Hey there! I’m super excited to share everything I know about vegan shrimp with you today. As someone who’s tried countless plant-based alternatives, I gotta say – vegan shrimp has come a long way and it’s pretty mind-blowing how similar it can taste to the real thing!
What Exactly is Vegan Shrimp?
Vegan shrimp is basically a plant-based version of regular shrimp that’s made without any animal products. It’s designed to mimic the taste, texture, and look of traditional shrimp while being completely cruelty-free. Pretty cool, right?
Why People Are Switching to Vegan Shrimp
There are some pretty compelling reasons why folks are making the switch
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Environmental Impact Regular shrimp farming is seriously damaging our planet
- Causes major deforestation of mangrove forests
- Creates water pollution
- Destroys natural habitats
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Ethical Concerns:
- Reduces animal suffering
- Avoids supporting problematic farming practices
- Eliminates issues with bycatch in wild shrimp fishing
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Health Benefits:
- No contaminants often found in regular seafood
- Free from antibiotics used in shrimp farms
- Safe for people with shellfish allergies
What’s It Made Of?
Here are the most common ingredients used to make vegan shrimp
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Konjac Root
- Has a bouncy, chewy texture
- Naturally absorbs flavors well
- Provides that signature “shrimpy” bite
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Plant Proteins
- Soy protein
- Pea protein
- Chickpea flour
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Seaweed & Seasonings
- Adds ocean-like flavor
- Provides natural umami taste
- Helps create authentic seafood aroma
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Binding Agents
- Potato starch
- Rice flour
- Agar agar
Top Vegan Shrimp Brands You Gotta Try
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The Plant Based Seafood Co.
- Known for: Mind Blown™ Coconut Shrimp
- Perfect for: Tacos and salads
- Gluten-free options available
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Good2Go Veggie
- Signature product: Shock’N Shrimp
- Made with konjac powder and nori
- Created by an actual seafood restaurant owner!
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All Vegetarian Inc.
- Uses pea and seaweed extract
- One of their best-selling products
- Available nationwide
DIY Vegan Shrimp Recipes
Y’all, making vegan shrimp at home is totally doable! Here are some amazing ingredients you can use:
Using King Oyster Mushrooms
1. Slice mushroom stems into rounds2. Cut into shrimp-like shapes3. Bread and season4. Fry until goldenHearts of Palm Method
1. Drain and pat dry2. Season with seafood flavoring3. Coat in panko breadcrumbs4. Air fry or bake until crispyHow to Cook Vegan Shrimp
You can prepare vegan shrimp in lots of tasty ways:
- Batter and fry for crispy “popcorn shrimp”
- Stir-fry with noodles and veggies
- Grill on skewers for BBQ
- Add to pasta dishes
- Make vegan shrimp tacos
- Use in seafood soups or stews
Storage Tips
- Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days
- Can be frozen for about a month
- Best reheated in an air fryer or oven
- Avoid microwaving (gets soggy!)
The Future of Vegan Shrimp
The plant-based seafood market is growing like crazy! By 2031, it’s expected to hit $1.3 billion. More companies are jumping in with innovative products and better textures/flavors all the time.
Final Thoughts
I gotta say, vegan shrimp has really impressed me with how far it’s come. Whether you’re vegan, allergic to shellfish, or just trying to eat more sustainably, it’s definitely worth giving it a try. The texture and taste have gotten so good that sometimes I can barely tell the difference!
Pro tip: If you’re new to vegan shrimp, start with the breaded versions – they’re usually the most convincing for first-timers. And don’t forget to pair them with your fave cocktail sauce!
Note: Some product availability might vary depending on your location. Check your local health food stores or order online for the best selection!
What is vegan shrimp?
Enjoying the taste and texture of shrimp doesn’t have to come with a host of environmental and ethical problems, because vegan shrimp exists.
The shellfish-free alternative can be made with a variety of ingredients, but konjac, an Asian root vegetable, is perhaps one of the most common. That’s because the scent is slightly fish-like, and the mouthfeel is very similar to shrimp meat.
Other ingredients brands often use to make vegan shrimp include soy or pea protein, which is often flavored with seaweed. At home, DIY vegan shrimp recipes often call for ingredients like hearts of palm, tofu, or oyster mushrooms.
If you’ve got a taste for shrimp, but don’t fancy the cruelty or environmental damage that comes on the side, these vegan brands offer more ethical, more sustainable alternatives.
Good2Go Veggie’s vegan shrimp has an unlikely origin story—one of its creators, Dwight Culbreath, also owns a seafood restaurant. He decided to get involved with the brand because his wife urged him to consider adding more plant-based options to the menu, and so, Shock’N Shrimp was born. Made with konjac powder, nori, and more plant-based ingredients, you can be satisfied that this vegan shrimp will taste like the real thing. Not least because it carries a real seafood connoisseur’s stamp of approval. FIND IT HERE
Shrimp farming comes with a wide range of environmental and ethical problems, but luckily, vegan shrimp is cruelty-free and just as tasty.
Humans have been eating shellfish for thousands of years. In fact, researchers believe that 165,000 years ago, cave-dwellers in South Africa were dining on bowls of crustaceans to survive. Just like their ancestors, in 2023, people still love seafood. But it’s not about survival anymore, it’s about indulgence. Reports suggest that, on average, Americans eat one billion pounds of shrimp every year.
But all of this excessive consumption has an impact. Unlike thousands of years ago, shellfish has turned into big business. And the shrimp industry, in particular, is associated with a number of serious issues, including environmental destruction and poor animal welfare. There are, however, alternatives available.
While it was once niche, the plant-based seafood market is growing. By 2031, reports suggest it could reach a valuation of $1.3 billion. That means more vegan fish options, but also, lots more vegan shrimp. That said, it’s not necessary to wait another nine years to get your hands on some plant-based shellfish, as there are already plenty of options on the market. If you have the time and patience, you could also make vegan shrimp at home using simple plant-based ingredients.
We’ve rounded up some of our top vegan shrimp brands and recipes, but first, let’s take a closer look at the problems with the conventional shrimp industry.
VEGAN SHRIMP AND GRITS | VEGAN SHRIMP!| Katie Makes It Vegan
FAQ
What is vegan shrimp made from?
Vegan shrimp is typically made from plant-based ingredients like konjac powder, soy protein, vital wheat gluten, or even king oyster mushrooms. These ingredients are processed and seasoned to mimic the taste and texture of real shrimp.
Is vegan shrimp good for you?
Adding vegan shrimp into your diet is a great opportunity to get some of the nutrients most omnivores and pescatarians get from fish and seafood (more on that later.)
What is vegan shrimp paste made of?
Namjai Vegan Shrimp Paste is crafted by fermenting soybeans—a rich plant-based protein source—using a natural and hygienic process. After drying the soybeans into a thick soy paste, they are blended with neutral-flavored fermented tofu.