Belacan (Shrimp Paste) vs Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste)

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

Quick answer

Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) works as a 1:1 swap for Belacan (Shrimp Paste) in most recipes.

Side-by-side

Belacan (Shrimp Paste)

Base unit: tbsp

Read the full guide: Belacan (Shrimp Paste)

Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste)

Conversion: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount)

Tags: none

Notes: Nearly identical in flavor and umami intensity; slightly fishier and more pungent. Use 1:1 as a direct swap.

Read the full guide: Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste)

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When to use Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) instead of Belacan (Shrimp Paste)

Nearly identical in flavor and umami intensity; slightly fishier and more pungent. Use 1:1 as a direct swap. The conversion is 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).

Common questions

Can I substitute Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) for Belacan (Shrimp Paste)?

Yes — Nearly identical in flavor and umami intensity; slightly fishier and more pungent. Use 1:1 as a direct swap. Ratio: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).

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

1:1 substitution (use the same amount). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Belacan (Shrimp Paste) and Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste) interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Nearly identical in flavor and umami intensity; slightly fishier and more pungent..

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

Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp 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 Bagoong (Filipino Shrimp Paste)?

See all Belacan (Shrimp Paste) swaps →