This January, HAF’s Senior Director of Communications Mat McDermott is participating in Veganuary. As part of that we’re sharing some of the vegan recipes he’s been making.

I normally don’t go in for vegan recipes that recreate ones traditionally made with meat. There are so many vegan things to eat without having to do so. But this January I’ve decide to challenge myself by going against my habit and cook some plant-based meat alternatives.

For this one I’m well out of any reference point I have. As a child I was raised eating meat, but due to some family members being allergic to shellfish, we never had it. Which is to say I have no reference point for the texture and taste of shrimp, as I’ve never eaten it. I’m unsure if this recipe is a good approximation of what the animal-based version would be, but the taste of the masala is good and the texture of the vegan shrimp is nice as well. 

Also worth noting on this one: Vegan shrimp, at least the version I used from BeLeaf, has no protein — unlike the animal product. I bring this up because if many plant-based meat alternatives are made from legumes of some type or wheat gluten, both of which are excellent protein sources. For a more macro-balanced meal, you’ll want to include a  protein-rich dish to complement this one nutritionally.