Give this tasty homemade Vegan Bagoong a try! It's creamy, flavorful, and has that authentic kick you love from traditional bagoong and it offers a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

Looking for more Filipino Cuisine Try my Vegan Kare Kare or my Eggplant Stew!

Vegan Bagoong with sliced spring onions on top

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What is Vegan Bagoong?
Ingredients
Top Tip
Variations
Substitution
Storage
FAQ
Best Vegan Bagoong

What is Vegan Bagoong?

Vegan bagoong is a type of Filipino condiment that's made without any animal products. Traditional bagoong is usually crafted from fermented fish or shrimp, but vegan bagoong uses plant-based ingredients instead.

What do I eat it with?

You can eat vegan bagoong with a variety of dishes. In Filipino cuisine, it's commonly used as a flavor enhancer or dipping sauce for dishes like green mangoes, fried eggplant, or boiled vegetables. You can also mix it into stir-fries or noodle dishes to add a savory, umami flavor. Essentially, you can enjoy it with any dish where you want to add a salty and tangy kick!

Ingredients

Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:

olive oil
shitake mushroom
whole garlic
ginger, minced
white onion, minced
soybean paste (Korean brand samgyupsal) or Miso paste.
carrots
soy sauce
salt
brown sugar
coconut cream
chili flakes*
salt

ingredients of vegan bagoong on white background

Instructions

Preheat pan over medium heat, then add ⅛ cup olive oil and saute shitake mushroom until cooked. Next saute garlic, ginger, and onion until it becomes golden brown:

sauteing mushrooms, garlic and onions in a pan

Add soybean paste and mix until cooked evenly:

adding miso paste to the mushrooms and spices in the pan

Add grated carrots, mix thoroughly with the bean paste:

adding grated carrots to the mushroom and spices with miso paste

Add soy sauce, salt, brown sugar and continue mixing:

putting brown sugar to the mixture of bagoong

Add coconut cream, mix and allow it to simmer until coconut milk turns oily:

adding coconut cream to the bagoong mixture

The Vegan Bagoong will look like this:

Add chili flakes if you like it spicy:

adding chili flakes to the bagoong mixture in the pan

That's how quick and easy it is to make!

Eat this with steamed rice, or make as a delicious side dish or dip to grilled eggplants, okra, and other vegetables!

Top Tip

Garlic! Never decrease the content of garlic for this Vegan Bagoong. A good bagoong has a lot of garlic.

Variations

You can omit or choose not to use salt after adding in some soy sauce if you are already satisfied by its saltiness.
If fresh coconut milk or cream isn't available, canned versions work just as well. They taste fantastic too!

Substitution

If soybean paste isn't available, you can substitute black beans, but be aware that black beans may not offer the same flavor profile as soybean paste.
If you don't have olive oil, feel free to use your choice of oil.

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

FAQ

Is bagoong vegan?

Typically, bagoong isn't vegan since it's a salty Filipino condiment traditionally crafted from fermented fish or shrimp. Nevertheless, there are vegan alternatives to bagoong crafted from mushrooms, black beans, or other substitutes.

Can I use any kind of mushroom?

No, it's preferable to use shiitake mushrooms because they provide a depth of flavor similar to bagoong.

What is vegan shrimp paste?

Vegan shrimp paste is a plant-based alternative to traditional shrimp paste, which is a common condiment in many Asian cuisines. It's typically made from ingredients like fermented soybeans, salt, and various seasonings to mimic the flavor and texture of traditional shrimp paste without using any animal products. This vegan version allows those following a plant-based diet to enjoy the umami-rich taste of shrimp paste without the use of seafood.

What is a vegetarian substitute for shrimp paste?

A vegetarian substitute for shrimp paste could be made from fermented soybeans, salt, and spices. It mimics the flavor of traditional shrimp paste but is completely plant-based, suitable for those who don't eat seafood.

What is the difference between patis and bagoong?

Patis, also known as fish sauce, is a clear liquid made from fermented fish and salt. It has a salty and savory flavor and is commonly used as a seasoning or dipping sauce in Filipino dishes. On the other hand, bagoong is a paste-like condiment made from fermented fish or shrimp mixed with salt. It's usually darker in color and has a strong, salty, and pungent flavor. Bagoong is often used as a flavor enhancer in Filipino cooking, adding depth and richness to dishes.

More vegan recipes to try: