dried Shrimp?

Once you get home, transfer the dried shrimp into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. The dried shrimp are preserved by drying and adding a little salt, hence its shelf life is short in hot and humid Singapore. Keep it in the freezer if you plan to store it for longer periods.

What can it be used for?

Mix of chilli and dried shrimps

Hae Bee Hiam (Dried Shrimp Spicy Sambal) 辣椒虾米松

The spicy, salty,  savoury flavours of the hae bee hiam is the perfect condiment for plain rice, noodles, meat and vegetables .

Bak Chang (Zong Zi) (Chinese Rice Dumplings)

Dried shrimps are added to Teochew and Hokkien bak chang (also known as zong zi or Chinese rice dumplings) to enhance its flavours.

Rice Dumplings unwrapped on plate
Small Shrimp Rolls

Hae Bee Hiam Rolls / Shrimp Rolls

Dried shrimps are used to make hae bee hiam rolls or shrimp rolls, a popular Chinese New Year goodie.

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