Mediterranean Pink Oyster Fish(less) Sandwich

Ingredients

• 3.2 oz fresh oyster mushrooms (Separated from the substrate and brushed clean)
• 20 oz young green jackfruit (Canned; drained well)
• 1.5 tbsp white miso paste (The source specifies 1 tablespoon plus 1½ teaspoons)
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (Used in the mixture and for coating the patties)
• 2 tsp seafood seasoning (For the mushroom-jackfruit mixture)
• 1 sheet seaweed (Nori or another thin edible seaweed sheet)
• 0.375 cup vegetable broth (Alternatively, use water; the source specifies ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons)
• 0.5 cup vital wheat gluten (Add to form the dough; contains gluten)
• salt and black pepper (To taste; optional according to the source)
• 1 cup spelt flour (Alternatively, use all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup water (For the wet batter)
• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder (Alternatively, use cornstarch)
• 1 tsp seafood seasoning (For the wet batter)
• 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs (For the dry batter)
• 0.25 cup cornmeal (For the dry batter)
• 0.5 tsp seafood seasoning (For the dry batter)
• 0.25 cup plant-based feta cheese (For the caper-feta spread)
• 2 tbsp capers (For the caper-feta spread)
• 2 tbsp caper juice (For the caper-feta spread)
• 4 burger buns (For serving)
• red onion (Sliced, for serving)
• coleslaw (For serving)
• plant-based mayonnaise (For serving)
• balsamic vinegar (For serving or drizzling)
• frying oil (Oil of choice, for frying)

Steps

1. 1

   Separate the oyster mushrooms from their substrate. Gently brush away any dirt if needed.

2. 2

   Drain the jackfruit thoroughly. Place the jackfruit chunks on a hard surface and press them flat.

3. 3

   Combine the mushrooms and jackfruit in a sauté pan over low heat. Press them with a heavy pan or cast-iron press to release their water, cooking for about 15 minutes until the moisture has evaporated. Flip frequently so they cook evenly.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 360°F (182°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. 5

   Add the cooked mushrooms and jackfruit, white miso, avocado oil, seaweed, 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning, and salt and pepper if using to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, then transfer it to a bowl.

6. 6

   Add the vegetable broth or water and vital wheat gluten to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the dough absorbs all of the gluten and is no longer excessively sticky.

7. 7

   Shape the mixture into a ball, then divide it into 4 to 5 smaller portions. Form each portion into a thin patty on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. 8

   Coat the patties with avocado oil. Bake at 360°F (182°C) for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the patties rest while preparing the batters and spread.

9. 9

   Prepare the wet batter by whisking together the spelt flour or flour, water, arrowroot powder or cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning until smooth.

10. 10

    Prepare the dry batter by combining the panko bread crumbs, cornmeal, and ½ teaspoon seafood seasoning in a shallow dish.

11. 11

    Make the caper-feta spread by combining the plant-based feta, capers, and caper juice. Stir until evenly mixed.

12. 12

    Heat the frying oil in a suitable skillet or pot until hot enough to fry. Use enough oil to cook the patties evenly, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.

13. 13

    Dip each patty into the wet batter, allowing excess batter to drip off. Then press it into the dry batter until thoroughly coated on all sides.

14. 14

    Fry the coated patties in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, turning as needed for even coloring. Transfer them to a rack or paper towels to drain.

15. 15

    Build each sandwich with a burger bun, a crispy fishless patty, caper-feta spread, sliced red onion, coleslaw, plant-based mayonnaise, and balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.

Notes

The source indicates 4–5 patties. The amount of frying oil and the serving quantities for the bun toppings are not specified, so add them to taste. Use caution when frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegan
• vegetarian
• Mediterranean
• sandwich
• deep-fried
• crispy
• plant-based