Traditional Pastes
| Process | Name | Image | Origin | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fermented | Garum | Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Byzantium |
A pungent paste made by crushing the roe and liver of various fishes such as mackerel, tuna, and eel, and then and fermenting in brine. It reached its greatest popularity in the Roman world, where it was both a staple to the common diet and a luxury for the wealthy. After the liquid garum was ladled off of the top of the mixture, the remains of the fish, called allec, was used by the poorest classes to flavour their staple porridge. Among the rich, the best garum fetched extraordinarily high prices. | |
| Ngapi | Burma | Ngapi, Lit. compressed fish, is a generic term for pungent pastes made of either fish or shrimp. It is usually made from the fermentation of salted ground fish or shrimp, which is then sun dried. Ngapi is a main ingredient of Lower Burmese cooking, used as a condiment and additive in most dishes. Raw ngapi is not intended for direct consumption. | ||
| Padaek | Laos | Made from pickled or fermented fish that has been cured. Often known as Laotian fish sauce, it is a thicker, seasoned fish sauce that often contains chunks of fish in it. The fermentation takes a long time, giving padaek a rich aroma similar to fine cheeses like Époisses. Unlike other versions of fish sauce in Southeast Asia, padaek is made from freshwater fish, owing to the landlocked nature of the region where it originated. | ||
| Petis ikan | Indonesia | Salty dark fish paste | ||
| Prahok | Cambodia | Usually made of crushed, salted and fermented mud fish, prahok originated as a way of preserving fish during the longer months when fresh fish was not available in abundant supply. Because of its saltiness and strong flavor, it was used as an addition to many meals, such as soups. Prahok has a strong and distinct smell, earning the nickname Cambodian Cheese. Prahok is usually eaten with rice in the countryside or poorer regions. | ||
| Shrimp paste | Southeast Asia Southern China |
Made from fermented ground shrimp, sun dried and either cut into fist-sized rectangular blocks or sold in bulk. An essential ingredient in many curries and sauces. Shrimp paste can be found in many meals in Southeast Asia, often as an ingredient in dip for fish or vegetables. | ||
| Physically processed | Anchovette | South Africa | The main ingredient includes a fish mixture of pilchards, mackerel, and anchovies in various proportions, the rest being water, salt, etc. It contains between 82 and 90 percent fish, and is enjoyed on warm toast, in snacks, and on sandwiches. Anchovette is one of four fish paste products sold under the Peck's range, which is owned by Bokomo Foods, which is a division of Pioneer Foods. | |
| Gentleman's Relish | England | Gentleman's Relish, a type of anchovy paste also known as Patum Peperium, was created in 1828 by an Englishman called John Osborn. It contains anchovies (minimum 60%), butter, herbs and spices. Today, the secret recipe is withheld from all but one employee by the licensed manufacturer, Elsenham Quality Foods. Traditionally eaten thinly spread on slices of buttered white-bread toast, either on its own, or with cucumber, or "Mustard and cress" sprouts. | ||
| Jakoten | Japan | Made from small white fish caught nearby that are ground and blended into a paste with seasoning and then fried. The heads, viscera and scales of the fish are removed. Then, the remaining parts are minced including the bones. Seasoning is added and the minced fish is ground into a paste. Next, it is shaped into rectangular patties by using a wood frame. The patties are fried several minutes until they become brownish color. Has been used in Japan since the Edo period. | ||
| Kamaboko | Made from pureed white fish, combined with additives such as MSG, formed into distinctive loaves and then steamed until fully cooked and firm. The steamed loaves are sliced and served unheated with various dipping sauces or sliced and included in hot soups, one-dish meals, or noodle dishes. Typically sold in semicylindrical loaves. Some kamaboko include artistic patterns. Red-skinned and white kamaboko are typically served at celebratory and holiday meals, as red and white are considered to bring good luck. Has been made since the 14th century. | |||
| Pissalat | France | The name comes from peis salat in Niçard, meaning "salted fish". It is made from anchovy puree flavoured with cloves, thyme, bay leaf and black pepper mixed with olive oil. Used for flavouring hors d'oeuvres, fish, cold meats and the local specialty pissaladière. | ||
| Poacher's Relish | England | A tangy relish made with smoked salmon and lemon zest. Made by the same manufacturer that makes Gentlemen's Relish, it is usually eaten with toast, crackers or blinis. | ||
| Surimi | Japan China East Asia |
Literally ground meat. Typically made from white fish, such as pollock or hake, that is pulverized to a thick paste and cooked until it becomes dense and rubbery. The term can also be applied to similar food products made from lean meat. Surimi is widely used in Asian cultures and is available in many shapes, forms, and textures. It is often further processed to mimic the texture and color of the meat of lobster, crab and other shellfish. The most common surimi product in the Western market is imitation crab meat. The process for making surimi was developed in many areas of East Asia over several centuries though the exact history and origins of this product is unclear. In China the food was used to make fish balls and as ingredients in a thick soup called Geng. In Japan it is used to make kamaboko, fish sausage, or cured surimi products. Currently, 2–3 million tonnes of fish, amounting to 2–3 percent of the world fisheries supply, are used for the production of surimi and surimi-based products. |
Read more about this topic: Fish Paste
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