Whenever I spotted fish or crab cake offerings on a restaurant menu, my instincts dictated that I would place an order for one of these indulgent dishes. While living a vegan lifestyle has its drawbacks, the awareness of how certain animal-derived products are created often prompts me to reevaluate my cravings and make a more informed choice. During my experimentation with this recipe, I encountered numerous errors and setbacks. Initially, I utilized a single nori sheet, finding it insufficiently fishy; subsequently, I experimented with small increments of miso, ultimately determining that two teaspoons proved to be the optimal quantity. Considering a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional pan-fried options, I opted for a more nutritious approach. I blended in the remaining parsley and green onions, transforming the sauce into a lovely pale green hue. I’m confident that others will appreciate this delightful experience just as much as I do.
Baking ‘Fish’ Cakes with a Zesty Twist: A Vegan Delight [Lemon Herb Mayo Included]
Vegan “fish” cakes with a twist: baked, not fried, and served with zesty lemon herb mayo. Here’s what you’ll need:
* 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
* 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 egg replacement (e.g., flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
* Lemon herb mayo ingredients below
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
- Two sheets of roasted nori, carefully snipped into bite-sized morsels using a pair of scissors.
- 2 tablespoons white miso
- 3 tablespoons eggless mayo
- 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cracks of black pepper
- One green onion, using only the pale green and green parts, finely chopped.
- 2 tablespoons minced flat parsley
- Three tablespoons plus one-half cup of panko crumbs.
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
- One green onion, trimmed to use only the green and light green parts, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon), with an additional 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced green onion reserved for garnish.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cracks of black pepper
Basking in the Flavors of the Sea: Vegan ‘Fish’ Cakes with Zesty Twist
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Process 1 cup of chickpeas at a time in a food processor until they reach a coarse texture, similar to a meal. You don’t mind a little texture in your chickpea experience – a few rough edges here and there aren’t a deal-breaker, as long as they’re not overwhelming the overall creamy vibe. Combine the chickpea batches in a large bowl until they’re fully processed and smooth.
- Cut nori sheets into bite-sized fragments using a pair of scissors, then incorporate them into the mixture of chickpeas. Whisking in a small bowl, combine miso, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until thoroughly blended. With the chickpeas added, use a spatula to gently combine all the ingredients until they are well incorporated.
- Adding the onions, parsley, and 3 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs, stir until a harmonious blend is achieved.
- Position the remaining panko crumbs in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and easy food release.
- Utilizing a 1/4 cup measuring cup, accurately gauge the chickpea mixture and gently compress the contents to achieve a precise volume. Remove the mixture from the cup and shape it into a patty approximately 2 to 2.5 inches in width. Gently press each side of the food item into a layer of finely ground panko crumbs, then place the crumb-coated pieces onto a parchment-lined baking sheet with precision. Reinforce the remaining concoction. I obtained a total of nine small cakes: eight measuring 1/4 cup in volume and a single slightly smaller one. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-17 minutes, or until the desired level of golden brown is achieved.
- As the cakes are baking in the oven, prepare the accompanying sauce to elevate the dessert’s flavor and texture. Blend all ingredients together in a high-powered processor or blender until extremely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Allow the cakes to cool before serving.
- Carefully transfer the delectable cakes to a serving plate, then drizzle with a rich and velvety sauce before garnishing with a sprinkle of fragrant chives. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information:
Total Calories: 1783
Total Carbohydrates: 362g
Total Fat: 57g
Total Protein: 66g
Total Sodium: 4358mg
Total Sugars: 28g
Per serving: 223 calories, carbohydrates: 45g, fat: 7g, protein: 8g, sodium: 545mg, sugar: 4g