Vegan fish sticks are a popular plant-based alternative to traditional fish sticks, often made from ingredients like tofu, hearts of palm, or other vegetables. Here’s a compilation of some easy and delicious recipes for making vegan fish sticks at home.

Tofu-Based Vegan Fish Sticks

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) block of extra-firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon white miso
• ¼ cup hot water
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 packages of salted seaweed snack sheets
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• Cooking spray oil
• Salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu: Drain and press the tofu for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut it into sticks or nuggets.
2. Marinate: In a container, mix miso with hot water until dissolved. Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and plant-based milk. Marinate the tofu in this mixture for at least 1 hour (or overnight for better flavor).
3. Coat the Tofu: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Crush seaweed snack sheets into breadcrumb size. Roll each marinated tofu stick in flour, then dip back into the marinade, and finally coat with the breadcrumb-seaweed mixture.
4. Bake: Spread the coated tofu sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

Hearts of Palm Vegan Fish Sticks

Ingredients

• 1 jar/can of hearts of palm
• Kelp or Old Bay seasoning (to taste)
• Flour for battering
• Sparkling mineral water (for batter)
• Breadcrumbs (for coating)

Instructions

1. Prepare Hearts of Palm: Rinse and slice hearts of palm lengthwise. Gently press them to create a flaky texture.
2. Season: Sprinkle with kelp and Old Bay seasoning to enhance the seafood flavor.
3. Make Batter: Mix flour with seasonings and gradually add sparkling mineral water until you achieve a batter-like consistency.
4. Fry: Coat each piece in the batter and fry in hot oil for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Cooking Methods

Baking vs Frying

• Baking: A healthier option; simply place on a greased pan and bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Frying: For extra crispiness, pan-fry in a shallow layer of oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve vegan fish sticks with:

• Vegan tartar sauce
• Ketchup
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
• Side of fries or potato wedges.

Here are some creative ideas and tips for serving vegan fish sticks, along with answers to your specific questions.

Creative Ways to Serve Vegan Fish Sticks

• Tacos: Use vegan fish sticks as a filling in soft or hard taco shells, topped with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of vegan mayo or salsa.
• Bowl Meals: Create a grain bowl with quinoa or rice, adding roasted vegetables, greens, and a few fish sticks on top. Drizzle with tahini or a citrus dressing.
• Sandwiches: Make a vegan fish sandwich by placing fish sticks in a bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and vegan tartar sauce.
• Salads: Toss crispy fish sticks over a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
• Dips and Sauces: Serve alongside various dips like vegan tartar sauce, spicy mayo, or guacamole for an appetizer platter.

Using Different Plant-Based Milks in the Marinade

Yes, you can use different types of plant-based milk in the marinade. Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can all work well depending on your flavor preference. Each will impart a slightly different taste but should maintain the overall texture and moisture needed for the marinade.

Making Vegan Fish Sticks Crisper Without Oil

To achieve crispiness without oil:

• Air Frying: Use an air fryer to cook the fish sticks; this method circulates hot air around the food to create a crispy texture.
• Cornmeal Coating: Instead of breadcrumbs, use cornmeal or polenta for a crunchier texture.
• Baking at High Temperature: Bake them at a higher temperature (around 425°F) to help achieve crispness without oil.
• Using Panko: If breadcrumbs are used, opt for panko breadcrumbs as they are lighter and provide more crunch.

Gluten-Free Alternatives for Breadcrumb Coating

There are several gluten-free alternatives you can use for the breadcrumb coating:

• Crushed Gluten-Free Crackers: Use gluten-free crackers crushed into crumbs for a flavorful coating.
• Cornflakes: Crush gluten-free cornflakes or cereals like Rice Chex for a crispy texture.
• Almond Meal or Flour: Ground almonds provide a nutty flavor and can be used as a coating.
• Quinoa Flakes: Lightly toasted quinoa flakes can offer both crunch and nutrition.
• Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened coconut flakes can add tropical flavor and crunch when toasted.

Vegan Tartar Sauce Recipes

Here are some quick recipes for vegan tartar sauce:

1. Classic Vegan Tartar Sauce

• ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons dill pickles (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon capers (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Avocado Tartar Sauce

• ½ ripe avocado
• ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Herbed Tartar Sauce

• ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

These recipes can be adjusted according to your taste preferences by adding more herbs or spices. Enjoy your vegan fish sticks!

These recipes provide a delicious way to enjoy the nostalgic taste of fish sticks while adhering to a vegan diet, using simple ingredients that are easy to find.