Craving the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of a seafood stir-fry but committed to a vegetarian lifestyle? This recipe delivers the best of both worlds! Forget the fishy smell and ethical concerns; we're crafting a stunning vegetarian seafood stir-fry that mimics the taste and appearance of the real deal with incredible plant-based substitutes. Imagine succulent, "seafood" pieces bursting with savory umami, tossed in a fragrant, ginger-garlic sauce with colorful bell peppers and crisp broccoli. It's a dish that's both visually appealing and remarkably delicious, guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
This recipe uses clever substitutions to create a completely plant-based experience that tastes remarkably similar to a traditional seafood stir-fry. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the "seafood" to mastering the perfect sauce. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Vegetable cutter
- Aluminum plate
- Pot for boiling water
- Pan for cooking sauce
Ingredients
- King oyster mushrooms: 2 large
- Star jasmine flowers: a few
- Sugar
- Vegetarian seasoning
- Tamarind juice: 2 tablespoons (or passion fruit for sourness)
- Fried garlic
- Cooking oil
- Vegetarian oyster sauce: 1 teaspoon + more for marinating
- Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon + more for dipping
- Chili sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Green onions (or celery)
- Carrot: 1 for garnish
- Roasted sesame seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetarian Seafood
- Slice king oyster mushrooms to a moderate thickness. Use a vegetable cutter to create a hole in the center of each piece, resembling squid.
- Cut remaining mushrooms in half, then into pieces and score them to mimic the look of squid. Blanch all mushroom pieces in boiling water for 1 minute.
- Marinate the blanched mushrooms with fried garlic and vegetarian oyster sauce for about 15 minutes. (If you don't use onion or garlic, marinate only in oyster sauce).
Step 2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
- Prepare the sauce by combining tamarind juice, sugar, vegetarian seasoning, water, chili sauce, and soy sauce. Cook until it boils and thickens slightly.
Step 3. Assemble and Garnish
- Arrange green onions (or celery) on an aluminum plate. Arrange the marinated mushrooms (squid, cuttlefish, and scallops) on top. Pour the sauce over the 'seafood'.
- Garnish with fried garlic and a carrot flower.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Larger king oyster mushrooms are better.
- Passion fruit can replace tamarind juice for sourness.
- Roasted sesame seeds can be added to the sauce for extra flavor.
- You can use other vegetables like morning glory, cauliflower, pickled shallots, and celery.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 5-8g
FAQs
1. What can I use as a vegetarian substitute for seafood?
Hearts of palm, oyster mushrooms, and king oyster mushrooms are excellent choices for mimicking the texture and taste of seafood in stir-fries. They hold their shape well when cooked.
2. Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Absolutely! Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes added to the recipe. Start with less and add more to your preference.
3. What can I serve with this vegetarian seafood stir-fry?
It pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad would also complement the dish nicely.
This vegetarian seafood stir-fry is a delightful and surprisingly easy dish to master, proving that plant-based cooking can be both creative and incredibly satisfying. The vibrant colors and complex flavors make it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious and eye-catching recipe!