Substitutes for Shrimp: 14 Best Alternatives, +FAQs!

Seafood can assist you in creating a delicate dish that will please a large number of people. Seafood comes in various shapes and sizes, and it’s used in a variety of cuisines.

Shrimp is a unique sort of seafood. Its body is semi-transparent, with a flexible abdomen and a fan-like tail. They have a wide range of flavors and are tasty. You can find shrimp in various habitats, including seas, deep water, freshwater lakes, and streams.

You can serve shrimp over rice or curry. They have salty undertones with streaks of sweetness. It’s important to remember that they’re sensitive, like white fish.

Tofu or sweet potato can be used as a vegan equivalent. In contrast, shrimp paste and fish sauce can be used as a vegetarian substitute. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, make sure you choose the appropriate option.

Look over our top choices and learn more about each one. Furthermore, select the appropriate selection for your dish.

Alternatives to shrimp

As previously stated, seafood comes in a wide variety of sorts and possibilities, so there’s no need to panic if you run out of shrimp.

Finding a replacement for them could be difficult due to their delicate texture and salty-sweet flavors. We have, however, compiled a list of shrimp alternatives.

Choose the best option for your cooking by scrolling through the alternatives below. Vegans and vegetarians can also enjoy something comparable to shrimps because we offered a few options for them.

No. 1 Langostino

Langostino is the first item on our list to use as a shrimp alternative. It is one of the best and most appropriate substitutes for your cooking needs. Langostino is like a cross between a lobster and a crab. Langostino’s texture and flavor make it even more ideal as a shrimp alternative. It is a great way to avoid shrimp, especially if you have a shellfish allergy.

No. 2 Clams

Even though clams have a distinct flavor, you can substitute them for shrimp at any moment. They’re suitable because of their spicy flavor and silky texture. Keep in mind that they may be easier to chew. On the other hand, clams are suitable for most shrimp-based recipes. They are nutrient-dense and nutritious.

No. 3 Scallops

One can also use scallops in place of shrimp. Your meals will benefit from the bouncy texture and fishy flavor. The sweet hints and buttery tones that would work well in your cuisine are what make the two so comparable. You can cook them in a lemon butter sauce, commonly used for shrimp. You’ll obtain identical results with a pleasant flavor.

No. 4 Lobster tails

You can easily substitute lobster in most recipes because you’ll appreciate the flavor. Even though they are softer, the spongy texture contains a lot of protein. Lobster tails are an excellent substitute for shrimp because of their sweet, fishy flavor.

No. 5 Crayfish

Crayfish can also be used as a shrimp substitute. It has a sweet and salty flavor and a soft texture that reminds me of shrimp, so it’s another suitable replacement. Many dishes, notably shrimp cocktails, can readily be made with the substitution. Although crayfish is more challenging and expensive to purchase, it is a close substitute for shrimp.

No. 6 Mussels

Mussels are similar to oysters and a decent substitute for shrimp. They’re known as the “chicken of the sea,” comparable to shrimp. They have a delicate texture and a moderate flavor. You may swap them for shrimp in most recipes that call for them.

No. 7 Surimi

Surimi, a prominent component in Asian cuisine, can be used in shrimp in various recipes. The texture of surimi and shrimp is very similar. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. In most recipes, you can make the substitution and receive flawless results.

No. 8 Chicken

Even though it is not a seafood alternative, the chicken will work well in place of shrimp. If you’re allergic to shellfish, in particular, chicken is the best alternative. With this substitution, you may prepare most dishes with chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that while the taste isn’t identical, the texture is.

No. 9 Whitefish

Whitefish is a fish with a very similar texture to shrimp. Although the flavor will be different, you will not be disappointed since you will appreciate white fish just as much as you did redfish. It is yet another excellent substitute for shrimp in most recipes.

Best vegan shrimp substitutes

Because so many vegans exist nowadays, genuine shrimp is frequently avoided.

If you’re having trouble finding replacements that are suitable for you, you’ve come to the correct place. It means we offer some of the most excellent substitutes available to help you achieve the same flavor and prepare delicious recipes.

Fake shrimp, tofu, and sweet potatoes are among the options. If you add the right amount to identical outcomes, these will work in your recipes.

No. 10 Fake shrimp

When seeking a vegan shrimp substitution, the first thing that comes to mind is to use fake shrimp. The taste, texture, and flavor are almost identical to actual shrimp. To make the swap, combine all of the recipes because the results will be comparable.

No. 11 Tofu

Last but not the least, tofu can be used as a vegan alternative for shrimp. It will work well in a variety of recipes. Remember that the tofu must have a soft texture since stiff tofu will not work.

No. 12 Sweet potato

You can substitute sweet potato with shrimp for vegans.

To achieve a comparable flavor, puree the sweet potato and add oil, garlic powder, and paprika to taste. You’ll achieve a very soft and silky texture. You can use it in almost any dish that calls for shrimp.

Dried shrimp vegetarian substitute

Not only vegans but vegetarians are looking for a perfect substitute for shrimp. As a result, you’re most likely seeking alternatives that will aid your recipe and produce identical results.

We have two more options for you to get near to the flavor of shrimp: fish sauce and shrimp paste. Both of them are ideal and simple to locate.

No. 13 Fish sauce

You can use fish sauce as a vegetarian replacement.

Even though the shrimp and fish sauce flavors are not identical, you can use the fish sauce instead of the shrimp. It has a more robust flavor and should not be overdone. Always start with a small amount and work your way up.

No. 14 Paste made from shrimp

Shrimp paste is a typical shrimp replacement. It goes well with a wide variety of vegetables and curries. Shrimp paste has a similar flavor to shrimp and will add some nice spicy notes to your dish. In other words, you won’t notice much of a change if you make the switch.

Related FAQs

What are some excellent shrimp alternatives?

Lobster tails, crayfish, scallops, surimi, and other sea fish can all be used to substitute shrimp. You can substitute chicken for the seafood if you dislike it or are allergic to it.

What are some great vegan shrimp alternatives?

You can replace shrimp in various ways that are both vegan and vegetarian. Shrimp paste, soy sauce, or fish sauce can all be used in this recipe.

What’s the closest thing to shrimp in terms of texture?

Shrimp meat resembles chicken meat in texture. As a result, chicken works well as a shrimp alternative.