Seared Salmon With Singapore Noodles

Asked by Jo74. Answered on 29th April 2014

Full question

Hi I would love to make Nigella's Seared Salmon With Singapore Noodles but I am having problems finding dried shrimp. Could you advise where I could purchase this or even an alternative that could be used? Also where could I find the Chinese cooking wine? Thanks.

Our answer

Nigella's Seared Salmon With Singapore Noodles (from Nigella Express and on the Nigella website) uses dried shrimp as they impart a savoury, umami element to the dish. Nigella does mention in the introduction to the recipe that you can substitute 100g/4 ounces small prawns (salad size shrimp) for the dried shrimp. Also she suggests dry sherry as an alternative to Chinese cooking wine.

We are not sure where you are based, but if you have an Asian food store near you then this is a good place to find these ingredients. In the UK there are some mail order companies on the internet who can supply both the shrimp and wine and you can try Raan Thai or Melbury and Appleton. However these are just suggestions and are also many other suppliers on the internet. Ocado and Waitrose also carry the Chinese cooking wine.

In the US many Asian ingredients can be found on Amazon and some Whole Foods carry a selection of specialty ingredients. There are also several Asian food suppliers on the internet.

Please also note that dried shrimp may need refrigerating after opening so check the package instructions carefully.