Konjac “Shrimp” Skewers: Vegan Seafood Recipe

tastewithoutaface
May 26
3 min read

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Dive into the world of vegan seafood with these irresistible Konjac “Shrimp” Skewers—a quick and easy plant-based appetizer that delivers the juicy texture and smoky char of real shrimp. Perfect for healthy grilling recipes, low-calorie vegan meals, or seafood-free party snacks, these skewers use konjac “shrimp” for a bouncy bite and come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for gluten-free grill ideas, or craving a light meatless dinner, this vegan shrimp skewers recipe will make waves at your next gathering!

Instructions

Yields: 12 skewers (2–3 pieces each), Serves 4–6

1. Brine & Prep

14 oz package konjac “shrimp” (preformed konjac cakes or tubes)
4 cups water
1 Tbsp sea salt
1 tsp sugar

2. Marinade

2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
½ tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)

3. Finish & Garnish

2 Tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Lemon wedges, for serving

4. Tools

12 wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden in water 20 min)
Grill pan or outdoor grill

Ingredient Alternatives

Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Oil-Free: Swap olive oil for a light spray of avocado oil on grill.
Herb Twist: Exchange parsley for fresh dill or basil for a different aroma.

Step 1: Brine the Konjac

In a medium pot, dissolve salt and sugar in water over low heat. Remove from heat and cool.

Drain and rinse konjac “shrimp,” then submerge in brine for 10 minutes to plump and remove any off-flavors. Drain well.

Tip Alert: Pat Konjac Dry: After brining, press lightly between paper towels to remove excess moisture—helps marinade stick.

Norpro Stainless Steel 12-Inch Skewers, Set of 6

Step 2: Marinate

Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, paprika, and cayenne.

Toss drained konjac in the marinade and let sit 10 minutes (or up to 30 min for deeper flavor).

OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush - Small

Step 3: Skewer & Grill

Thread 2–3 pieces onto each skewer.

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high. Brush grate lightly with oil.

Grill skewers 2–3 minutes per side, just until grill marks appear and edges begin to char.

Tip Alert: Don’t Overcook: Konjac sears quickly; you’re just looking for color and flavor infusion, not extended grilling.

Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Brush hot skewers with melted vegan butter or coconut oil. Sprinkle with parsley/cilantro.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

🍹 Beverage Pairings

Pineapple & Mint Cooler

Muddle fresh mint, pineapple juice, lime juice, top with sparkling water.

Citrus Sake Highball

Over ice, mix 2 oz dry sake, 1 oz yuzu juice, top with soda, garnish with a lemon twist.

Ginger Lemongrass Iced Tea

Steep green tea with sliced lemongrass and ginger, chill, serve with a lemon slice.

Coconut Lime Fizz

Shake 2 oz coconut water, 1 oz lime juice, ½ oz simple syrup, strain over ice, top with club soda.

These Konjac “Shrimp” Skewers prove that you don’t need seafood to enjoy that coveted char-grilled flavor. With simple pantry staples like konjac, soy sauce, and fresh herbs, you can whip up an elegant vegan seafood alternative in no time. Don’t forget to bookmark this easy vegan grilling recipe, pin it for later, and explore more of our plant-based appetizers, healthy vegan dinners, and gluten-free seafood recipes here on the blog!