If you love the bright taste of shrimp but want a kinder option, you’re not alone. Communities worldwide are waking up to the harm caused by ocean-dredging shrimp trawling. Each net pulled from the sea means lost habitats, injured creatures, and damage to the balance we all share.
It’s not just about what’s on our plate – it’s about how we care for each other, and our blue planet. Good news! You don’t have to give up your favourite dishes.
Plant-based shrimp and prawn alternatives have grown brighter and tastier with every passing year, and it’s never been easier to invite these creative swaps into your kitchen. Get ready to discover how familiar comfort foods and party snacks can still spark joy – just with more kindness.
Avoid seaweed for thyroid/iodine issues. Also avoid these foods near pets due to salt, mushrooms, spices etc. Read more on food safety for people & pets.
You can recycle any soft plastic packaging at supermarket bag bins, if your kerbside does not recycle.
Canned Artichokes (vegan shrimp!)
Many chefs have turned to hearts of palm (sold in tins) as a sea-friendly alternative. When sliced and roasted, these tender core pieces call to mind both look and bite of prawns, especially when brushed with garlic and oil, and served with a sprinkle of paprika.
However, hearts of palm are not the most sustainable or local food. If you buy them, look for multi-stemmed versions (not single-stemmed). What’s far easier is simply to sub with canned artichokes. Easy to find, sustainable and supports local farmers! Try using them in a classic vegan ‘prawn cocktail’ or in salad with tacos.
Vegan Prawn Paella
This traditional Spanish dish is now being made with plant-based ‘shrimp’, served with tomatoes, rice and saffron (if you can afford this expensive spice). Otherwise choose paprika or a little turmeric.
Try this vegan paella (Delish Knowledge) made with short-grain rice (important!) alongside veggies, tomatoes and saffron broth. The recipe was inspired by this nutritionist’s family holiday to Valencia.
This dish brings the heart of Spain to your table. You don’t have to turn away from tradition – just make it a little kinder.
Make Your Own Vegan Scallops
Scallops are living bivalves, who ‘clap’ their shells together to escape predators. These vegan scallops (The Plant Collective) are made with King Oyster mushrooms, and served with Spanish rice and spring vegetables (asparagus, peas and spinach with lemon dressing).
Also try this simple recipe for mushroom scallops (Slavic Vegan).
Mind Blown Plant-Based Shrimp & Scallops!
Mind Blown Crispy Shrimp (US) offers plant-based golden-breaded bites, packed with flavour (and no palm oil). Ideal as an appetiser or a crunchy salad topper. 38% of mangrove deforestation worldwide is caused by shrimp farming.
The same food brand offers plant-based scallops, the perfect addition to pasta, salads or bao buns.
Let’s start with something truly special. The Plant-Based Seafood Co. brings you scallops that taste and cook like the real thing but owe nothing to the sea’s pain. These beauties come from simple, clean ingredients.
Their texture is springy, and they pick up other flavours with ease. Whether fried with a squeeze of lemon or tossed into a noodle bowl, they fit right into your favourite recipes. No trawl nets needed – just honest food that feels good to share.
Happiee’s Vegan Shrimp
Happiee vegan shrimp takes the work out of compassionate eating. These little bites (made from konjac and tapioca starch) are lightly-seasoned to serve in stir-fries, curries or vegan paella.
They’re easy to find in the freezer aisle, always ready to help you transform any weeknight dinner into a cosy gathering.
Native Foods’ Vegan Prawn Crackers
What’s a party without a bowl of crunchy prawn crackers? Native Foods Vegan Prawn Crackers capture all the lightness and snap you remember. But they swap the sea creatures for ingredients like tapioca and fragrant spices.
These crackers practically beg for a sweet chilli dip. They’re proof you can stick to your values without losing a bit of fun (or crunch) on the snack table. Also an ideal wholesale buy for Chinese restaurants and takeaways!
