14 vegan fish dishes that taste like the real thing

One of the scariest statistics we’ve heard in recent years is the prediction that we may have fishless oceans by 2048 due to overfishing, pollution and loss of biodiversity.

With 90 per cent of the world’s wild ‘fish stocks’ fully-exploited due to overfishing, it’s time we turned the tide and stopped looking at fish as an unlimited source of food and leave them where they belong – in the ocean.

Leaving our fishy friends alone however doesn’t mean we have to miss out on meals we enjoy such as fish and chips, fishcakes or salmon bagels however as there are plenty of creative ways to replace fish and seafood with plant-based ingredients which are better for you and the planet too.

Here are some of our favourite vegan seafood and fish recipes that look and taste like the real thing…

1. Battered Banana Blossom ‘Fish’ & Chips

Banana blossom is the fleshy, purple tear-shaped flower which grows at the end of a banana fruit cluster and is traditionally used in south-east Asian and Indian cooking.

This plant-based ingredient has a flaky texture when cooked that makes it a brilliant substitute for fish in vegan fish recipes. Give it a try in this Friday-night favourite – vegan banana blossom ‘fish’ and chips!

2. Vegan Salt and Pepper ‘Prawns’

With their realistic appearance it’s hard to believe these prawns are vegan, but they 100% fish-free. They’re made from seitan so they have the same meaty texture as prawns and a crispy battered coating.

3. Carrot ‘Salmon’ & Cream Cheese Bagel

Capers and dill give this vegan smoked ‘salmon’ bagel the taste of the sea without the cruelty whilst the creamy cheese adds a delicious creaminess. The ultimate lunch for when you’re feeling fancy.

4. Vegan Fish Pie

This comforting classic is a British favourite that’s ideal for a warming winter meal. In this tasty recipe, jackfruit replaces fish to mimic the texture of white fish whilst nori and capers add a deliciously salty, seaside flavour.

5. Banana Blossom ‘Fish’ Cakes

Banana blossom gives these fish-free vegan-friendly ‘crab fish’ cakes a deliciously authentic flaky texture whilst dill and shallots add flavour. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and hand-cut chips for a tasty and simple evening meal.

6. Tofish & Chips

Fish and chips is a classic British takeaway that many enjoy on a Friday night. Going vegan doesn’t have to mean breaking with tradition as tofu makes a great replacement for fish whilst seaweed flakes add a realistic fishy flavour.

7. Jackfruit ‘Crab Cakes’ with Tartare Sauce

These pulled vegan jackfruit ‘crab cake’ patties are made with a delicious mix of Creole spices, smoked paprika, dulse flakes for a ‘fishy’ taste, and are coated in polenta for a crispy golden crumb.

8. Mushroom Scallops with Apple & Parsnip Mash

You’d never believe how easy it is to recreate that “fishy” seafood flavour of scallops using trumpet or oyster mushrooms. This is a great dish to serve when impressing dinner party guests!

9. Vegan Mushroom Calamari

When fried and battered, mushrooms have a similar look and texture to squid making it the perfect replacement in this plant-based fish dish.

10. Vegan Tuna Sushi Bowl

This vibrant and healthy vegan tuna sushi bowl uses tomatoes to create plant-based tuna and has all the fixings of your favourite poke bowls (including the spicy mayo)!

11. Tofu ‘Fish’ Sticks

Fish fingers are a classic childhood favourite that are easy to veganise using tofu in place of fish. These easy vegan tofu fish sticks can be baked or fried and will be a hit with the kids.

12. Vegan Filet-O-Fish Burger

This burger is a healthy twist on McDonald’s popular Filet-O-Fish burger which is gluten-free as well as vegan. Served in a gluten-free bun with salad and homemade tart sauce for a fakeaway treat.

13. Chickpea Tuna Sandwich

This simple mock vegan ‘tuna’ salad made from chickpeas is every bit as tasty as its non-vegan counterpart with the added bonus that it’s healthier and more sustainable too.

14. Vegan Fish Tacos

These crispy vegan fish tacos with baja slaw, lime pickled onions and spicy mayonnaise and beer-battered banana blossoms are a total treat for the tastebuds!

Got a can of jackfruit in your cupboard that you need to use?

We’ve got you covered with our favourite vegan jackfruit recipes.