The Best Vegan Shrimp Recipe: How To Make It + Best Brands (2024)

Looking for the best vegan shrimp recipe? Look no further. This recipe uses king oyster mushrooms to replicate a shrimp-like texture, creating a delicious vegan seafood dish.

I had an idea tomake my own vegan shrimp using king oyster mushroom stemsthat I use a lot for makingvegan scallops. The texture is not as firm as thevegan shrimpI’ve eaten out at restaurants, but it is still very good. Call this a fried mushroom and you’d also be correct on what it is but, come on, play along. 🙂

This vegan shrimp recipe transforms king oyster mushrooms into an astonishingly delicious seafood alternative that’s both simple to make and beautifully versatile. By slicing the mushrooms to mimic shrimp, we achieve a texture that’s satisfyingly similar in texture to its sea counterpart.

Breaded with a blend of panko and spices, then fried to golden perfection, these vegan shrimps are crisp on the outside yet tender inside. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

Try this chipotle-lime sauce, red curry sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, garlicky-dill mayo, a zesty zesty co*cktail, tangy vegan tartar, or a creamy and bright bang bang sauce.

This best vegan shrimp recipe is a great twist on classic seafood that vegans and non-vegans will love. This is one of my favorite vegan seafood recipes I’ve created because it’s so delicious and crispy!

Creating the Perfect Vegan Shrimp Texture with King Oyster Mushrooms

This recipe uses king oyster mushrooms in place of shrimp. To create the shrimp shape, you cut the mushroom stems into 1/2-inch or so slices. Then envision a yin-yang symbol (☯). Cut a squiggly line to make two shrimpy, teardrop pieces of mushrooms. Repeat with all of your stems.

What sets this recipe apart is not just its cruelty-free approach but also its ease and adaptability. It can be customized with various coatings and sauces. This makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of tastes and occasions.

Try different breadings if you like. Make it spicy with this sriracha-pea and panko, for a different texture, try this vegan po boy breading, and double-dredge it for a mind-blowing crunchy texture.

Whether served as an appetizer with a selection of dips or as a main course, this ultimate vegan shrimp recipe offers a fun, delicious, and cruelty-free alternative to sea-based shrimp.

Why You’ll Love This Plant-Based Shrimp Alternative Recipe

This is the best vegan shrimp recipe because it stands out for its amazing texture and exceptional flavor. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious seafood alternative that’s both versatile and satisfying. It’s:

• Simple to Prepare: Requires minimal ingredients and effort.
• Versatile Flavor: Complements a wide range of sauces and dishes.
• Diet-Friendly: Suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those looking for plant-based options.
• Sustainable Choice: Uses mushrooms, a sustainable vegan protein source.
• Fun to Make: Ideal for making for a group of guests or just a special meal for two.

Key Ingredients For Making This Vegan Shrimp

Making this vegan shrimp recipe is fairly straightforward and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s go over them!

• Large King Oyster Mushroom Stems: The star of the recipe! These mushroom stems are cut and shaped to mimic the texture and appearance of shrimp. They have a meaty texture that absorbs liquid well, making them an ideal base for the dish.
• White Rice Flour: Used in the breading, white rice flour contributes to a crispy exterior.
• Soy Milk: Acts as the liquid base for the batter. Its thickness helps the dry ingredients adhere to the mushrooms, ensuring a crunchy coating after frying.
• Coconut or Apple Cider Vinegar: When added to soy milk, it creates a vegan buttermilk. This enhances the batter’s flavor and texture. The acidity also helps in tenderizing the mushroom, improving the final texture.
• JUST Egg (Optional): This plant-based egg alternative adds extra binding properties to the batter, making it more cohesive. It’s optional but can help create a smoother batter.
• All-Purpose Flour: A key component, this helps in forming a thick coating that sticks to the mushroom. This ensures a crunchy exterior.
• Cornstarch: Mixed with all-purpose flour for the batter, cornstarch lightens the batter’s texture, contributing to a crispier finish.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory flavor to the batter, enhancing the overall taste of the vegan shrimp.
• Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder by adding depth and a slight sweetness to the batter’s flavor profile.
• Panko: These Japanese breadcrumbs are coarser than traditional breadcrumbs. Panko is used for the final coating to achieve an extra crispy and airy crust.
• Canola or Grapeseed Oil: These oils are chosen for their high smoke points, making them ideal for frying. They ensure that the vegan shrimp is cooked evenly and develops a golden, crunchy exterior without absorbing too much oil.

Helpful Recipe Tips

To ensure your vegan shrimp comes out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time, consider these practical tips. These suggestions aim to simplify the cooking process and enhance the overall quality, making this best vegan shrimp recipe so delicious!

• Pre-Soak Mushrooms: Soak the king oyster mushroom stems in warm water for about 15 minutes before cutting. This not only cleans them but also helps in achieving a softer texture that’s similar to shrimp.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature between 325-350°F (165-175°C) when frying. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature, ensuring that the vegan shrimp cooks evenly and becomes crispy without burning.
• Dry Ingredients First: Before battering, make sure to coat the mushrooms in white rice flour. This helps the wet ingredients adhere better, resulting in a more uniform and crispy coating.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the mushrooms in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures they cook evenly and the oil temperature remains stable, preventing the vegan shrimp from becoming soggy.
• Let Excess Batter Drip Off: After dunking the mushrooms in the wet batter, allow any excess to drip off. Then coat them in panko. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy texture.
• Use Parchment Paper: When prepping your battered mushrooms, place them on a parchment-lined tray. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to handle them before frying.
• Air Fryer Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C). It will take just a few minutes to restore the crispy texture. This method is preferable to microwaving, which can make them soggy.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the amounts of seasonings in the batter to suit your taste preferences. Taste the batter before adding the mushrooms to ensure it’s flavorful enough.
• Experiment with Sauces: While the recipe suggests certain sauces, don’t hesitate to experiment with others based on your preferences. Vegan shrimp pairs well with a variety of flavors, from sweet to spicy.

How To Store Leftovers

Proper storage of your vegan shrimp leftovers will ensure they remain as delicious as when you first made them. Here are some tips to help you keep your dish fresh!

Cool Down: Allow the vegan shrimp to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make them soggy.

Refrigeration: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will last for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, try to consume them within this timeframe.

Freezing: Although freezing is possible, it’s not recommended for the best texture and flavor. If you do choose to freeze them, lay lined baking sheet to freeze. Then transfer them to a plastic container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Note that the texture may change upon thawing and reheating.

Reheating: To revive the crispy texture of the vegan shrimp, reheat them in an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the vegan shrimp on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

If using an air fryer, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they become crispy again.

Choosing the Best Vegan Shrimp Brand for Your Dish

If you’d prefer a commercially prepared plant-based shrimp alternative, there are lots of options. Here are some rock-solid brands that have nailed the taste and texture of vegan shrimp. Making your own vegan seafood recipes is fun, but using these amazing, beautifully textured products is too!

The Plant Based Seafood Co. | Mind Blown™

Mind-Blown™ Vegan Shrimp is a plant-based seafood alternative designed to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional shrimp. It is crafted from a blend of vegetable and legume ingredients, including konjac powder, pea starch, and seaweed extract. This product offers a sustainable and cruelty-free option for those seeking to reduce their consumption of animal products.

Vegan Zeastar

Vegan Zeastar brand Vegan Shrimp is a plant-based alternative designed to offer the flavor and texture of real shrimp. It’s made primarily from a combination of plant-based ingredients such as konjac flour and vegetable gums. This product is environmentally friendly and engineered to replicate the distinctive bite and texture of traditional shrimp.

The vegan shrimp comes pre-cooked, making it a convenient option for quick meal preparations. It can also be incorporated into a variety of dishes, ranging from classic shrimp co*cktails to hearty paellas. It is also notable for its commitment to being free from artificial colors and flavors.

New Wave Foods

New Wave Vegan Shrimp is a plant-based seafood substitute created to emulate the taste and texture of traditional shrimp. This is for anyone wishing to lessen their seafood intake for health or environmental reasons. This product is crafted from a blend of sustainable, high-quality ingredients, such as mung bean protein and seaweed extracts. These ingredients help to achieve a flavor and texture profile reminiscent of ocean shrimp.

New Wave Vegan Shrimp is designed to be versatile in culinary use. It’s easily adaptable to a wide array of recipes from cold salads to heated dishes like curries and stir-fries. It’s pre-cooked for convenience, allowing for a simple preparation that requires minimal cooking time.

Future Farm Co. | Sophie’s Kitchen

Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Shrimp is a plant-based seafood alternative crafted to closely mimic the texture and flavor of traditional shrimp. It’s appealing to those on vegan diets or looking to reduce their seafood consumption for ethical or environmental reasons. This product is made from a variety of non-GMO ingredients, including pea protein and potato starch. Additionally, it is soy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with specific dietary restrictions.

BeLeaf

BeLeaf Vegan Shrimp is a plant-based alternative designed to replicate the texture and flavor profile of traditional shrimp, catering to vegans, vegetarians, and those seeking to reduce their consumption of animal products. This product is made from a blend of plant-based ingredients, including konjac powder, which is known for its ability to absorb flavors and mimic the chewy texture of seafood.

All Vegetarian Vegan Shrimp

All Vegetarian brand Vegan Shrimp is a plant-based seafood substitute designed to offer the look, taste, and texture of conventional shrimp. This product is crafted from a blend of plant-based ingredients, with the primary component being konjac powder, renowned for its ability to replicate the chewy texture of real shrimp.

It’s seasoned to mimic the subtle flavors of the ocean, making it a versatile addition to a variety of dishes, from traditional seafood paellas to contemporary vegan sushi rolls. The product is pre-cooked for convenience, allowing for easy incorporation into meals with minimal preparation time required.

And there you have it! The best vegan shrimp recipe with so many breading and sauce options, plus so many vegan shrimp brands to choose from. Dive into these options for a kinder, more sustainable way to enjoy vegan seafood!

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This post was last updated on March 3, 2024.