Salted Fermented Shrimps Archives

What is/are Salted Fermented Shrimps ?

Salted shrimps or Saeujeot 새우젓 is a type of Jeotgal that is made by salting and fermenting tiny shrimps. It used in Korean cuisine as a way to add a salty umami note to the dish. It's an important ingredient in kimchi but is also added to various side dishes, dipping sauces and stews.

close up of saeujeot shrimps — Saeujeot (salted fermented shrimps closeup)

The shrimp are very small in comparison to typical ones. There are various types of Saeujeot made in Korea and the differences are based on when the shrimps were harvested.

Saeujeot made in May is called 오젓 Ojeot, in June is called 육젓 Yukjeot and in the fall it’s called 추젓 Chujeot. Among these, the June jeotgal (Yukjeot) is known to be the best for Kimjang Kimchi making.

Not To Be Confused With

shrimp paste

Where and What To Buy

Korean Grocery Stores, online

Try to buy ones where you can see the shrimps still whole and not too broken up. Also, the better ones are where the color is more vibrant and not cloudy. If you can, buy a couple and compare the taste. It may be really salty to eat so just taste a tiny bit. But you can tell which one tastes better.

How to Use/Cook

Add to Kimchi - especially kimchis like Kkakdugi.
Eat it with Pork Belly or Grilled Pork (unseasoned). It not only tastes good, Saeujeot contains 'lipase' - an enzyme known to help digest pork fat.

How to Clean/Store

Store in the refrigerator in a sealed jar.

Nutrition/Health Info

Saeujeot has very high salt content so use it sparingly.
Saeujeot is known to contain the digestive enzyme Lipase which aids the digestion of animal fat.