Muối tôm (Vietnamese Dried Shrimp Salt) 

Muối tôm is a salt combined with red chilis and dried shrimp. It’s also known as Vietnamese Dried Shrimp Salt and is commonly used to dip unripped fruit. Use this to dip mangos or pineapples. It’s a great dry salt that is elevated with dried shrimp. Its gives it a lovely umami flavor.

Muoi tom can be purchased in shops, but I have never seen them where I am from. The store-bought muoi ot is usually only available overseas. When my mother-in-law made this last summer to eat with some unripened mangoes I had to ask her how she made this. This is a combination of dried shrimp, red chili peppers, garlic, salt and sugar. Check out my other sauces like Muoi Ot Xanh Sauce or Muoi Ot (Vietnamese Chili Salt)

It’s also called Vietnamese Dried Shrimp Salt let’s check out how I made this perfect salt to dip with your favorite fruit.

Why make this

Dipping with sour fruit. When you dip tart or sour fruit in the muoi tom you will get a combination of umami, salty and garlicky pop with each bite. 

Great for summer parties. Make a big batch if you are hosting a party or heading to a party. Everyone will enjoy this with her fruits

Why we love this recipe

Fresh ingredients. There is nothing better than homemade dipping salt. Often times when you buy store-bought dips there are preservatives. This recipe uses fresh ingredients and you know exactly what goes in the dipping salt. 

Use your air fryer. Muoi tom is dried in a hot summer day. The blended salt is left out under the hot sun to dry and it can take up to 12 hours to dry. With an air fryer, the salt can be dried in 1 hour.

What does muoi tom taste like?

This recipe uses long Thai chilis which adds a bit of spicy kick. These chilis are less spicy than the small Thai chilis. The dried shrimp adds a complex umami flavor. Combined with the salt and sugar it creates a flavor bomb salted shrimp with a hint of umami. 

Equipment

Small chopper. Using a smaller food chopper is best for this recipe. This smaller batch recipe requires a smaller chopper to get the dried shrimp chopped up finely. 

Air fryer or oven. The air fryer will dry out the ingredients quickly. I also use my Breville smart oven Air convection oven. I use the air fryer function and will dry out the shrimp salt quickly.

Ingredients, adjustments & substitutions

dried shrimp. Dried shrimp can be found in Asian supermarkets. It’s commonly used to add umami flavor to soups and Asian dishes. This recipe wouldn’t be shrimp salt without it. There will be varying sizes you can purchase I like to buy medium size dried shrimp so it’s easier to finely chop up. 

salt. I use table salt for this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite salt. Pink Himalayan salt works as well.

Thai red chili (Long). I prefer my shrimp salt less spicy so I prefer to use the long thai red chilis. They are available at Asian supermarkets in the fresh produce section.

garlic. Adds a hint of garlicky flavor.

sugar. Adds a nice balance of sweetness. I use granulated sugar, but any type of sugar will work.

How to make Muoi Tom

Soak dried shrimp. Soak the dried shrimp in hot water for 15 minutes or until soft. Remove from the water and dry on a paper towel. Chop the dried shrimp in to small pieces.

Wash and peel. Wash the Thai Chili peppers and peel the garlic.

Mince and mix. In a food processor, combine the garlic and red chilli and blend until it’s finely minced. Add the dried shrimp and blend until finely minced. Add sugar, salt and msg (Optional) and blend until it’s well mixed.

Dehydrate. Place aluminum foil in an air fryer. Pour the mixture and spread it out evenly. Set the air fryer or oven 200°F for 1 hour. Halfway through mix the shrimp salt and loosen any chunks. 

Blend large chunks. Any large chunks can be blended in the food processor to finely chop it up. This will also make fine shrimp salt.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of dried shrimp?

Yes, you can use real shrimp for this recipe. Finely mince the shrimp in the food processor. Before drying it in the air fryer cook the mixture on a stovetop for 10-12 minutes on medium-low heat. This will make sure the shrimp is fully cooked and any moisture is removed before adding it to the air fryer. This will also reduce the time in the air fryer. It should be ready in 40-45 minutes.

Success tips to make the best Muoi Tom

Wash and soak dried shrimp. Washing and soaking the shrimp will remove dirt and help finely mince the shrimp in the food processor faster.

Keep a watchful eye when dehydrating. Keep a watchful eye during the second half of the shrimp salt mixture being dried in the air fryer. Mix the shrimp salt so it is evenly dried. 

Do not compact the shrimp salt. When air frying makes sure the shrimp salt is loosened so it dries evenly. I find when it is compact it takes longer and the drying is uneven. 

How to serve

The shrimp salt is perfect to use with tart or unripe fruit. Commonly used to dip mangos or pineapples. 

How to store

Store in an air-tight container and can be left refrigerated for up to 2 weeks if properly dried.

If you make this recipe, and like it, please give it a rating in the recipe card below and let us know in the comments at the end of the post.

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