Belacan (Shrimp Paste) vs Anchovy Paste

A side-by-side guide to substituting Anchovy Paste for Belacan (Shrimp Paste) (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Use 0.75 tbsp of Anchovy Paste for every 1 tbsp of Belacan (Shrimp Paste).

Side-by-side

Belacan (Shrimp Paste)

Base unit: tbsp

Read the full guide: Belacan (Shrimp Paste)

Anchovy Paste

Conversion: Use 75% as much (0.75 tbsp per 1 tbsp)

Tags: budget

Notes: Less funky and slightly less salty than belacan; use ¾ the amount. Best in cooked dishes where paste dissolves into sauce.

Read the full guide: Anchovy Paste

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When to use Anchovy Paste instead of Belacan (Shrimp Paste)

Less funky and slightly less salty than belacan; use ¾ the amount. Best in cooked dishes where paste dissolves into sauce. The conversion is use 75% as much (0.75 tbsp per 1 tbsp).

Common questions

Can I substitute Anchovy Paste for Belacan (Shrimp Paste)?

Yes — Less funky and slightly less salty than belacan; use ¾ the amount. Best in cooked dishes where paste dissolves into sauce. Ratio: Use 75% as much (0.75 tbsp per 1 tbsp).

What's the conversion ratio for Belacan (Shrimp Paste) to Anchovy Paste?

Use 75% as much (0.75 tbsp per 1 tbsp). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Belacan (Shrimp Paste) and Anchovy Paste interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Less funky and slightly less salty than belacan; use ¾ the amount..

Is Anchovy Paste a better substitute than other options for Belacan (Shrimp Paste)?

Anchovy Paste is one of the options SubSwap lists for Belacan (Shrimp Paste). The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Belacan (Shrimp Paste) substitutes.

Looking for more Belacan (Shrimp Paste) substitutes beyond Anchovy Paste?

See all Belacan (Shrimp Paste) swaps →