I. What's the Difference Between Shrimp Flakes and Dried Shrimp?
Shrimp flakes differ from dried shrimp. Dried shrimp, also known as "shrimp skin" or colloquially as "small shrimp flakes," are the dried product of small shrimp.Among numerous seafood products, dried shrimp and small shrimp are not highly valued and are extremely inexpensive. However, their nutritional value rivals that of other seafood, making them an economical and nutritious food. Due to their small size, dried shrimp and small shrimp can be consumed whole, including their shells.With calcium content as high as 94.5%—exceeding that of shrimp meat—and containing chitin, an essential substance for brain health, dried shrimp is often called a natural calcium supplement and is considered one of the best foods for calcium intake.Shrimp flakes are made by processing tiny shrimp into dried shrimp with both shell and meat intact, also known as dried shrimp. They are widely available in supermarkets, with cleaner, larger flakes commanding higher prices ranging from about 6 to 18 yuan! Because the shrimp are small and already dried, they don't feel hard!They are commonly used as fillings for buns and dumplings alongside other ingredients, or added to soups (preferably with a splash of vinegar).Alternatively, rinse an appropriate amount of dried shrimp flakes with boiling water (always rinse before cooking for hygiene), then add vinegar for direct consumption. Vinegar enhances calcium absorption. Nutritional Value Comparison Dried shrimp (shrimp meat) is a renowned seafood delicacy with high nutritional value. Per 100 grams, it contains:carbohydrates 4.6g, calcium 577mg, phosphorus 614mg, iron 13.1mg, and various vitamins.
Shrimp flakes also boast exceptional nutritional value. In terms of protein content—a key indicator of nutritional quality—100 grams of shrimp flakes contain 39.3 grams of protein. This significantly exceeds the levels found in aquatic products like large yellow croaker, yellow croaker, tiger prawns, hairtail, and pomfret, as well as meat products such as beef, pork, and chicken.Another key feature of dried shrimp is its rich variety and quantity of minerals. Beyond containing iodine—a mineral lacking in terrestrial and freshwater organisms—it is abundant in iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Per 100 grams, dried shrimp provides 20,000 mg of calcium and 1,005 mg of phosphorus. Its calcium content, in particular, is unmatched by any other food source. Thus, dried shrimp is often called the calcium bank.
In comparison, dried shrimp still holds the edge in nutritional value.
II. Cooking Dried Shrimp and Dried Shrimp Flakes
Dried Shrimp and Seaweed Soup
Ingredients: Dried shrimp, seaweed, dried tofu sticks.
Seasonings: Salt, garlic, chili peppers, onion.
Method:
1. Prepare a bowl of clear broth.
2. Crush garlic with the flat side of a knife. Slice onion into strips and chop chili peppers into chunks.
3. Heat a small amount of oil in a pot. Sauté garlic, onion, and chili peppers until fragrant. Add a large bowl of water and salt. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove all aromatics. (This method can be used whenever soup ingredients lack flavor.)
4. Soak dried tofu skin in boiling water until softened, then cut into thin strips. Rinse seaweed and dried shrimp.
5. Add the tofu skin strips and dried shrimp to the clear broth and bring to a boil. Finally, add the nori and bring to a boil again. The soup is ready. You may also add a little scallion or cilantro.
Note: Adjust ingredient quantities to taste.
Dried Shrimp Tofu Salad
Ingredients: 500g soft tofu, 50g dried shrimp, 10g soy sauce,5g minced scallion and ginger, 2.5g salt, 2g MSG, 20g sesame oil, 5g chili oil.
Method:
1. Cut soft tofu into 1.2cm cubes. Blanch in boiling water several times, drain thoroughly, cool, and arrange on a plate.
2. Briefly blanch dried shrimp in boiling water. Place in a bowl and mix with soy sauce, salt, MSG, chili oil, sesame oil, and minced scallion and ginger. Pour over the tofu cubes.
2. Blanch dried shrimp in boiling water, transfer to a bowl. Add soy sauce, salt, MSG, chili oil, sesame oil, and minced scallion/ginger. Mix well and pour over tofu cubes.
Note: Rinse dried shrimp before cooking; discard the first soaking water.