"In A Sentimental Mood" Easy, Delicious Vegan Mushroom "Scallops"

Are you looking for a delicious vegan seafood alternative? If so, you won't want to miss this recipe for vegan scallops! These vegan scallops amazingly come close to mimicking the taste and texture of real ones.

We'll walk you through every step, giving you all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your faux-scallop dinner is a success. Whether it's an entree or an appetizer—your family and friends will be amazed with how closely your food resembles traditional seafood dishes! Ready to get cooking? Let's dig into this versatile vegan seafood substitute.

What Are Vegan Scallops

Vegan scallops are a plant-based alternative to the popular seafood dish, made using ingredients such as king oyster mushrooms or plant-based protein.

While they don't have the same taste or texture as real scallops, they can still provide a satisfying and flavorful meal option for vegans and vegetarians, or anyone looking to reduce their seafood consumption.

With the right preparation and seasoning, vegan scallops can be a delicious addition to your meal rotation, whether you're serving them as an appetizer or incorporating them into a larger dish.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Vegan Scallops)

Scallops are my thing. It's the first non-shrimp based seafood dish I was ever able to eat after experiencing so many seafood allergies in my youth. I'm feeling a bit in a sentimental mood as I made the dish for my vegan daughter over the holidays.

Ingredients Needed To Make Vegan Scallops

• King Oyster Mushrooms
• Olive Oil
• Vegan Butter
• Yellow Onion
• Garlic Cloves
• Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
• Kosher Salt
• Garlic Powder
• Smoked Paprika
• Onion Powder
• Dried Oregano
• Green Onions For Garnish

How To Make This Vegan Dish (step by step)

Prep the Mushrooms

Cut mushroom scallops into 1-inch rounds. Score the both ends of each round with a sharp knife like a checkerboard.

Season the mushrooms with the dry seasoning mix.

Cook The Mushrooms

Heat olive oil in pan or cast-iron skillet on medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and brown each side for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Reduce the heat slightly. Add vegan butter, onions and minced garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the roasted red pepper sauce to the hot pan and cook for another 5-7 minutes.

Add the sauce to shallow bowls or plates and then layer the mushroom scallops on top. Add a pinch or two of the seasoning mix and garnish with green onions and/or fresh parsley.

Cooking Tips, Considerations, and Substitutes For Making Awesome Vegan Scallops

When making vegan scallops, here are some tips, considerations, and substitutes to keep in mind:

1. Choose the right mushroom: King oyster mushrooms are a popular choice for vegan scallops because they have a similar shape and texture to real scallops. When selecting your mushrooms, look for ones that are firm and have a thick stem.
2. Slice the mushrooms correctly: To create vegan scallops, you'll need to slice the mushrooms into rounds. Make sure to slice them thickly so that they have a similar size to real scallops but don't cut them so thick that it becomes difficult to fully cook them.
3. Marinate the mushrooms: To add more flavor to your vegan scallops, you can marinate them before cooking assuming time permits. I didn't for this recipe but marinating is leveling up.
4. Sear the scallops: To give your vegan scallops a crispy, golden-brown exterior, sear them in a hot skillet with a little bit of oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan so that they cook evenly.
5. Add additional seasonings: To make your vegan scallops more flavorful, you can add additional seasonings such as fresh thyme or your favorite spice mix. I used a homemade roasted red pepper sauce and combined it with onions and garlic. Your favorite store-bought sauce could work fine or you can make a simple lemon garlic butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making King Oyster Mushroom Scallops

How do you cut king oyster mushrooms?

King oyster mushrooms can be cut into rounds to create vegan scallops or sliced into thin strips for use in stir-fries, soups, and other dishes. Here's how to cut king oyster mushrooms for scallops:

1. Clean the mushrooms: Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the mushrooms clean. Avoid rinsing them in water, as they can absorb moisture and become soggy.
2. Cut off the caps: Use a sharp knife to cut off the caps of the mushrooms. These can be reserved for other dishes or discarded.
3. Slice the stems: Cut the stems into rounds that are about ½-1 inch thick.
4. Optional: Score the tops of the rounds with a criss-cross pattern to create the appearance of scallops.

Once your mushrooms are cut, you can proceed with your recipe. King oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can add a meaty texture and savory flavor to your cooking.

How do you store leftover vegan scallops?

Leftover vegan scallops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here's how to store them properly:

1. Let the scallops cool: Allow the vegan scallops to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This will help prevent moisture buildup in the container.
2. Transfer to an airtight container: Place the vegan scallops in an airtight container that is appropriate for the amount of leftovers you have. Make sure that the container is not too big, as empty space can lead to moisture buildup and spoilage.
3. Label and date the container: Use a marker to write the date and contents on the container. This will help you keep track of when you made the vegan scallops and prevent them from going bad.
4. Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator and make sure it's not overcrowded. Avoid placing it in the door, as the temperature can fluctuate.

When reheating leftover vegan scallops, it's best to do so in a hot skillet with a little bit of oil to help crisp up the exterior. As with any leftovers, it's important to reheat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating to ensure food safety.

Does King Oyster mushroom taste like meat?

While King Oyster mushrooms don't taste exactly like meat, they are known for their meaty texture and umami flavor, which can be similar to some types of meat. When cooked properly, King Oyster mushrooms can have a firm and slightly chewy texture that can be reminiscent of scallops or even some types of meat.

This makes them a popular ingredient in vegan and vegetarian dishes that aim to replicate the texture and flavor of meat. However, it's important to note that King Oyster mushrooms are still a vegetable and will have a different taste profile than meat.

Nonetheless, they are a great option for those who are looking for plant-based alternatives to meat and seafood.

Are King Trumpet Mushrooms the Same As King Oyster?

Trumpet mushrooms are not the same as King Oyster mushrooms, but they are related. King Oyster mushrooms have a thick, meaty stem and a small cap, while trumpet mushrooms have a slender, trumpet-like shape and a fluted cap.

Both types of mushrooms have a mild, nutty flavor and a meaty texture, and can be used in similar ways in cooking. However, because of their different shapes, they may not be interchangeable in certain recipes. If a recipe specifically calls for King Oyster mushrooms, using trumpet mushrooms may result in a different texture and appearance.

That said, both types of mushrooms are delicious and versatile and can be a great addition to your culinary repertoire.

What Should I Serve With Mushroom Scallops?

Serve these with similar sides you'd normally pair with sea scallops. We like mashed boniato root which is like Caribbean mashed potatoes. But I go heavy on the vegetables like air fryer broccolini, black rice salad with kale, roasted okra, or fennel apple salad.

For Other Soulful Vegan Recipes, Try These:

Blackeyed Peas Curry

Vegan Fried Chicken Sandwich

Vegan Southern Style Collard Greens

Stewed Okra

Make This Vegan Seafood Recipe

Okay after making these absolutely delicious king oyster scallops , I am convinced I need more vegan seafood recipes in my repertoire. If you want to make an incredible vegan meal, look no further than these oyster mushroom scallops. This dish is easy to make and is sure to impress any non-vegan diners. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!

If you make this vegan scallops recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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