“How to Make Vegan Fried Fish” - Isis Price-El

 

My Nanny had a favorite recipe that her grandmother made for her on special occasions when she was a child. Her grandmother lived in the South in the late 1800s. You could only imagine how that would’ve felt for black women. Despite her limited resources, low wages, and the odds being against her, she was able to create a special recipe for my Nanny. She had made this fried fish recipe for my Nanny only once in a while. The recipe has evolved, as it has been passed down through generations. When my Nanny's mother passed away when she was 16 years old, she decided to make several life changes, including becoming a vegetarian. My mother was raised a vegetarian, and her children are third-generation vegetarians. Being a vegetarian or vegan used to be more difficult, but there are now so many options and creative ways to explore plant-based foods. There are numerous heavily processed options available for vegan foods, but my family has had great success working with more plant-based ingredients. So, here’s a vegan version of a traditional southern fish recipe passed down from my great-great-grandmother.

 

 

 

Prep Time= 10 min

Cook Time= Around 30 minutes

 

Dry Ingredients:

2 teaspoon Black Pepper

2 tablespoons Garlic

1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

1 tablespoon Old Bay

1 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast                                                                                             

2 tablespoons Cayenne Pepper

1 teaspoon Cumin

3 Tablespoons Nori Flakes

½ Cup Fish Fry

¼ Cup Hemp Seeds

 

 

Wet Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Mustard

1 Can Heart Of Palm

½ Cup Unsweetened Creamy Oat Milk

2 Tablespoon Sesame Oil

Vegetable Oil

Louisiana Hot Sauce (Optional) < I would recommend it though :)

 

 

 

 

Prep

 

Step 1: Start by draining the can of the hearts of the palm. Then continue to slice them in half. (I like to make the pieces smaller so they are easier to coat later on). Poke holes into the pieces of the heart of palm. Place a fork in the middle and drag down to slightly shred them. Be sure not to place the fork too deep. This helps them get volume and texture! So you can enjoy that flaky consistency!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Step 2: Season the hearts of palm with nori flakes and sesame oil. This step is to give the hearts of palm that “fish” flavor. I would recommend adding more nori to taste the flavor through the dry batter. (Let marinate for rest of prep time)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix milk, mustard, and hot sauce to taste. Mix until bubbles start to form. Try to stir slowly to be sure the mustard blends properly. (Place the wet mix into the refrigerator until later use)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4: Mix all of the dry ingredients together to make the dry batter. Mix until the seasoning disappears within the fish fry. The seasonings are just the basic measurements, I prefer seasoning to taste. (If you like your fish crispy add more hemp seeds for extra crunch and protein)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5: Place wok on the stove and pour a good amount of vegetable oil. The best way to check if the oil is hot is using a chopstick/wooden stick, if bubbles form around the chopstick the oil is ready. (A wok is a chinese frying pan that resembles a bowl. I recommend using a pot or pan that is similar to a wok because it makes the frying easier and safer)

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 6: Dip the hearts of palm in the dry mix then the wet mix. Be sure to do this process slowly. Coat the hearts of palm very well and be very generous with the dry mix. (For a extra crunch repeat the process twice)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 7: Place in oil and fry until crispy. Remember, place the “fish” in at a low level so the oil wont splash back and harm you. Work in batches so the pan isn't too full and to cook more efficiently. After cooking, let them cool for around 2 minutes. Then serve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 8: Force your brother to take photos holding the food you prepared :)

(Be sure to have someone try your version of the recipe and add your own toppings. My favorites to add are lemon and hot sauce)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope this inspires you all to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and test out some vegan recipes. They are not only super interesting but also very tasty as well. Becoming more conscious of what you consume will change your life. As my Nanny would say “Eat to live, don't live to eat!”