King oyster mushrooms can be found at most Asian markets or Whole Foods. The texture and taste is almost identical to scallops and shrimp that they are sometimes labelled as “seafood mushrooms.” I love slicing then giving them a good soak in warm water to recreate a juicy, succulent texture that can be used in countless ways to make vegan seafood dishes.
Here I’ve used chopped king oyster mushrooms to mimic shrimp that were then combined with pureed tofu, panko and spices to form cakes that were perfect for swiping through spicy vegan mayo and a squirt of lemon.
SPICY VEGAN SHRIMP CAKES
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 16 cakes
Ingredients
FOR THE VEGAN SHRIMP CAKES
- 4 cups king oyster mushrooms (about 20 oz.), chopped into 1/8-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup pureed tofu
- 1 cup panko
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo (I used Vegenaise)
- 2 teaspoons Ener-G egg replacement
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon to 1 TB sriracha
- 4 scallions, chopped
FOR THE SAUCE
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 1/8 teaspoon habanero powder, or more, to taste
TO SERVE
- lemon wedges
- 1 scallion, chopped
Instructions
- Place the chopped king oyster mushrooms into warm water for about 20 minutes to soften. Drain, pat dry and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the pureed tofu to the bowl and stir to combine, then fold in the panko, then the vegan mayo. Add in the Ener-G, dill, Old Bay, salt, sriracha and scallions. Cover and chill for a few hours to overnight.
- When you are ready to make the vegan shrimp cakes, divide the mixture into 4 portions, then each of the portions into 4 patties to make 16 shrimp cakes total.
- To make the sauce, combine the remaining 1/4 cup vegan mayo with the habanero powder.
- Pan fry in small batches in a cast iron pan in a little oil until golden all over. Serve immediately with the spicy vegan mayo, lemon wedges and chopped scallions.
- The mixture should be used within the day or the mushrooms tend to get soggy.
These look so delicious! I’m definitely saving this recipe for later.
Thanks Amanda! I hope you enjoy. 🙂
Does the first 1/4 cup of vegan mayo get added with the Ener-G, dill, Old Bay, salt, sriracha and scallions?
Hi Janet, yes! I’ve updated the instructions to be more clear, I hope you enjoy!
Hi! For the pureed tofu I’m not sure what you mean. Is it silky tofu that’s been pureed?
Thanks!
Monika, I pureed regular medium-firm tofu here, but I think it should work with silken tofu as well!
I recently switched to a WFPB (whole foods plant based) style of eating. I’m not a professional chef but I can say that when I make a great meal I’m my biggest fan. My fish burgers made from a rotation of fresh tuna,salmon, cod or a combo chopped and gently mixed with grated zucchini,ginger,onion,sesame oil,avocado mayo,panko salt,pepper, then sautĂ©ed and served with a drizzle a soy sauce,vinegar,sugar, ginger sauce on a brioche bun. Nothing better— until last night. I made the “shrimp cakes” subbing shiitake for the oyster mushrooms and celery seed for the Bay seasonings. I formed them into burger size and served them quinoa & veggies. Soooo delicious, easy, and will definitely be part of the rotation.