Missing Mom, Returning Home to Bang Bo 13/15: Eating with Mom, Traditional Stir-Fried Shrimp Paste Recipe That Takes Two Hours to Perfect

Missing Mom, Returning Home to Bang Bo 13/15: Eating with Mom, Traditional Stir-Fried Shrimp Paste Recipe That Takes Two Hours to Perfect

Bang Bo, Samut Prakan is my hometown, mr.hotsia, filled with memories and the atmosphere of life along Samrong Canal, where Bang Bo's famous salted fish is renowned nationwide and abroad. But this time, I’m not just telling the story of salted fish. Today, I’ll take you back to experience eating with mom at home, along with the traditional stir-fried shrimp paste recipe that takes two hours to achieve perfect flavor.

As a child, I remember that whenever I returned home to Bang Bo, my mom would cook dishes unlike anyone else’s. Her stir-fried shrimp paste was one of my favorites because it wasn’t just ordinary shrimp paste stir-fry; it was a traditional recipe passed down for generations, made with patience from preparing ingredients to carefully stir-frying with full attention.

Life and Stories Along Ban Rakat Canal

My home is by Ban Rakat Canal, a tributary of Samrong Canal, a waterway that has nourished the people of Bang Bo since the past, much like the 150-year-old Bang Phli Old Market I wrote about in a previous article.150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old MarketHere, the canal market and lifestyle are deeply connected to the water. Locals have used boats as their main mode of transportation and trade since ancient times.

I still vividly remember swimming with the salted fish raised in rice field ponds or nearby fish ponds as a child. Bang Bo’s salted fish are plump and delicious because the brackish water in the canal supports the growth of red worms, a favorite food of the fish, making the flavor of Bang Bo salted fish distinct from other places.Bang Bo Salted FishAnother source of pride for my hometown.

Traditional Stir-Fried Shrimp Paste Recipe... Takes Two Hours

Back to my mom’s stir-fried shrimp paste recipe, which is difficult and requires great patience. It’s not just about stir-frying shrimp paste until cooked; my mom uses locally made shrimp paste with a stronger aroma and richer flavor than regular shrimp paste. She then stir-fries it over low heat for two hours to fully release the fragrant aroma and achieve a uniquely sweet and mellow taste.

During stir-frying, my mom constantly stirs to prevent burning and uses her intuition to know when it’s perfectly cooked. This step is crucial because if stir-fried too quickly or over high heat, the shrimp paste will burn and lose its flavor immediately.

The finished stir-fried shrimp paste is used as a main ingredient in various dishes, such as stir-fried shrimp paste with fresh vegetables from the backyard garden or as a flavor enhancer in dipping sauces. At home, we usually eat it with hot steamed rice and a variety of homegrown vegetables. It’s a simple dish full of love and local wisdom.

The Warmth of Eating with Mom

Sitting down to eat with my mom at home in Bang Bo is a moment filled with family warmth and a connection to my roots. No matter how far I travel, the aroma of this traditional stir-fried shrimp paste always draws me back.

I invite everyone to open their hearts and visit my hometown in Bang Bo, experience the authentic Thai lifestyle along the canal, and don’t forget to taste this lovingly made traditional stir-fried shrimp paste.

Interesting Links

• If you enjoy canal life and old markets, I recommend taking a stroll at150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old MarketExperience the ancient atmosphere and local food
• For those interested in stories about salted fish, another unique feature of Bang Bo, don’t miss the articleBang Bo Salted Fishwhich I have detailed before
• If you want to see the atmosphere and process of making traditional stir-fried shrimp paste and hear the full story of eating with mom, watch this clip.Missing Mom, Returning Home to Bang Bo 13/15: Eating with Mom, Traditional Stir-Fried Shrimp Paste Recipe That Takes Two Hours to Perfect

Finally, for anyone who wants the holy basil flavor like my hometown in Bang Bo, I haveSpicy Holy Basil Saucea special recipe for you to try. Spicy, fragrant with holy basil, sure to please holy basil lovers.

Thank you for following stories from mr.hotsia. See you next time!