Vegan Seafood Alternatives that Actually Taste Good

For those who adhere to a vegan lifestyle, seafood may be one of the most difficult food groups to replace. However, there are various plant-based alternatives that not only replace the nutrients of seafood, but also replicate the savory umami flavor, texture and appearance.

Tofu Fish

Tofu fish is a popular vegan seafood alternative that is versatile, healthy and delicious. It is made by freezing and thawing tofu, then marinading and cutting it into fish-like shapes. It can be pan-fried, baked or grilled with flavorful seasonings such as dill, lemon and garlic.

Jackfruit "Crab" Cakes

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that has quickly gained popularity as a meat substitute due to its texture when cooked. For vegan crab cakes, the jackfruit can be seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, and made into a patty before being pan-fried or baked. The end result is a crispy outer layer with a tender, flavorful center.

Seaweed Salad

Seaweed salad is a simple vegan seafood alternative that can be made at home or ordered at a restaurant. The seaweed is typically served in a salad with sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic. Seaweed salad not only provides a unique taste and texture, but is also rich in vitamins and minerals including iodine, which is essential to thyroid function.

Tempeh Scallops

Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that can be sliced, marinated and seared to mimic the taste and texture of scallops. The key to successful tempeh scallops is to score the tops of the tempeh in a criss-cross pattern to resemble the diagonal lines of scallops. Serve with lemon wedges and horseradish sauce for an elegant appetizer or entree.

Chickpea "Tuna" Salad

Chickpea "tuna" salad is a vegan alternative perfect for sandwiches or salads. It is made by mashing chickpeas with vegan mayonnaise, celery, red onion, and seasonings such as paprika and mustard. The texture of the mashed chickpeas resembles tuna salad, while the seasonings create a familiar flavor profile.

Overall, there are many vegan seafood alternatives on the market or that can be made at home. These options not only provide the nutrients of seafood, but the umami flavor so many of us crave. Feel free to experiment and create new vegan seafood alternatives!