Vegan Clam Chowder Recipe: Tips for Making Vegan Chowder

Vegan clam chowder is a creamy plant-based soup that replicates the flavor and texture of a New England-style clam chowder without the use of animal products. This gluten-free recipe swaps out clams for buttery sautéed mushrooms and uses vegan cashew cream in place of heavy cream. You can prepare this hearty soup in just 45 minutes, making it the perfect comfort food dish for dinner guests of all dining preferences.

There are many ways to replicate the briny, meaty flavors and textures of real seafood with a bevy of vegetarian options.

1. 1. Mushrooms: Mushrooms have a similar texture to mollusks, making them the best vegan swap for clams. A variety of mushrooms will work well in this chowder, including shiitake, cremini, king oyster, and white button mushrooms. Pre-cook the mushrooms to release as much moisture from them as possible before stirring them into the soup.
2. 2. Tofu: You can also use spongy baked tofu to replicate the texture of clams. Use extra-firm tofu, and firmly press it before stirring it into your soup to remove any excess water.
3. 3. Hearts of palm: This mild-flavored, slightly chewy vegetable is a great option for replicating a clam-like texture without significantly altering the flavor. Learn more about hearts of palm.
4. 4. Legumes: Legumes, like lima beans and fava beans, are easily accessible substitutes for clams. However, these flavorful bite-sized vegetables will slightly alter the flavor of the chowder.

Make the most of this comforting vegan soup recipe by following these easy tips:

1. 1. Use vegan creamer. This dairy-free clam chowder recipe calls for homemade cashew cream, but you can easily substitute that for your choice of unsweetened dairy-free creamer, unsweetened full-fat coconut milk, or non-dairy milk to cut down on time and clean up.
2. 2. Experiment with additions. You can adapt this recipe to incorporate various ingredients that suit your palate. Mix in some extra veggies (like tomatoes, legumes, and more), use different spices and blends (like Old Bay seasoning), or garnish the soup with tasty toppings, like fresh herbs or crumbled crispy vegan bacon. Add some umami flavor to your mushrooms by marinating them in soy sauce, tamari, and miso.
3. 3. Incorporate seaweed. To more effectively replicate the briny taste of clams and clam juice in this animal-free recipe, use crushed dried seaweed, dulse flakes, or kelp granules to mimic the briny taste of clams in your soup.