If you’re like us, sometimes you just can’t find the original laksa paste when you need it. And that’s okay – we’ve got substitutes for you!
In this article, we’ll explain the differences and similarities between laksa paste substitutes and give examples of how we’ve used them in our cooking.
We want you to be able to easily swap for an alternative that tastes the same or similar so that you never have to miss out on your favorite dish again.
Let’s start!
Laksa Paste Substitutes
- Pad Thai Sauce
- Shrimp Paste
- Thai Green Curry Paste
- Thai Red Curry Paste
Pad Thai Sauce
Pad Thai sauce is a great substitute for laksa paste in many recipes. It is made from a blend of tamarind, fish sauce, garlic, oyster sauce, chili peppers, and brown sugar.
This combination of ingredients results in a paste that is sweet, sour, and slightly salty with a kick of heat.
Pad Thai sauce can be used as a marinade for meats or as a flavor base for soups and stews.
It is also a great way to add depth of flavor to stir-fries and noodle dishes.
When substituting Pad Thai sauce for laksa paste, be aware that the sauce is much thinner than the paste.
As such, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe accordingly.
Additionally, the sauce is not quite as spicy as the paste, so you may want to increase the number of chili peppers if you are looking for a bit more heat.
Shrimp Paste
Shrimp paste is a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines, and it can be used as a substitute for laksa paste.
Shrimp paste is made from fermented shrimp, and it has a strong umami flavor.
It can be used as a replacement for laksa paste in recipes for soups, curries, and stir-fries.
Shrimp paste is a good substitute for laksa paste because it has a similar flavor profile.
In addition, shrimp paste is less expensive than laksa paste and it is easy to find in most Asian grocery stores.
When substituting shrimp paste for laksa paste, it is important to start with a small amount and add more to the taste.
Thai Green Curry Paste
Thai green curry paste is a suitable substitute for laksa paste in many recipes.
The benefits of using Thai green curry paste as a substitute for laksa paste include the fact that it is lower in fat, has a similar flavor profile, and is readily available in most grocery stores.
Thai green curry paste is also a suitable substitute in recipes that call for a spice mixture, as it already contains all of the necessary spices.
When substituting Thai green curry paste for laksa paste, it is important to note that the flavor will be slightly milder.
As a result, you may want to add additional chili peppers or increase the amount of fish sauce in the recipe.
Thai Red Curry Paste
Thai red curry paste is an excellent substitute for laksa paste in many recipes.
It has a similar flavor profile, with a balance of spice and sweetness that is perfect for noodles, soup, and stir-fries.
Thai red curry paste is also very versatile and can be used in both vegan and non-vegan dishes.
It is readily available in most grocery stores and is a relatively inexpensive ingredient.
When substituting Thai red curry paste for laksa paste, it is important to keep in mind that the curry paste is much spicier than the laksa paste.
As a result, you may need to adjust the number of chili flakes or other spices in your recipe accordingly.
Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing Laksa Paste Substitutes
What is laksa paste made of?
Laksa paste is typically made from a blend of chili peppers, shrimp paste, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, and spices.
Can I use laksa paste as a marinade?
Yes! Laksa paste makes an excellent marinade for meats, fish, and vegetables.
What are some common laksa paste substitutes?
Some common laksa paste substitutes include shrimp paste, Thai green curry paste, and Thai red curry paste.
What is the best laksa paste substitute?
The best laksa paste substitute will depend on your personal preferences and what you have available.
Some popular substitutes include shrimp paste, Thai green curry paste, and Thai red curry paste.
I can’t find laksa paste at my local grocery store. Where can I buy it?
Laksa paste is available at most Asian grocery stores. You can also purchase laksa paste online.
What is the difference between laksa paste and laksa sauce?
Laksa paste is a thick, concentrated mixture of spices and herbs, while laksa sauce is a thinner, more liquidy version of the paste.
Both laksa paste and laksa sauce are used to flavor soups, curries, and stir-fries.
What is the shelf life of laksa paste?
Laksa paste can last for up to six months when stored in a cool, dry place. After six months, the laksa paste will begin to lose its flavor.
How do I store laksa paste?
Laksa paste should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as the pantry or cupboard.
Once opened, laksa paste can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to six months.
Do I need to refrigerate laksa paste?
No, laksa paste does not need to be refrigerated.
However, if you live in a hot climate, it is best to store laksa paste in the fridge to prevent it from going bad.
What is the best way to use laksa paste?
Laksa paste can be used to flavor soups, curries, stir-fries, and marinades.
It is also a popular ingredient in laksa, a type of Malaysian noodle soup.
Conclusion
There are plenty of alternatives for laksa paste that will work just as well in your recipe.
Just be sure to adjust the spices and flavors to suit your personal preferences.
Moreover, laksa paste is a very versatile ingredient, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different substitutes in your cooking.
With a little creativity, you can come up with some truly unique and delicious dishes.