Shrimp Chips: A Guide to Choosing the Right Snack

The rich and diverse flavours of Asia have a way of transporting us, and shrimp specialities are a perfect example. But between ready-to-eat chips for appetisers, uncooked crackers to fry yourself, and mysterious dried shrimp, it's easy to get lost. Are you looking for the ideal snack, the secret ingredient to elevate your dishes, or a fun cooking activity to do at home?

This guide is for you. As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my mission is to help you navigate the options so you can choose the perfect product for your needs, whether it's for a successful Asian appetiser or to find the perfect ingredient for your Asian cooking.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Shrimp Products

Before we get to our top picks, let's break down the key points to help you make the right choice and understand the nuances of each product.

1. Ready-to-Eat or Fry-at-Home?

This is the first question to ask yourself. Should you opt for a ready-to-eat snack or a raw product that needs cooking?

• Ready-to-eat snacks: These are typically light and airy chips, like the famous Korean shrimp snack. Perfect for instant enjoyment, they require no preparation.
• Uncooked crackers: Known as kerupuk udang in Indonesia or bánh ph?ng t?m in Vietnam, these uncooked shrimp crackers come as hard, translucent pellets. Simply deep-fry them for a few seconds in hot oil to watch them puff up and become incredibly crispy. An ideal option for a fresh and impressive homemade appetiser.

2. For Snacking or for Cooking?

Be aware that not all shrimp products are meant to be eaten as a snack on their own.

• Chips and crackers: These are perfect for appetisers. Their crispy texture and savoury flavour make them a snacking staple.
• Dried shrimp: Here, we're talking about a fundamental Asian cooking ingredient. Dried shrimp are true flavour enhancers, used for their intense and concentrated umami taste. They are added to broths, sauces, fillings, or stir-fries to give them unparalleled depth. They are almost never eaten on their own.

3. Which Flavour and Texture for Which Use?

It all depends on the experience you're looking for. For a quick and hassle-free Asian appetiser, ready-to-eat chips are the ideal solution. If you want to impress your guests with a hot, homemade snack, uncooked shrimp crackers will add a much-appreciated authentic touch. Finally, if your goal is to replicate the flavours of a traditional recipe, dried shrimp will be your best ally in the kitchen.

Recommended Shrimp Products

Here are three products that perfectly illustrate the diversity of options available, each serving a specific purpose.

For the Cooks: BDMP Dried Shrimp (M)

BDMP Dried Shrimp (M) 100g

Why we chose it: These dried shrimp are a true umami flavour bomb. They are the secret ingredient for many chefs and home cooks looking to add an authentic touch and unmatched depth of flavour to their Asian dishes.

Highlights:

• High in protein: 53?g per 100?g.
• Simple and natural ingredients: 95% Shrimp (Metapenaeus spp.) and salt, that's it.
• Intense seafood flavour, ideal for enhancing soups, sauces, and stir-fries.
• Versatile: can be used whole, chopped, or even ground into a powder.

Who is it for? For Asian cuisine enthusiasts who want to recreate authentic flavours and add a natural umami boost to their dishes.

For Instant Snacking: Nongshim Shrimp Cracker

Nongshim Shrimp Cracker 75g

Why we chose it: This Korean shrimp snack is a timeless classic. Its light texture, perfect crunch, and delicious shrimp flavour make it a reliable choice for a tasty break or an impromptu appetiser.

Highlights:

• Made with real shrimp (8.5%).
• Airy and crispy texture that's light on the stomach.
• Ready to eat, the 75?g size is perfect for one.
• From Nongshim, an iconic Korean brand.

Who is it for? For anyone looking for a savoury, flavourful, and ready-to-eat snack for any occasion. It's the perfect companion for a movie night or to satisfy a craving.

For Homemade Appetisers: Sa Giang Kerupuk Udang (Uncooked Crackers)

Sa Giang Kerupuk Udang - Shrimp Crackers 1kg

Why we chose it: These uncooked shrimp crackers let you experience the joy of preparing an authentic appetiser yourself. The generous 1?kg size is perfect for parties and large gatherings, promising hot, crispy snacks for everyone.

Highlights:

• 10% shrimp for a distinct seafood flavour.
• Economical 1?kg value size, ideal for parties and large families.
• A fun cooking experience: the crackers puff up spectacularly in the oil.
• Once fried, they can also add a crispy touch to many Asian dishes.

Who is it for? For those who love to entertain and want to offer an original, homemade Asian appetiser. It's also an excellent choice for families who enjoy cooking together.

Want to Discover Other Options?

Our selection is just a glimpse of the possibilities. The world of Asian savoury snacks is vast! If you're curious to discover other varieties, flavours, or sizes, feel free to explore our dedicated category.

Discover all our shrimp snacks and ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions about Shrimp Chips

How should I store shrimp chips and crackers after opening the package?

For ready-to-eat chips, it's best to transfer them to an airtight container to preserve their crispiness. As for uncooked shrimp crackers, it is essential to store them in a perfectly sealed container, away from moisture, light, and heat. Any moisture could prevent them from puffing up properly when fried.

What is the difference between shrimp chips and dried shrimp?

Shrimp chips are a processed snack, made primarily from starch (like tapioca or corn) and shrimp powder, intended for appetisers. Dried shrimp, in contrast, are whole, dehydrated shrimp. They are an Asian cooking ingredient used as a condiment for their ultra-concentrated flavour.

Can you eat uncooked crackers without frying them?

Absolutely not! It is essential to cook them. In their raw state, they are very hard, dense, and completely inedible pellets. Frying them in hot oil is what causes them to puff up and gives them their characteristic light and crispy texture. Trying to bite into them raw could break a tooth.