Non-shellfish Shrimp Substitutes?

Use a vegetarian alternative! I just ran across these recently myself, and I am finding the idea really intriguing. Not sure how they compare in flavor or texture, so your mileage may vary... http://www.vegecyber.com/cgi-bin/vege_item.cgi?detail=10416

(photo by Rainer Zenz, source)

Asian cultures have figured out how to make vegetarian and mock meats of all kind, since buddhism and vegetarianism in general is so common in their parts of the world. I love the diversity of it all.

Surimi, sold as imitation crab and sometimes shaped to look like chunks of lobster or even whole shrimp, can be a great substitute for shellfish in a number of recipes, but be aware that, if choosing it for reasons of allergy, many brands actually contain some crabmeat. There is a kosher surimi available, marketed under the dyna-sea brand, that is absolutely shellfish free in order to comply with Jewish dietary laws that forbid the use of shellfish.

I would substite king oyster mushrooms or even shitake mushrooms. It doesn't have to be fake meat, right? Try bite sized chicken breast pieces or Japanese eggplant.

You can also buy a shrimp version of the imitation crab--both are examples of what the Japanese call surimi. If you google "kosher imitation shrimp" you will find sources.

I am also allergic, and have been searching for alternatives. So far I have found seafood extender which I believe is white bait based. It's been 30+ years since I've had shrimp/lobster, so I can't guarantee how much it tastes like shrimp, but doesn't cause a reaction for my allergy.

Just boil some eggs take out the yokes and drop them in the gumbo just before it's finished. Instant heart healthy shrimp.

Many people on here mention product sold in stores that resemble crab or shrimp. These items are generally made with pollock. That in itself is fine, HOWEVER, if you read the package they still use some small amount of the item they resemble to flavor it. If you are allergic to shellfish, this is not a good substitute! I personally use a firm fish of some kind (pollock, cod, haddock, halibut). While they won't taste like shrimp, they are delicious.

I called an imitation crab company to ask if there was crab meat in the product and they said there was. Perhaps you should call the manufacturer on the package and you will find out.

If you are only allergic to shell fish but not all fish, you could try Swai... It's not fishy at all and has a shrimpy taste. My son is allergic to shellfish but loves shrimp and I use it as an alternative to his favorite shrimp dishes.

My husband has a shellfish allergy (particularly crustaceans) and I enjoy substituting scallops where I might otherwise have shrimp.