Opinion 14 plant-based ‘seafood’ recipes that are 100% ocean-friendly

Innovative plant-based ‘seafood’ recipes and products are making waves in the culinary scene! By using versatile veg ingredients and clever cooking techniques, they make it possible to replicate all kinds of ocean-inspired dishes at home – with none of the fishy business.

As awareness of the link between our food choices and the environment continues to rise, more and more people are setting sail towards more sustainable plant-based eating… and the seafood scene is no exception. Add a splash of the sea to your home cooking with these mouth-watering (and ocean-friendly!) plant-based seafood recipes.

1. Banana Blossom ‘Fish’ and Chips

The flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture of banana blossom makes it a great alternative to fish in meat-free dishes – especially when dressed up with a seaweed-infused marinade and crispy batter!

2. Beer-battered Tofu with Tartare Sauce

Tofu is nearly unrecognisable in this beachside cafe-inspired plant-based seafood recipe. The kelp-infused marinade and crunchy layer of beer batter lend it that authentic fried-fish flavour. 

3. Vegan Filet of ‘Fish’ Burger

One of our fave plant-based seafood recipes, these vegan fish burgers are made with marinated, battered, and fried tofu fillets, and slathered with a creamy homemade tartare sauce. A perfect dish for an easy yet indulgent lunch.

4. Thai Tofu Cakes with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A scrumptious plant-based version of the classic Thai fishcake, these golden, spice-laden patties are amazing either by themselves or as part of a Thai-inspired spread. 

5. Crabless Cakes with Tartare Sauce

These plant-based crab cakes are so similar in taste, look, and texture to the real thing that you’ll have a hard time convincing people they’re made of 100% plant-based ingredients!

6. King Oyster Mushroom ‘Scallops’

Another plant-based seafood recipe in which king oyster mushrooms shine as scallops, this time marinated in vegan-friendly dashi, garlic, and white miso for that salty, sea-inspired effect.

7. Salt & Pepper Mushroom ‘Calamari’

King trumpet mushrooms are transformed in this plant-based take on a familiar seafood classic – and they’re so ‘meaty’ that you truly would not know the difference!

8. Sushi with Teriyaki Tofu & Black Rice

Teriyaki tofu is a delicious go-to for a variety of dishes, including this fantastic sushi recipe – customisable with just about whatever veg you have at home.

9. Sesame Smashed Cucumber, Avocado & Nori Salad

This light and refreshing salad features sesame smashed cucumber for crunch, avocado for creaminess, and nori for that pleasant seaweed taste that ties it all together.

10. Kelp-infused Pasta with Broccoli Sauce

Broccoli, garlic, and lemon zest is already a winning combination for a pasta dish, but using kelp-infused pasta adds a subtle, seafood-reminiscent quality that somehow makes it even better.

11. Tomato Lox & Schmear Bagels

With a bit of culinary magic, marinated tomatoes can closely replicate the flavour and texture of smoked salmon – making for a divine vegan version of a lox and schmear!

12. Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad

It has to be tasted to be believed, but chickpeas – mashed up to the right texture with mayo, celery, pickles, lemon juice, and additional seasonings like dill, nori, and onion flakes – miraculously taste just like tuna.

13. Plant-based ‘Fish’ Sticks

These crispy, tempeh-based fish sticks taste like pure childhood nostalgia. Serve them with mayo or ketchup, or whip up the avocado wasabi sauce from the recipe to add a gourmet touch.

14. Vegan Fysh Cakes

These crunchy golden ‘fish’ cakes serve nostalgic seaside flavour with every bite – but they’re actually made from a wholesome base of chickpeas and buttery potatoes! The secret to their subtle, sea-inspired taste is the tastebud-tricking trio of lemon, dill, and salty miso – a truly iconic and satisfying plant-based seafood recipe.

Plant-based seafood products

To make cooking ocean-friendly meals even more convenient, there are also heaps of plant-based ‘seafood’ products available at supermarkets, health food stores, Asian grocers, and online. 

Think everything from shrimp, scallops, and calamari to oven-ready fish fillets and crab cakes, all made from plants!

Check out the VegKit shopping guide for a taste of what’s on offer, or you can  order a wide selection of products for delivery from specialty online stores.

But be sure to check out your local stores too, as this is just a drop in the ocean in terms of what’s out there! There has been a tidal wave of new products recently, so you never know what tasty treasures you might find on the shelves.

Happy cooking! 

Whether you’re making a dish yourself, purchasing a product, or ordering off a menu, every time you choose plant-based seafood over traditional seafood, you’re helping to protect our vulnerable ocean ecosystems and the remarkable animals who call them home. 

So dive in and enjoy the ocean-friendly feasts that plants can bring to our plates – knowing that every delicious bite is helping turn the tide towards a kinder and more sustainable future!