Shrimp Paste (Terasi) in Bali Cooking
Flavor role, buying tips, storage, and substitutions for Balinese cooking
Terasi is the deep savory bass note. Used carefully, it makes Balinese food taste complete.
Flavor role in Balinese cooking
Terasi is the deep savory bass note. Used carefully, it makes Balinese food taste complete.
How to buy and store
- Roast or toast before use
- A little goes far
- Wrap well — aroma travels
Smart substitutions
- Other Southeast Asian shrimp pastes carefully
- Miso is not equivalent but can rescue vegetarian umami in experiments
Where it shows up
- Sambal
- Base pastes
- Vegetable dishes
Want to practice this with your hands on the mortar? Book the private villa cooking class — minimum 6 guests — or read the class page first.
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