Author: Craving the taste of the sea without the fish? These 18 vegan seafood recipes deliver all the briny, smoky, tangy flavors you love, completely fish-free. From crispy vegan fish and chips to creamy mushroom scallops and flaky hearts-of-palm crab cakes, these plant-based dishes satisfy every seafood craving while keeping your meals ocean-friendly.
It's wild how easily you can recreate classic seafood flavors using simple plant-based ingredients. Ingredients like tofu, jackfruit, soy curls, hearts of palm, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, and king oyster mushrooms, when seasoned well, can mimic everything from flaky fish to tender scallops, crab, calamari, and more.
This roundup includes everything from vegan lobster (perfect for stuffing into buttery rolls) to fish and chips, and my viral pan-seared "salmon" recipe. Whether you're craving something salty, tangy, smoky, or fresh and citrusy, these recipes bring serious flavor, without a single fish in sight.
Scroll down to explore all 18 vegan seafood recipes and get inspired for your next plant-based dinner. 🐟✨
Vegan Seafood Tips & Tricks
🌊 Build that briny flavor: Use nori, dulse flakes, or kelp granules to give dishes an ocean-like depth. A splash of lemon juice or rice vinegar boosts brightness and adds that seafood tang.
🧂 Don't skip the salt: Most seafood is naturally salty, so generous seasoning is key. Taste as you go and adjust, especially if you're using lower-sodium ingredients like tofu or jackfruit.
🍄 Texture is everything: Hearts of palm is tender and flaky like lobster, king oyster mushrooms sear like scallops, and tofu transforms when thinly sliced and marinated. Don't be afraid to experiment.
🔥 Marinate, then sear: To get the most flavor and realistic texture, marinate your plant-based protein first, then pan-sear, grill, or bake for crispy edges and caramelized umami.
🥢 Serve it right: Finish dishes with classic seafood garnishes like fresh dill, lemon wedges, vegan tartar sauce, or a drizzle of garlic butter to complete the experience.
18 Fish-Free Vegan Seafood Recipes
- Vegan Salmon: "This is absolutely one of my favorite ways to make tofu. It's different yet easy and always comes out great. I've probably made it half a dozen times already. I highly recommend!" -Debbie
- Sticky Garlic Vegan Salmon: "OMG my husband and I just love this recipe. It is so good! Gourmet all the way!" -Nancy
- Vegan Tuna: "So delicious and simple! My favourite is to use as a base for poke bowl with edamame beans for protein." -Mandy
- Spicy Watermelon Vegan Sushi: "This is amazing!" -Jennifer
- Vegan California Roll: "Absolutely delicious." -Samson
- The Best Vegan Ceviche: "Delicious, refreshing and easy!" -Angie
- Vegan Lobster (garlic butter heart of palm): "SO DELISH! We made these just as written but ate them on buns. A new favorite!" -Lisa
- Easy Vegan Crab Cakes: "These vegan "crab cakes" are delicious! They have the texture of a great crab cake." -Sharon
- Coconut Crusted Vegan Shrimp: "Loved these, made them in the air fryer. I am in love. Thanks Sam." -Dorothy
- Vegan Garlic Seared Scallops: "This is so easy and delicious. My hubby said it's fantastic 10 out of 10. I will serve this at my next dinner party as it's so impressive. Thank you" -Kay
- Vegan Calamari Recipe: "Everytime I make this I'm amazed at how great this tastes!" -Christine
- Heart of Palm Calamari: "Made this today and it was AMAZING!" -Ashley
- Tofish and Chips (vegan fish and chips): "Thank you so much for this fantastic recipe! It looked tasted and had the same texture as fish. A triumph!!" -Louise
- Vegan Tofu Fillets (vegan fish): "This recipe was awesome! I totally enjoyed it." -KB
- Vegan Mussels in Creamy White Wine Garlic Sauce: "I made this the other night and it was so good!" -Kaela
- Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich: "This is the best sandwich ever! We love this and it's made with fruit! What could be better?" -Denise
- Vegan Shrimp Cocktail: "This is my fave low calorie snack that takes literally 5 minutes to make!" -Samantha
- Vegan Sushi Bowl: "Definitely gets rid of that sushi craving in a healthy way!" - Amber
If you try any of these vegan fish recipes, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
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