Vegan Lobster Recipe (2024)

by Monica - 10 Comments

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This tender buttery vegan lobster will simply amaze you! You can buy faux lobster meat from specialty markets, but my mock lobster made from king oyster mushrooms has the best taste and texture.

Vegan Lobster Recipe (1)

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Jump to:
  • 🏪 Store-bought vegan lobster
  • ❤️ Why make oyster mushroom lobster
  • 🧾 Ingredients and substitutions
  • 🔪 Helpful tools
  • 🥄 How to make vegan lobster
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Pro Tips
  • 🥡 Storage and reheating
  • 🌟 More vegan seafood
  • 📋 Vegan lobster recipe

You can buy a faux lobster if you choose, but it's expensive and doesn't taste as good as my vegan lobster recipe made from king oyster mushrooms. However, it is a fun and different treat if you don't want to make your own.

🏪 Store-bought vegan lobster

I purchased vegan lobster from Lily's vegan pantry to test it out. It shipped quickly and came in this cute lobster shape. It didn't come with any recipes or reheating instructions, so I simply cut it into chunks and lightly sauteed it in a little vegan butter.

It smelled like lobster but didn't really have much taste at all and the texture was a little gummy. I think that it would be okay to use in a vegan lobster roll or seafood lasagna, but it wasn't great just plain and my family much preferred my oyster mushroom lobster recipe over the store-bought version.

Vegan Lobster Recipe (2)

❤️ Why make oyster mushroom lobster

If you miss the taste of lobster and want a special treat this vegan lobster recipe will satisfy your cravings! I have a lot of vegan seafood recipes on the blog like vegan scallops and vegan shrimp, but this lobster is one of my favorites.

Tender buttery faux lobster dipped in vegan butter or even some vegan garlic butter will fool your tastebuds into thinking it's the real thing. It's not quite as pretty looking as the premade lobster, but the taste is much better.

🧾 Ingredients and substitutions

  • King Oyster Mushrooms - this will give you a taste and texture of lobster meat.These mushrooms can also be referred to as king mushrooms or king trumpet mushrooms. They have a large meaty stalk and a small brown cap. I always find them at my local Asian market and sometimes at whole foods or large grocery stores. You can use other mushrooms, but king oyster mushrooms will give you the most authentic taste and texture.
  • Sea Salt - for flavor.
  • Old Bay Seasoning - for a seafood flavor and red color.
  • Kelp Flakes - for a seafood flavor.
  • Paprika - for a red color.
  • Vegan Butter - to saute your vegan lobster and dip lobster pieces into.
  • Lemon - (optional) a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  • Parsley - (optional) for garnish.
  • A Small Sauce Pan - to simmer the mushrooms in the seafood-flavored broth.
  • Frying Pan - to saute the plant-based lobster chunks.

🥄 How to make vegan lobster

Step 1 - Wash your king oyster mushrooms and cut the brown caps off the top as well as the hard bottom inch or so.

Vegan Lobster Recipe (3)

Step 2 - Cut the remaining middle of the large mushroom stems into chunks about 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. (about the size and shape of a chunk of lobster.)

Step 3 - In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of kelp flakes. Heat until it starts to boil then add the chunks of oyster mushrooms and simmer on low for 5 minutes.

Vegan Lobster Recipe (4)
Vegan Lobster Recipe (5)

Step 4 - Remove the mushrooms with a slotted spoon and add them to a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of melted vegan butter and another sprinkle of old bay seasoning. Saute on low for another 5 minutes.

Vegan Lobster Recipe (6)

Step 5 - Serve them on a plate with a sprinkle of paprika for color and some melted vegan butter for dipping.

Step 6 - Garnish with some parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

You can also use this faux lobster as your would regular lobster in your favorite recipes like lobster rolls or vegan mac and cheese with lobster.

Serve your vegan lobster with some vegan Red Lobster biscuits for a full meal.

Vegan Lobster Recipe (7)

👩🏻‍🍳 Pro Tips

  • Don't overcook the vegan lobster pieces. You want them to remain tender.
  • Serve the vegan lobster warm with melted vegan butter.

🥡 Storage and reheating

Refrigerate:Store leftover vegan lobster in the fridge for 3 - 5 days in an airtight container.

Freeze:The oyster mushroom lobster can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:Reheat the faux lobster in a frying pan with a little butter.

Vegan Lobster Recipe (8)

🌟 More vegan seafood

  • Vegan Shrimp
  • Mock Linguine with Clam Sauce
  • Vegan Tuna
  • King Oyster Mushroom Scallops
  • Vegan Fish Sandwich
  • Vegan Breaded Fried Shrimp

📌 Be sure tofollow me on Pinterestfor new vegan recipes!

📋 Vegan lobster recipe

5 from 6 votes

Vegan Lobster Recipe (9)

Print Recipe

Vegan Lobster

Faux lobster meat made from king oyster mushrooms cooked in a seafood-flavored broth and sauteed in vegan butter.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: faux lobster, mock lobster, plant-based lobster, vegan lobster

Servings: 4

Calories: 102kcal

Author: Monica Davis

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups king oyster mushrooms

Seafood flavored broth

For sauteing and dipping

  • 3 tablespoons vegan butter

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Wash your king oyster mushrooms and cut the brown caps off the top as well as the hard bottom inch or so.

  • Cut the remaining middle of the large mushroom stems into chunks about 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. (about the size and shape of a chunk of lobster.)

  • In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of kelp flakes. Heat until it starts to boil then add the chunks of oyster mushrooms and simmer on low for 5 minutes.

  • Remove the mushrooms with a slotted spoon and add them to a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of melted vegan butter and another small sprinkle of old bay seasoning. Saute on low for another 5 minutes.

  • Serve them on a plate with a sprinkle of paprika for color and some melted vegan butter for dipping.

  • Garnish with some parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Notes

  • Don't overcook the vegan lobster pieces. You want them to remain tender.
  • Serve the vegan lobster warm with melted vegan butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 680mg | Potassium: 513mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 471IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 2mg

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Click the stars above or leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you!

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Vegan Lobster Recipe (10)Stephanie says

    This was delicious; even my carnivore husband enjoyed! The only issue I had was when I seared the first batch of marinated mushroom rounds it steamed them instead of searing; apparently too much liquid in that batch, but I dabbed the second batch with a paper towel and they came out with a nice sear. Simple and delicious recipe will absolutely make again. Thank you

    Reply

    • Vegan Lobster Recipe (11)Monica says

      I'm so happy that you guys liked the recipe, Stephanie!

      Reply

  2. Vegan Lobster Recipe (12)Angelyka says

    What if you are allergic to mushrooms? Can you suggest something else? Maybe palm hearts?

    Reply

    • Vegan Lobster Recipe (13)Monica says

      Yes, hearts of palm will work too.

      Reply

  3. Vegan Lobster Recipe (14)Dawn Milford says

    Can I either use a different mushroom or can I use dried king oyster mushrooms in this, as fresh are not available in this area.

    Reply

    • Vegan Lobster Recipe (15)Monica says

      You can use any neutral tasting mushroom, but king mushrooms have the best flavor. I have never tested it with dried king mushrooms, but let me know if you do.

      Reply

  4. Vegan Lobster Recipe (16)Kay says

    I like kelp flakes, but they taste absolutely nothing like fish (to me).
    So I'm confused as to why so many recipes say they'll make your food "taste just like real fish!"
    It may be good in its own right, but taste nothing like fish.
    (I actually find this to be true of all - that I've tried so far- "meat flavored" recipes. They can be great, but it never tastes "just like.")
    I hope this doesn't sound mean, I do not intend it that way! I appreciate all your hard work! Even if I'm allergic to many of your recipes, sometimes I can still grab the basics or basic idea of occasional recipes and it gives me somewhere to start at least! 🙂

    Reply

    • Vegan Lobster Recipe (17)Monica says

      I understand. Nothing is going to taste exactly like the real thing, but if it helps people satisfy their cravings without supporting the meat, dairy, and seafood industries, I'm going to keep making these recipes to imitate the real thing as close as I can get.

      Reply

      • Vegan Lobster Recipe (18)Kimberley says

        I think the kelp flakes work wonders in creating a flavor close to the seafood product. Your recipes are amazing. I appreciate all you do and can't thank you enough for the work you put into your recipes. This one is delicious. I can't wait to make it for my daughter when she's visiting next month. I've also made lobster for lobster rolls with dried lobster mushrooms. That was also very good. You should give it a try!

        Reply

        • Vegan Lobster Recipe (19)Monica says

          Thank you so much! I'm so glad that you like my recipes! 🙂

          Reply

Vegan Lobster Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan lobster made from? ›

According to many different online recipes and companies, the two main ingredients in vegan lobster tends to be yams and heart of palm.

What is a vegan substitute for lobster? ›

Hearts of palm are so mild and have a white fish-like texture, making them a great option to recreate versions of seafood like vegan scallops, vegan calamari, vegan lobster and vegan crab cakes (check out my recipe here).

What is a good substitute for lobster meat? ›

Monkfish is a versatile, mild flavored, and sustainable protein option preferred by many chefs across the world. Monkfish stocks are healthy, meaning the species is not overfished, making them a great choice for customers and the fishery.

Is imitation lobster vegan? ›

Artificial Lobster Flavor may not be vegan. Per the FDA, artificial flavors cannot be derived from natural substances like meat, fish, poultry, eggs or dairy products. However, some vegans choose to avoid artificial lobster flavor since it may have been tested on animals when it was initially developed.

What is poor man's lobster made from? ›

Today we're making Poor Man's Lobster that is so easy and affordable. Lots of people like to use halibut for this dish, but cod works just as well, and that's what we'll be cooking up today. You can use any white fish that has enough texture and size that you can easily cut it into 1″ x 1″ chunks.

Why did whole food ban lobster? ›

' After Whole Foods announced it will no longer sell Maine lobster at its stores over concerns that the industry harms a rare whale species, the president of the Maine Lobster Association slammed the supermarket giant for sending a "negative message" that hurts fishing families.

What seafood is technically vegan? ›

Fish filets, salmon, tuna, calamari, prawns, crabsticks, and even lobster can all be made from plants these days. These products aim to replicate the flavors, textures, and in some cases the nutritional content of the animal-based equivalents without the harms to animals or the environment.

What is a vegan that eats fish called? ›

By that definition, a pescatarian is someone who chooses to eat a vegetarian diet, but who also eats fish and other seafood. It's a largely plant-based diet of whole grains, nuts, legumes, produce and healthy fats, with seafood playing a key role as a main protein source. Many pescatarians also eat dairy and eggs.

Why is shellfish not vegan? ›

Recently, research has proven that oysters and mussels do, in fact, have a nervous system. Still, it is not as advanced as that of most other animals. Scientists currently aren't 100% certain about whether they can feel pain, but since they may have sentience, after all, they should not be consumed by strict vegans.

What is poor man's lobster called? ›

Monkfish is often called poor man's lobster, thanks to Julia Child. Monkfish was known as Goosefish or Anglerfish in the 1970's. Due to it's ugly appearance and different, non flakey texture, few American consumers would touch it. Fisherman received very low prices for Anglerfish they brought to market.

What part of the lobster you Cannot eat? ›

To break down a lobster, you'll want to shuck the claws, then the tail and head, then the legs. Avoid eating the shells, cartilage, and tail vein, as they're not edible and/or tasty.

What do restaurants use instead of lobster? ›

The IE team gathered samples from 28 restaurants in the country, and found that many are using whiting and pollock fish as a substitute. Even worse, some didn't have any fish at all. For example, the lobster ravioli at Sofia's in Little Italy was filled with just cheese. A dish like that will cost you more than $30.

Why is imitation crab not vegan? ›

While imitation crab meat isn't crab, it also isn't vegan. The red and white crab stick is called "surimi" in Japanese, which roughly translates to "ground meat." Surimi is composed of white-fleshed fish and other fish body parts that are ground into a kind of paste.

What is faux lobster? ›

Although this product isn't genuine lobster, it qualifies as seafood, as it typically contains a mix of various kinds of white fish, like wild Alaskan pollock. The base ingredient in imitation lobster is surimi. This is a type of minced meat or fish product first made in Japan roughly 900 years ago.

Does imitation lobster taste like real lobster? ›

It can also be a great choice for a quick dish. like lobster cakes, so imitation lobster can be useful. The meat may taste pretty close to the real thing, and it will certainly be a lot cheaper, but unfortunately, according to the associated RES, it does have an environmental downside.

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 are the ingredients in imitation lobster? ›

ALASKA POLLOCK (MSC CERTIFIED), WATER, PEA STARCH, SORBITOL, SUGAR, MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: LOBSTER MEAT, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR (EXTRACTS OF LOBSTER, BLUE CRAB, SNOW CRAB, AND ALASKA POLLOCK), REFINED FISH OIL* (ALASKA POLLOCK), RICE WINE (WATER, RICE, KOJI), EGG WHITES, SEA SALT, ...

What fish is imitation lobster made of? ›

Trident Seafoods' surimi products are made with Wild Alaska Pollock or Pacific whiting, two abundant, certified-sustainable wild species with characteristics that make them perfectly suited as the main ingredient in high quality surimi products.

What are vegan crab cakes made of? ›

How to make vegan crab cakes: To a food processor, add chickpeas, artichokes, panko breadcrumbs, chopped nori, vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few times to mix and break up the chickpeas and artichokes. Don't over mix, you want there to be texture still.

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