How to cook vegan shrimp was the main question that floated around my head for a long time. Turning vegan seemed like a crazy pursuit being the seafood lover that I was. But going vegan doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of the tasty meals you love. This article shows how to make delicious “shrimp” from vegan substitutes.
The main ingredient in homemade vegan shrimp is king oyster mushroom. The texture resembles the meatiness of shrimp, making it the best substitute. The shape of the vegan shrimp mimics popcorn shrimp, small and easy to throw into your mouth.
The seasoning used in making regular shrimp is also used in making vegan shrimp. In store-bought vegan shrimp, the main ingredients are Konjac root and starches. These ingredients confer a shrimp-like texture and taste.
Does Vegan Shrimp Taste Good?
Yes, it does! The main hero of the dish, king oyster mushroom, has an earthy umami flavor with seafood undernotes that makes it taste close to shrimp. The tender meatiness gives a nice chew to it. The breaded coating is fried or baked to perfection, providing an appealing golden brown appearance. The frying/ baking makes the outer coating crispy giving a nice contrast to the more chewy mushroom inside.
How Do I Cook Store-Bought Vegan Shrimp?
Most store-bought vegan shrimp brands need to be cooked before eating. However, they don’t need too many ingredients to get ready. Just sautee the frozen shrimp in little oil or vegan butter for about four minutes on each side. Then, add minced garlic and spring onions for a sweet earthy taste.
When you are first learning how to cook vegan shrimp, this is one of the easiest choices.
How To Cook King Mushrooms
Unlike other mushrooms, King oyster mushrooms are known for their meaty texture and umami flavor. They are called vegan scallops because of their tender texture. King oyster mushrooms can be eaten raw, but their rich earthy flavor is unlocked when cooked. Here is an easy recipe to cook your king oyster mushroom.
Ingredients
King oyster mushrooms
Vegan butter/oil
Thyme
Garlic
Salt
Instructions
1. After cleaning the mushrooms with a brush or kitchen towel, carefully slice the mushroom stems lengthwise. Next, make tiny crisscross incisions on the inside of the halved mushrooms. This process makes the mushroom cook faster and allows the seasoning to permeate the mushroom stem.
2. Heat your pan until it is almost smoking. Drizzle some oil, and when hot, place the cut mushroom in the pan.
3. Cook for about five minutes or until the mushrooms sport a golden brown color.
4. Add vegan butter to the pan and melt. Add herbs like thyme and garlic, then season with salt.
5. Baste your mushrooms with foaming butter. Ensure your mushrooms are cooked properly.
6. Drain and serve hot.
Vegan Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
King oyster mushrooms
Paprika
Salt/Sea Salt
Vegan Butter or any oil of your choice
Bread crumb mix (breadcrumb and old bay seasoning)
Flaxseed
Flour
Instructions
1. Cut off the head of the mushroom and take off an inch of the bottom. They don’t have the soft texture or mild flavor you need for this recipe.
2. Slice into the stem horizontally at about a quarter of an inch thick, making circles. Cut into the ring, creating a crescent shape resembling shrimps.
3. In the saucepan, bring to a boil half a cup of water, half a teaspoon of old bay seasoning, and half a teaspoon of salt. Take off the heat and pour the broth over the mushrooms.
4. Allow to sit and marinate for twenty minutes.
5. Heat vegan butter or oil, then add the marinated shrimp-shaped mushrooms.
6. Saute for about 2-3 minutes on both sides.
7. Serve hot with sides or dipping sauces.
Or
If you want a bread-coated shrimp:
1. After making the crescent-shaped vegan shrimps line up three bowls. Fill them with flour, flaxseed, and bread crumb mix, respectively.
2. Dip each shrimp first in flour, then in flaxseed, and finally in bread crumb mix.
3. Bake the shrimp for 20 minutes on medium to high heat. An air fryer is also a great alternative to an oven.
4. Serve hot.
Coconut-Crusted Vegan Shrimp
Coconut-crusted vegan shrimp is a fun and flavorful spin on regular vegan shrimp. It is a delicious bite-sized appetizer that is irresistible. The outer coconut coating is crispy with the chewy mushroom on the inside.
It is easy to make and can use soy curls, king mushrooms, or store-bought vegan shrimp for this recipe. However, this recipe is a bit more advanced for after you’ve established the basics of how to cook vegan shrimp.
Ingredients
Shredded coconut flakes
Panko crumbs
Vegan egg substitute
Flour
Salt
Instructions
1. Combine shredded coconut flakes and panko crumbs in a bowl.
2. Pour the vegan egg substitute into another bowl.
3. Pour flour into a bowl.
4. Lightly salt the shrimp. Next, dip in flour, then egg substitute, then coconut flake and crumbs to allow it to oat properly.
5. Place in the oven and let bake for about 5 minutes, and then turn to bake for another 3-4 minutes. You can also decide to fry in oil for about 3-5 minutes on each side.
Vegan Shrimp Cocktail
Vegan shrimp cocktail is a fun ensemble where the vegan shrimp sauce is the “cocktail drink” while the shrimp itself is dressed around the rim of the small bowl as a form of garnish.
Preparation for the cocktail is simple. First, saute the vegan shrimp in oil or vegan butter for 3-5 minutes on each side, drain, and cool.
Making the cocktail sauce includes a quarter cup of ketchup and two tablespoons of horseradish. Stir the mixture well. Place the sauce in a bowl and arrange the shrimp attractively on the rim of the bowl.
Dipping Sauces
You can make your own cocktail shrimp dipping sauce or serve it with vegan ranch dressing. This helps compliment the flavors of the shrimp.
Storing Leftovers
King oyster mushrooms do not keep well because of their porous and fragile texture. So you may want to make them when you want to eat. But it can last up to 3 days in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Then, all you have to do is reheat it in the oven for about 10- 15 minutes to be properly heated through.
Hi, my name is Brett White, and I have a passion for cooking, and following a raw diet. Eating raw has completely changed how I view food, and has led me down a much healthier and happier path in life over the last three years.
Through Addicted To Veggies, I want to share with you my favorite raw recipes. From brownie recipes, to recipes containing pumpkin, my site is full of delicious and wonderful options to consider.
