Out of Shrimp, one case
Vegan shrimp substitute for cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Hearts of palm
Same amount as the shrimp
The best vegan substitutes for shrimp are hearts of palm, king oyster mushrooms, or commercial plant-based shrimp products. Hearts of palm provide the best texture and flavor similarity.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- neutral taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- shrimp scampi
One casethe full shrimp card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of shrimp | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hearts of palmshrimp scampi | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | King oyster mushroomsgrilled dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Plant-based shrimp productsany shrimp recipe | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Tofustir-fries | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Jackfruitstir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Hearts of palm
neutral taste, similar texture
Hearts of palm have a firm, slightly chewy texture similar to shrimp. They absorb flavors well and work in most shrimp recipes.
- Best for
- shrimp scampi, pasta dishes, stir-fries, salads
Cut into shrimp-sized pieces and season well.
King oyster mushrooms
similar taste and texture
King oyster mushrooms have a meaty texture that mimics shrimp well. Score the surface to create a more realistic texture.
- Best for
- grilled dishes, stir-fries, pasta dishes, soups
Cut into rounds and score for texture.
Plant-based shrimp products
similar taste and texture
Commercial plant-based shrimp products are designed to mimic the taste and texture of real shrimp. Brands like Sophie's Kitchen and New Wave Foods offer good options.
- Best for
- any shrimp recipe, shrimp cocktail, pasta dishes, stir-fries
Follow package instructions for cooking.
Tofu
different taste and texture
Firm tofu can be cut into shrimp-sized pieces and seasoned to mimic shrimp. Press and marinate for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Best for
- stir-fries, pasta dishes, soups, curries
Press and marinate for best results.
Jackfruit
different taste, similar texture
Young jackfruit has a stringy texture that can mimic shrimp when properly seasoned. It's especially good in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Best for
- stir-fries, curries, tacos, sandwiches
Use young, unripe jackfruit and season well.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan shrimp substitutes need to replicate both the texture and flavor of real shrimp. The best options provide a firm, slightly chewy texture and can absorb the flavors typically associated with shrimp dishes.
Tips for substituting shrimp
6 tips- Marinate vegan substitutes in seaweed or nori for seafood flavor
- Add Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning for authentic taste
- Use vegetable broth instead of seafood stock in recipes
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
- Don't overcook vegan substitutes as they can become mushy
- Score the surface of mushrooms to create a more realistic texture
Notes on shrimp
- Use hearts of palm for best texture similarity
- Try king oyster mushrooms for meaty texture
- Look for commercial plant-based shrimp products
- Marinate tofu with seafood seasoning
- Use jackfruit for stringy texture in Asian dishes
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for shrimp texture?
Hearts of palm provide the best texture similarity to shrimp. They're firm, slightly chewy, and can be cut into shrimp-sized pieces.
Can I use mushrooms as a shrimp substitute?
Yes, king oyster mushrooms work well. Cut them into rounds, score the surface, and season with seafood seasoning for best results.
Are there commercial vegan shrimp products?
Yes, several brands make plant-based shrimp including Sophie's Kitchen, New Wave Foods, and Good Catch. Check your local health food store.
How do I make vegan shrimp taste like real shrimp?
Marinate in seaweed or nori, add Old Bay seasoning, and use vegetable broth in recipes. A splash of lemon juice adds brightness.
Can I use tofu as a shrimp substitute?
Yes, but it requires more preparation. Press the tofu, cut into pieces, and marinate with seafood seasoning for best results.