Vegan 'Salmon' Flakes

October 4, 2021 By Lisa Kitahara 23 Comments

Learn how to make vegan 'salmon' flakes with this easy recipe!

Ingredients for Vegan 'Salmon Flakes' (+Substitutions)

To mimic the texture of flaked fish, I used a combination of both yuba and tofu for texture purposes. I borrowed this idea from my Teriyaki 'Salmon' recipe where I found dried yuba sticks to really mimic that appearance. I combined that with my Tofu Fish Fillet marinade for flavour and the final result looks pretty close to salmon flakes, if I do say so myself 😅. Here's a rundown of what you'll need:

Dried yuba sticks: I HIGHLY recommend using the firmer dried yuba for this recipe as it gives it more texture.
Extra firm tofu: Easiest to grate and has the best texture for this recipe. However, you can also use firm tofu.
Kombu dashi (granules or broth): for umami and seafood-like flavour.
Rice vinegar
Sugar
Mushroom stock powder: or msg, for umami and flavour.
Beetroot powder: to give it that pink salmon colour.
Nori: for a seafood flavour.
Flax oil: this is the KEY ingredient to making it really taste like salmon, thanks to the omega-3.

How to Make Vegan 'Salmon Flakes'

Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add yuba sticks. Boil for 2-3 minutes or until softened. Drain and rinse with cold water. Alternatively, you can rehydrate them overnight in warm water. In the meantime, press extra firm tofu to remove excess liquid for 15-30 minutes.
Finely cut the yuba into small bits with scissors. Using a grater, grate the extra firm tofu. At the end, you'll be left with a small piece in which you can crumble into the bowl.
Optional: Torch the yuba and tofu for a smoky flavour. It won't give off too much colour of charring but adds a smoky cooked flavour to the tofu and marinade.
Add the kombu dashi broth, rice vinegar, sugar, mushroom stock powder, salt and beetroot powder and nori to a shallow container. Add the yuba and shredded tofu and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Remove from fridge and remove the nori. Drain the marinade in a bowl (save the marinade) and press out as much liquid as you can. Drizzle with 1 ½ tablespoon of neutral oil (I used canola). Now, you have three options:
1. Torch: torch until you get some smoky-flavour. Again it won't brown too much but adds flavour!
2. Pan fry: over medium high heat until you get some colour.
3. Bake & broil: at 400 for 12-15 minutes and then broil for 2 minutes, toss and another 2 minutes or until you get some nice charging. You don’t want them to be too dried out or they become chewy.
Remove from heat and drizzle in flax oil, and toss it all together. Now your 'salmon' flakes are ready!

Ways to Use Salmon Flakes

Salmon flakes are often enjoyed with rice and onigiri but they're also great for sushi bowls, onigirazu (rice ball sandwiches), dumplings and more!

If you've been keen on trying the whole spicy salmon trend that has been popularized by Emily Mariko on TikTok, you can totally use this salmon recipe! Simply add the salmon flakes to some rice and then drizzle mayo and sriracha. Mix it all together and enjoy with seaweed.

More Vegan Seafood Recipes to Try

SAVE IT FOR LATER! ↓

If you recreate this Vegan 'Salmon' Flakes recipe let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and rating below or by tagging me on Instagram @Okonomikitchen, I love seeing all of your tasty recreations!
Hungry for more? Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest for more deliciousness!