If you’ve been paying attention to the news, then you know that many people are turning towards plant-based diets these days. From nutritionally sound diets like the Paleo or keto diet to more relaxed eating styles, more and more people want to cut out animal products from their lives. This is especially the case when it comes to eating seafood, with many people saying they’re no longer comfortable with killing marine animals for food. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what this plant-based seafood trend is all about!
What is the trend toward plant-active seafood?
The plant-based food trend is a movement that’s happening right now where people are ditching animal products and eating more plant-based foods. One of the biggest reasons why people are switching to a plant-based diet is because of the environmental concerns that come with eating meat, fish, and other animal products. These days, a lot of people are switching to plant-based diets because of their health benefits as well. While many of these health benefits are associated with vegan diets, it’s important to keep in mind that other plant-based diets are also beneficial for your health and can help you lose weight too.
Examples of the plant-based seafood trend
Vegan ingredients are being used to make canned tuna, fish fillets, sushi-grade fish, crab cakes, and other seafood products. The source of the fish varies by brand. Some use legumes that contain a significant amount of protein to create fish-like flakiness. Japanese cuisine uses konjac root, which is used to make zero-calorie shirataki noodles and konnyaku, a cake that tastes meaty and chewy.
Why is eating more plant-based foods a trend?
Healthy eating trends have become huge in recent years, and it’s no surprise that people are trying to eat more plant-based foods. Eating more plant-based foods can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of various diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Plant-based diets can also improve your cholesterol levels and blood pressure and lower your risk of developing certain types of infections. It can also help to reduce your risk of certain types of age-related decline, such as a decline in cognitive performance.
Why should we stop eating conventional seafood? Its Profound Impact on the Environment
The Netflix documentary Seaspiracy received a lot of criticism for its environmentalist message, but it did achieve its objective of educating people about the fishing industry's harmful effects. The film produced by Kip Andersen showed its directors Ali and Lucy Tabrizi uncovering a global conspiracy that linked fishing activity and oceanic destruction. The documentary examines the ugly side of the fishing industry and the pollution caused by fishing gear. Overfishing is said to be the cause behind the decline of at least two-thirds of all large fish. It is said that since 1950, one in three fish populations has become extinct as a result. Greenpeace reports that every year, 100 million sharks and 300,000 dolphins, whales, and porpoises become victims of the commercial fishing industry.
7 vegan sea food dishes that you can make easily at home
Humanity is facing the worst news in recent years with the prediction that we will have fishless oceans by 2048 due to overfishing, pollution, and climate change. So, let's prepare ourselves for this situation by adapting to plant-based vegan seafood options like the following:
1. Veggie "Filet-O-Fish Burger"
This Filet-O-Fish-inspired burger is gluten-free and vegan, making it a healthy twist on a popular McDonald's item. Make the fish patty from crispy batter-fried paneer and sandwich it between the buns for an authentic experience.
2. Chickpea Tuna Sandwich
This mock vegan tuna salad made from chickpeas is as tasty as its non-vegan counterpart, plus it is also healthier and more sustainable.
3. Banana Blossoms "Fish and Chips"
The fleshy, purple banana blossom flower used traditionally in Indian cooking is also known as banana blossom. It has a flaky texture when cooked, which makes it a great substitute for fish in vegan fish recipes. Make a batter with flour and common spices and fry it for Friday night!
4. Tofu “Prawns”
It’s difficult to believe that prawns made from tofu can be vegan because they look so real. Since tofu has a meaty texture like prawns and a nice crisp batter coating in the shape of prawns, it looks and tastes like it.
5. Vegan "Fish" Pie
To make this traditional British dish, use readily available jackfruit. The jackfruit replaces the fish, as it has the texture of white fish. Prepare it with other vegetables of your choice as a garnish.
6.Mushroom “Scallops”
You'd be surprised at how simple it is to recreate the "fishy" seafood flavor of scallops using mushrooms. This is a wonderful dish to serve when dining with special guests.
7. Mushroom "Squid"
Mushrooms look and taste exactly like squid when fried and battered, making them the ideal substitute in this plant-based fish recipe.