Vegan Scallops Recipe (2024)

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Vegan Scallops – really dive into the cruelty-free pool, leave those bivalves alone, and make this vegan recipe instead! Plump king oyster mushroom stems, flawlessly cooked in plant-based butter, spices, and herbs create the perfect replacement for scallops. Plenty of flavor, but lax on the effort, makes for one irresistible recipe.

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Vegan Scallops

This is my classic recipe for scallops that I recreated using mushrooms and could not tell the difference between looks and also flavor. I photographed this in the same skillet using the same recipe for my sea scallops and they literally look identical. It’s absolutely mind blowing and I hope you give it a try.

If you’re looking for vegan recipes that don’t use faux meat, but have ingredients that have similar textures to meat, check out my entrees list! You’ll adore my Vegan Bolognese, Watermelon Tuna, and this Vegan Chicken with Broccoli!

What Are Vegan Scallops Made Of?

Outside of the processed alternatives available on the market, the stem of a very specific mushroom is used to slice up scallops. The King Oyster Mushroom to be specific. It has larger sized stems. When cut correctly, they look, taste, and feel exactly like scallops. If you weren’t the one cooking them with the knowledge that they were mushroom stems, you would have a difficult time realizing they weren’t scallops. It’s crazy!

How to Make Vegan Scallops

  1. Prep – Preheat a cast iron skillet. Slice the mushroom stems into 1-inch medallions and pat dry.
  2. Season – Spray the mushroom medallions with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Spread all.
  3. Cook – Place the scallops in the hot pan and cook on each side for 2 minutes. Season the side that wasn’t seasoned and flip it back over for 2 more minutes. Set aside.
  4. Saute – Melt the vegan butter (or olive oil) in the skillet and add the garlic. Cook until fragrant. Add in the parsley and lemon. Add the scallops back to the pan with the sauce.
  5. Serve – Add to this favorite tomato basil pasta, cacio e pepe or garlic spicy noodles and enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Storage – Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them by storing them in an airtight container. They should keep for 2-3 months.
  • Reheating – Reheat using a skillet over the stove or the microwave, if need be.
  • Add a seafood flavor – To give your plant based scallops an extra seafood flavor, make sure to crumble some seaweed and sprinkle it over the top before serving.
  • Do king oyster mushrooms look like scallops? – That’s a big YES! More specifically speaking, it’s their stem that looks like scallops. If sliced appropriately, it will be hard to tell the difference.
  • Do half oil – When melting the butter for the sauce, you can always swap out half or all of the vegan butter for olive oil. I prefer the vegan butter because the flavor is so much richer, but to tame down the sauce a bit, oil is the perfect addition.

FAQs

  • Are Scallops Vegan? Scallops belong to the bivalves family (sea creatures with a hinged valve). The day I witnessed a clam propel itself on the ocean floor to escape a predator (basically run for its life) I knew it was over for me. I was done consuming these clearly intelligent creatures. Some will argue that scallops are not really animals, and so therefore, justify their consumption. However, due to lack of conclusive evidence on whether or not they feel pain, I prefer to avoid causing suffering, especially as there is absolutely no need for us to consume them. Not to worry, King Oyster mushrooms, perfectly seasoned and pan seared in a cast iron skillet, will yield a perfect scallop-like texture and deliver nutrition like a boss.
  • What to Serve with mushroom scallops? Whatever you would normally serve your scallops with, you can serve these ones with as well! I have even added them to the top of a delicious salad. Some of my favorite options for serving these scallops is over this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe, Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes, pea puree, risotto, creamy polenta, this mashed potato salad or go all out with some ginger caviar. Of course, you could always eat them by themselves as a snack as well with a piece of crusty bread!

Plant-Based Dinners

  • Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon
  • Vegan Steak
  • Kelp Noodle Salad
  • Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta
  • Tofu Parmesan
  • Best Vegan Fish for Tacos.

Vegan Scallops Recipe (9)

5 from 5 votes

Vegan Scallops (King Oyster Mushroom Scallops)

Vegan Scallops - really dive into the kindness pool, leave those bivalves alone, and make this vegan recipe instead! Plump king oyster mushroom stems, flawlessly cooked in vegan butter or olive oil, spices, and herbs create the perfect replacement for scallops. Plenty of flavor, but lax on the effort, makes for one incredibly delicious recipe.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:10 minutes mins

Total Time:20 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 lb King Oyster Mushrooms
  • 4 Tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil) I used Miyoko’s European
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 3-4 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 pinch sweet paprika
  • 1/4 cup Italian parsley chopped
  • 1/2 lemon + extra wedges for serving
  • S & P to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat a seasoned cast iron skillet over medium low heat. Coat it with a thin layer of olive oil if needed.

    1 tsp olive oil

  • Slice the king oyster mushroom stems into 1 inch thick rounds and pat dry. (Reserve the caps for another recipe or just use them here if you don’t mind the shape).

    1 lb King Oyster Mushrooms

  • Brush or spray one side of the oyster mushroom rounds with olive oil then season with a pinch of sea salt, black pepper and sweet paprika. Use your hand to spread the spices all over the top.

    1 pinch sweet paprika, S & P to taste

  • Add the vegan scallops to the hot skillet seasoned side down. You should hear it sizzle nicely when it hits that hot pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until a nice golden brown color is achieved (stay close by, don't overcook).

  • Meanwhile season the other side with salt, pepper and a tiny pinch of paprika. Flip and cook another 2 minutes or so. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm.

  • Add the vegan butter (or a mix of vegan butter ad olive oil) to the skillet you cooked the vegan scallops in. Mix in the grated garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds or so taking care not to burn it, you just want to tame it down a bit.

    4 Tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil), 3-4 cloves garlic

  • Squeeze in the lemon and add the parsley then transfer the "vegan scallops” back into the sauce. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper and serve hot over mashed potatoes, Aglio e olio pasta or a slice of bruschetta.

    1/2 lemon, 1/4 cup Italian parsley

Video

Notes

  • Storage - Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them by storing them in an airtight container. They should keep for 2-3 months.
  • Reheating - Reheat using a skillet over the stove or the microwave, if need be.
  • Add a seafood flavor - To give your vegan scallops an extra seafood flavor, make sure to crumble some seaweed and sprinkle it over the top before serving.
  • Do king oyster mushrooms look like scallops? - That’s a big YES! More specifically speaking, it’s their stem that resembles scallops. If sliced appropriately, it will be hard to tell the difference, just look at the photos!

Nutrition

Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 114mg | Potassium: 525mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1028IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 2mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: plant based, vegan recipes, vegan scallops

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 138kcal

Author: Florentina

Mushroom Recipes

Vegan Scallops Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are vegan scallops made of? ›

These vegan scallops are made with King Oyster mushrooms and have the PERFECT texture. Cooked in a vegan lemon garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley they are out-of-this-world delicious!

What is a good substitute for scallops? ›

Why King Oyster Mushrooms? The stems of this larger-sized mushroom, when cut correctly, will mimic that of a sea scallop. They are native to parts of Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. King oyster mushrooms have a dense, firm texture and incredible flavor.

How do you cook scallops so they are not rubbery? ›

Once you've flipped your scallops, it's Thermapen ONE time! The second side of the scallops will continue to sear, but you should focus on getting the right internal temperature that will be tender, not rubbery to the bite. The critical pull temperature you're going for in when searing scallops is 115°F (46°C).

What is the secret to cooking scallops? ›

You want a hot skillet when pan-searing scallops.

If they aren't sizzling when you place them in the pan, it isn't hot enough. You can always test the heat with one scallop and adjust from there. If you pat the scallops dry, dust them with flour, and use a hot pan, you will guarantee a beautiful golden brown sear.

What is a vegan substitute for scallops? ›

King oysters mushrooms have thick stems that can be sliced into rounds that just look like scallops. And when cooked up with garlic, vegan butter, and white wine (or veggie broth), they become so much like scallops it's actually kind of shocking.

How to make fake scallops? ›

directions
  1. Heat oil and butter in skillet over low heat. ...
  2. Cut fish into 1-inch cubes to look like scallops.
  3. Pour milk into bowl. ...
  4. Put all the fish into milk bowl. ...
  5. Put skillet back to heat over medium-low heat.
  6. Dip fish cubes into flour mixture. ...
  7. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
  8. Try my lowfat dill sauce #127581 with it!

Are scallops healthier than shrimp? ›

Although shrimp is relatively high in cholesterol, it can still be a part of a heart-healthy diet. This is because it contains a high amount of 'good' cholesterol. Scallops are low in cholesterol and therefore do not pose a risk of raising your cholesterol levels. They are also low in saturated fats.

Is it better to bake or fry scallops? ›

Because sea scallops have a chewier texture, searing them in a hot skillet is the simplest, most effective cooking method to achieving a crisp exterior and tender, just-firm texture within. Basting the scallops with butter helps finish cooking them and enhances browning, too.

What's the healthiest way to eat scallops? ›

Cook them at high heat, moisten them and don't cook them for too long. Making sure they are healthy is the easiest part. Simply don't add anything that contains large amounts of fat, sugar or salt. A 450 F oven, a sprinkle of lemon juice and pepper and 10 minutes is all you need for scrumptious baked scallops.

How many scallops per person to eat? ›

Scallops can be expensive and don't reheat well, so budget for the exact amount you need. We generally count 3–4 large scallops per person. Like shrimp, scallops vary in size; many stores will provide a count per pound, which you can use to estimate how many scallops you'll need.

Should you rinse frozen scallops? ›

Give your scallops a quick rinse to remove any grit, then thoroughly pat dry with a few paper towels, as excess moisture will inhibit searing. For added insurance, you can dry your scallops in the fridge for an hour or two before cooking.

What is the hard thing in scallops? ›

Cooking with Scallops

There is often a part of a shucked scallop called the abductor muscle (as opposed to the adductormuscle, the part we eat) that is extra tough. It's on the side of the scallop muscle and is sort of crescent shaped.

Why do you soak scallops in milk before cooking? ›

Scallops, like many other types of seafood, can have a mild fishy odor that some people find off-putting. Soaking scallops in milk before cooking can help alleviate this odor. Milk can neutralize or mask the fishy smell, resulting in a milder scent.

Should you cook scallops in oil or butter? ›

Scallops are low-fat and high in protein with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While I recommend cooking them in butter for the best sear, you can cook them in vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil if preferred.

Should I flour scallops before searing? ›

Some cooks will toss their scallops in a light dusting of flour or cornstarch before cooking. This is simply to add a little bit more crustiness to the exterior. It is not a necessary step, but some prefer to do this. You could try a few scallops dredged in a light coating and leave a few alone to see which you prefer.

What is a vegan scallop? ›

Once again - that guy is changing up the entire vegan game! What is this? King oyster mushrooms have such a beautifully bouncy, meaty texture - just like scallops! They really do feel like a sea side treat, despite being mushrooms! I love how they brown so beautifully when you grill or pan fry them.

What is vegan seafood made of? ›

What is plant based seafood made of? Plant-based seafood can be found in the form of tuna, salmon, caviar, scallops, squid, crab and shrimp – all these products have already entered the market. The most common ingredients in these products are soy, seaweed, yeast, legumes and various vegetable oils and starches.

What fish is used for fake scallops? ›

Millions of people paying good money for scallops are actually eating cheap stingray, skate, or shark that has been sectioned up by a cookie cutter to look like scallops. Sometimes surimi (fish paste) is used to resemble a scallop.

Why do some vegans eat scallops? ›

Simply put, no – scallops aren't suitable for vegans as they're a living part of the animal kingdom. Although there might be some arguments that their lack of a central nervous system stops them from feeling pain in the same way as mammals, this still doesn't mean that they're suitable for vegans.

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