20+ Incredible Vegan Seafood Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to make vegan food taste like seafood? ›

Seaweed-Nori, Kelp or Dulse flakes

For other dishes, they are torn into smaller pieces, added to recipes. The Kelp or Dulse flakes are basically dried seaweed. They are often used as a salt substitute, but are a great way to add some fishy flavor. And, BONUS, seaweed gives your food added nutrients.

What's seaganism? Pretty much exactly what it sounds like—a vegan diet augmented by the occasional piece of seafood. It's distinct from pescetarianism in that it doesn't involve dairy or eggs. So no need to hold the tuna in your tuna salad, but you'll need to swap in Veganaise (or Fabanaise!) for traditional mayo.

Make vegan seafood with king oyster mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms. Also consider using canned hearts of palm, banana blossoms, jackfruit, and artichoke hearts. To mimic the taste and texture of seafood dishes, use chickpeas, watermelon, tomato, and carrots.

Most simply, a pescatarian is someone who doesn't eat red meat or poultry, but does eat fish and other seafood. The term pescatarian was coined in the early 1990s and is a combination of the Italian word for fish, “pesce,” and the word “vegetarian.” Sometimes it's spelled “pescetarian,” but this means the same thing.

You can add seaweed, which really gives you the taste of the ocean, by adding kelp flakes, dulce flakes, or crumbled up pieces of seaweed. Lemon juice and nutritional yeast, whether in the recipe or added at the end, is also reminiscent of many seafood dishes.

Popular for their healthy balance of vitamins and protein, portobello mushrooms are an essential ingredient in any vegan pantry. Their mild flavor, softly chewy texture, and absorbent nature allow portobello mushrooms to soak up whatever marinade you may choose, allowing them to serve as a fantastic fish substitute!

Tofu, banana blossom, and jackfruit are popular substitutes for fish due to their texture. In addition, seaweed, soy sauce, and mushrooms can help to give an authentic taste. Plant-based fish alternatives can provide essential nutrients such as protein and minerals to someone eating a vegan or plant-based diet.

"A pescatarian is a vegetarian who also eats fish, along with eggs and dairy," says Meshulam. It's a great option if you want to get some extra protein in your diet.

A pollotarian diet is a type of semi-vegetarianism in which chicken is allowed, but red meat and pork are not. Some pollotarians may also include eggs and dairy in their diet. Those who eat fish and seafood are considered pesce-pollotarians.

People who follow a vegan diet don't eat any animal foods, including dairy, eggs, and honey. About 3% of Americans follow a vegan diet. Their reasons for eating this way vary. Some vegans do it to improve their health, as research shows that a plant-based diet could lower the risk of certain diseases.

Is vegan seafood healthy? ›

Are vegan alternatives healthier? Vegan seafood products made from legumes and ingredients like wheat protein gives them a good protein content – between 12 and 21 grams – with no saturated fat or cholesterol. They usually have a decent percentage of iron too, at between nine and 15 percent of recommended intake.

Seaweed and Kelp.

Wakame seaweed (or undaria) or dulse seaweed are both good options for this recipe (I use wakame). I also use dashima or dried kelp to intensify the fishy flavor of this vegan fish sauce.

Vegan lobster is primarily made from hearts of palm due to its flaky, tender texture, which closely resembles that of real lobster. Other common ingredients include yam flour, oyster or lobster mushrooms, and artichoke hearts.

Plant-based seafood can be found in the form of tuna, salmon, caviar, scallops, squid, crab and shrimp – all these products have already entered the market. The most common ingredients in these products are soy, seaweed, yeast, legumes and various vegetable oils and starches.

Seaweed and Kelp.

Wakame seaweed (or undaria) or dulse seaweed are both good options for this recipe (I use wakame). I also use dashima or dried kelp to intensify the fishy flavor of this vegan fish sauce.

Introducing your kids, your spouse, or even yourself to the flavors of fish and seafood as cooked by chefs with more experience will help you recognize what you like, and perhaps what you don't. Then, take home that inspiration for your next dinner and try to create something similar, or whip up something all new.

What is plant based seafood made of? Plant-based seafood can be found in the form of tuna, salmon, caviar, scallops, squid, crab and shrimp – all these products have already entered the market. The most common ingredients in these products are soy, seaweed, yeast, legumes and various vegetable oils and starches.

Add some herbs & spices.

Play around with different fresh herb and spice combinations. Dried herbs work, too. Follow a recipe, use pre-mixed seasoning blends, or be creative and add your own. Bonus tip: restock your spices every once in a while for an extra kick (they do expire eventually!)