Vegan Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

This delightful recipe features vegan scallops made from hearts of palm, served over angel hair pasta with a zesty lemon garlic sauce. It’s a perfect dish for impressing guests or enjoying a special dinner at home.

Ingredients

For the Vegan Scallops:

• 2 (15-ounce) cans hearts of palm, drained
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons vegan butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or vegetable broth)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For Serving:

• 8 ounces angel hair pasta

Instructions

Prepare the Vegan Scallops:

• Slice the hearts of palm into 1/2-inch thick rounds to create your vegan scallops.
• In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of vegan butter over medium-high heat.
• Once sizzling, add the hearts of palm in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
• Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Angel Hair Pasta:

• In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

• In the same skillet used for the scallops, melt 4 tablespoons of vegan butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the white wine (or vegetable broth) and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
• Stir in fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve:

• Add the cooked vegan scallops back into the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat.
• Serve the scallops over the cooked angel hair pasta, drizzling additional sauce over the top.
• Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy!

• Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy your delicious Vegan Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta!

Tips

• Substitutions: If you can’t find hearts of palm, you can use king oyster mushrooms as an alternative. Slice them into rounds and follow the same cooking method.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
• Wine-Free Option: If you prefer not to use wine, vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute.

Variations of the Lemon Garlic Sauce for Vegan Scallops

1. Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce: Add a splash of coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture.
2. Spicy Garlic Sauce: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
3. Herbed Lemon Sauce: Mix in fresh herbs such as dill, thyme, or basil for added flavor.
4. Mustard Lemon Sauce: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
5. Coconut Lime Sauce: Substitute lime juice for lemon and add coconut milk for a tropical flavor.

Can I Substitute the White Wine with Another Ingredient in the Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute white wine with several alternatives:

• Vegetable Broth: This will add depth and flavor without the acidity of wine.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use sparingly to add acidity; dilute it with water if needed.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity; use in combination with broth for balance.
• White Grape Juice: A sweeter option that can mimic the fruity notes of white wine.

How Can I Make the Dish Spicier?

To add spice to your vegan scallops dish:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle them into the sauce while cooking.
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce: Drizzle a bit into the sauce or directly onto the scallops before serving.
• Spicy Mustard: Mix in a teaspoon of spicy mustard into the sauce for an extra kick.
• Chili Oil: Drizzle some chili oil over the dish just before serving.

What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Pair with Vegan Scallops and Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements pasta dishes well.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers roasted with olive oil and herbs.
3. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
4. Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Simple and healthy sides that add color and nutrition.
5. Quinoa or Couscous Salad: A grain salad with fresh herbs, lemon, and vegetables for added texture.

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta Instead of Angel Hair?

Absolutely! You can substitute angel hair pasta with various types:

• Spaghetti: A classic choice that works well with sauces.
• Fettuccine: Offers a thicker noodle that holds sauce nicely.
• Penne or Fusilli: These shapes can capture sauce in their grooves, adding flavor to every bite.
• Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini makes a great alternative.

These variations and tips will help you customize your vegan scallop dish to suit your taste preferences! Enjoy your cooking!