Much of the shrimp on Japanese tables is actually from Vietnam. Vietnam is one of the world's leading shrimp farming and exporting countries, raising large volumes of shrimp mainly in the Mekong Delta. Plump black tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp are shipped to Japan as frozen shrimp and feature in many dishes. At the same time, some people worry about the safety of farmed shrimp. Vietnam also has its own food culture built around shrimp, including the seasoning 'shrimp salt' and shrimp crackers.
This article covers the basics of Vietnamese shrimp, the main farmed species, growing regions, the safety concerns people have, the famous shrimp-salt seasoning and how to use it, Vietnamese dishes made with shrimp, and how to buy it in Japan.
What Is Vietnamese Shrimp? One of the World's Great Farming Nations
Vietnam ranks among the world's top countries for shrimp farming and export. Vast farming ponds stretch across the southern Mekong Delta, where the warm climate lets shrimp be raised year-round. Shrimp farmed here is exported to Japan and across the world.
Japan is one of the main destinations for Vietnamese shrimp, and much of the frozen shrimp sold in supermarkets is from Vietnam. Many of the everyday shrimp used in fried shrimp, chili shrimp and stir-fries come from Vietnam's farming ponds. Export shrimp is pre-processed and frozen at processing plants before shipping, with strong attention to quality control. Shrimp is an important product supporting Vietnam's fisheries industry.
Main Species and Growing Regions
Several species of shrimp are farmed in Vietnam. The two most representative are the black tiger prawn and the whiteleg shrimp.
| Type | Characteristics | Suited dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Black tiger | Large, with a hard shell and plenty of bite | Grilling, steaming, deep-frying |
| Whiteleg shrimp | Somewhat small, with tender flesh | Stir-fries, chili shrimp, salads |
Black tiger prawns are large with hard shells; when cooked they turn a vivid red and offer a firm, springy texture. Whiteleg shrimp are a bit smaller with tender flesh and a reasonable price, making them well suited to everyday use. The main growing regions are Ca Mau, Soc Trang and Bac Lieu provinces in the southern Mekong Delta. Farming methods are tailored to each area, such as mangrove-based aquaculture. For more on Vietnam's fisheries industry, the Seafood & Shrimp category as well.
How Safe Is Vietnamese Shrimp?
When choosing imported farmed shrimp, some people worry about safety. Knowing the challenges of farming and how the shrimp reaches Japan can help you choose with confidence.
In the past, the use of chemicals in shrimp farming and the environmental burden were sometimes pointed out as problems. Today, farming management has advanced, especially for export shrimp, and a growing number of farms obtain international certifications such as ASC. Shrimp imported into Japan is distributed after inspection under the Food Sanitation Act. Standards for chemical residues and the like are set by law, and only shrimp meeting them reaches store shelves. If you are concerned, checking the origin and certification labels lets you buy with greater confidence.
The Famous Seasoning 'Shrimp Salt'
Vietnam has a famous shrimp-based seasoning called shrimp salt (muoi tom). Known as a specialty of Tay Ninh province in the south, it is an umami-rich seasoning enjoyed with dishes and fruit.
Shrimp salt is a reddish seasoning made by finely grinding and mixing dried shrimp, salt, chili and other ingredients. The umami of the shrimp, the saltiness and a touch of heat come together, so even a small amount lifts the flavor of a dish. In Vietnam, people dip boiled meat or seafood in it, or eat it with fruit such as mango and guava. Dipping sweet-and-sour green fruit in umami-and-spicy shrimp salt is a local way to enjoy it. Sprinkled over rice or boiled eggs, it adds umami easily. It is a quintessentially Vietnamese seasoning that is also popular as a souvenir.
Vietnamese Dishes Made with Shrimp
In Vietnam, shrimp is used not only fresh but also processed into a wide variety of dishes. There are many dishes that make the most of shrimp's umami.
- Fresh spring rolls | a classic dish with boiled shrimp rolled so it shows through the wrapper
- Fried spring rolls | shrimp and pork wrapped and deep-fried until crisp
- Shrimp crackers | light-textured crackers made with shrimp umami kneaded in
- Fermented shrimp paste | a seasoning used for dipping sauces and to add depth to noodle dishes
A classic is fresh spring rolls made with boiled shrimp. The red shrimp showing through adds color, and they pair well with a dipping sauce. Fried spring rolls, with shrimp and pork wrapped and deep-fried, are also popular. Shrimp crackers, kneaded with shrimp umami, are a light-textured snack that is appreciated as a souvenir. The paste-like seasoning made from fermented shrimp has a distinctive strong aroma and is used as a dipping sauce for dishes such as fried tofu and to add depth to noodle dishes. Shrimp is an ingredient that can be the star of a dish or an excellent supporting player that adds umami.
Finding it in Japan
Vietnamese shrimp is readily available in Japan too. It comes in many forms, from raw shrimp to processed products.
The most common is frozen shrimp sold at supermarkets. Black tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp are available shell-on or peeled. Since they can be used straight after thawing, they are handy for fried shrimp and stir-fries. Processed products such as shrimp salt and shrimp crackers can be found at imported-food stores, Asian grocery stores and online. If you want to try authentic flavors, starting with these processed products is a good idea. When looking for Vietnamese ingredients and souvenirs, our sister site dedicated Vietnam souvenir site as well.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of shrimp is Vietnamese shrimp?
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The shrimp farmed mainly are the large black tiger prawn and the smaller, tender whiteleg shrimp. The main growing region is the southern Mekong Delta, and much of it is exported to Japan as frozen shrimp. It is commonly used in dishes such as fried shrimp and stir-fries.
- Is Vietnamese shrimp safe?
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Shrimp imported into Japan is distributed after inspection under the Food Sanitation Act. Standards for chemical residues and the like are set by law, and only shrimp meeting them reaches store shelves. Farming management has also advanced, and more farms are obtaining international certifications. Checking the origin and certification labels when choosing is reassuring.
- What kind of seasoning is shrimp salt?
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It is a seasoning that is a specialty of Tay Ninh province in the south, made by grinding and mixing dried shrimp, salt and chili. The umami of the shrimp, the saltiness and the heat come together. Dipping boiled meat or seafood, or fruit such as mango and guava, into it is a uniquely Vietnamese way to enjoy it.
- How should I use shrimp salt?
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Besides using it as a dipping salt for boiled meat and seafood, dipping sour fruit such as green mango or guava into it combines sweet-and-sour notes with umami. Sprinkled over rice or boiled eggs, it adds umami easily. A small amount gives plenty of flavor.
- Where can I buy Vietnamese shrimp in Japan?
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You can find black tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp in the frozen-food section of supermarkets. They come shell-on or peeled and can be used straight after thawing. Processed products such as shrimp salt and shrimp crackers can be found at imported-food stores and online.
Conclusion | Vietnamese Shrimp Supporting the Table
Vietnam is one of the world's leading shrimp farming and exporting countries, and the black tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp raised in the Mekong Delta support Japanese tables too. Imported shrimp is distributed after inspection, so you can buy it with confidence by checking the origin and certification labels. Shrimp salt, a specialty of Tay Ninh in the south, is an umami-rich seasoning that can even be used with fruit. There are also plenty of shrimp dishes and snacks, such as fresh spring rolls and shrimp crackers. From frozen shrimp to processed products, enjoy Vietnamese shrimp at your table.
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