Seafood Substitutions: 5 Best Substitutes for Shrimps

Finding a substitute for shrimp isn’t as tricky as you might think. We’ve all been there, standing in front of the seafood counter, realizing the shrimp are either too pricey or not available.

No need to scrap your dinner plans yet. I’ve got a list of the five best swaps that’ll save your dish and maybe even make it better.

Each option I’m sharing today brings its own unique flair to the table. What’s great is that you’re not just stuck with one alternative.

There are choices for everyone, from the avid seafood lover to the strictest vegetarians. “I once had to whip up a seafood paella without any shrimp on hand, and what I discovered was pretty exciting.”

Turns out, these substitutes can slide into your recipes more seamlessly than you’d expect, keeping everyone at the dinner table happy.

What are Shrimps?

Shrimps are crustacean sea creatures with long bodies.

They are widely available worldwide and so are pretty popular.

Most people like shrimp unless they are allergic to them.

You can make various dishes with shrimps but have to be careful about the timing.

Else, it can taste bad if overcooked or undercooked.

According to enthusiasts, shrimp tastes fantastic when you sear or sauté it.

But there are many hundreds of recipes, so you have numerous choices.

If you follow the tips, you can come up with delicious food.

Shrimp is low in calories but has an impressive nutrition profile.

It has protein, iodine, vitamins and several minerals.

However, though abundant, most stores don’t have shrimp, so if you need some for your recipes, it can be hard to get them.

So, check out the following options.

The 5 BEST Substitutes For Shrimps

While there isn’t an exact replacement, the following items can substitute shrimps in various recipes.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best substitutes for shrimp, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Lobster Tails	Lobster tails have a delicate, sweet flavor and a firm texture. They can be a luxurious substitute for shrimp.	Use an equal amount of lobster tails as you would with shrimp in recipes.
King Oyster Mushrooms	King oyster mushrooms have a meaty texture and a mild, earthy flavor. They can provide a vegetarian alternative.	Use an equal amount of king oyster mushrooms as you would with shrimp in recipes.
Tofu	Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein with a mild taste. It can be marinated and cooked to mimic shrimp’s texture.	Use an equal amount of tofu as you would with shrimp in recipes.
Chicken	Chicken is a lean protein with a mild flavor. It can be a suitable substitute for shrimp in certain dishes.	Use an equal amount of chicken as you would with shrimp in recipes.
White Fish	White fish, such as tilapia or cod, has a mild taste and a flaky texture. It can be used in various shrimp recipes.	Use an equal amount of white fish as you would with shrimp in recipes.

Now, let’s discuss each substitute in more detail:

1 – Lobster Tails

If you aren’t a vegan and not allergic to shellfish, you can use lobster tails instead of shrimps.

Lobster has a similar flavor and smell to shrimp, and so it can work pretty well in most recipes.

Lobsters are ocean creatures and a popular ingredient with chefs.

However, they are also costly, so not many prefer to include them in their diet.

If you don’t mind the price and can’t get the shrimps, it’s a great option.

Like shrimps, you mustn’t overcook the lobster tails too.

Else, you will have wasted a delicious and pricey option.

If you follow a recipe, do everything step by step for the perfect outcome.

Add it to pasta, salads, mashed potatoes and more.

Lobster also contains plenty of nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids.

If possible, add it to your diet sometimes to get healthy nutrients.

Suitable ratio.

• 50gms shrimps = 50gms lobster tails.

2 – King Oyster Mushrooms

One of the best vegan options for shrimp, king oyster mushrooms, can work great in many dishes.

They have a similar texture to shrimp and have high nutritional value.

They are most famous for their meaty texture, which chefs say is ‘unparalleled’.

When replacing shrimp, slice them in sizes that resemble the shellfish, and you will have perfect-looking king oyster mushrooms.

You can make stir-fries, roasts and add them to salads, soups and stews.

You can also use them with other veggies to get a meaty texture.

Suitable ratio.

• 1 cup shrimps = 1 cup sliced king oyster mushrooms.

3 – Tofu

Soft textured tofu can replace shrimp in most dishes that ask for the latter.

It’s similar to shrimp in texture and an excellent choice for vegans and meat-eaters.

When using tofu instead of shrimp, drain it and cut it into dice shape.

You can then make plenty of items with the same.

Add it to various Asian dishes, baked items, soups and salads.

You can also include it in smoothies and desserts.

Tofu can be delicious as sauces and use them in sandwiches too.

Stir-fried tofu can be pretty awesome too.

It’s also a nutritious food as it has all nine essential amino acids which our body can’t produce.

While tofu is healthy in moderate amounts, it’s vital to seek a doctor’s advice before taking soy supplements.

Suitable ratio.

• 1 cup shrimps = 1 cup sliced tofu (drained).

4 – Chicken

If you are non-vegetarian but allergic to shellfish, you can use chicken instead of shrimp.

The taste is, of course, different than that of shrimp, but it has a similar texture.

With the right herbs and spices, you can have a great dish any time.

Chicken is a versatile ingredient, and there are plenty of ways to cook it.

However, when using it instead of shrimp, use chicken breast and cook till it’s tender.

You can slice it into sizes to make it resemble shrimp.

You can make stir-fries, add them to salads, soups and stews.

It will also taste amazing with other vegetables.

Suitable ratio.

• 100gms shrimps = 100gms chicken.

5 – White Fish

You can also use white fish to substitute shrimp in some dishes.

The flavor may not be similar, but you can use seasoning and herbs to create a delicious meal.

There is plenty of white fish variety, so the choice is unlimited.

White fish is also healthy, but you have to be careful when buying it.

See that the gills are bright red, eyes black and not sunken.

You have to be on point when cooking fish, though.

Like shrimp, overcooked fish can be tasteless and a turn-off.

So, cook as instructed to get the right flavor.

Besides, all fishes have different textures, so the time for cooking will vary from one to the other.

Suitable ratio.

• 100gms shrimps = 100gms white fish (sliced).

Conclusion

So, these are the five substitutes that you can use in place of shrimp.

Vegans can use their options, and those who don’t have shellfish allergies can use anyone.

You can follow the steps one by one to cook a tasty meal.

There are also some other options that you can use when the items mentioned above are not available.

Vegan.

• Fake shrimp.
• Sweet potatoes.

Non-veg.

• Surimi.
• Crayfish.
• Scallops.
• Langostino.
• Monkfish.
• Crab meat.

If cooking at home, a dish doesn’t need to replicate another one exactly. It should just be delicious.

So, you can also mix and match and create your versions.

Add the right spices and herbs to come up with tasty food every time.