One of the things I've kinda missed since going vegan is tuna. I used to love tuna sandwiches, but since making these Vegan Chickpea Tuna Sandwiches that craving has been satisfied!
Seriously guys, if you are flexitarian or even reducing your meat intake, you should take a long hard look at the species of fish you eat and make a bit of a choice. And tuna should not be in it. Ever. Under any circumstances. It is simply unsustainable in all its forms.
But how to have that yummy juicy tuna sandwich, but without the sad cruelty of eating an endangered species? Well, that is where my chickpea 'tuna' sandwich filler comes in. We love to call this sandwich 'Chickpea of the Sea' instead of chickpea tuna, mostly because it sounds cute!
Ok- So the texture isn't quite the same, but the pleasing give when you munch, the mayo, crunch of a pickle and the seasoning is all spot on. And you don't have to feel any guilt. Just pure, yummy sandwich joy. I've trialed this vegan chickpea tuna sandwich filler on my toughest critic- The Gardener, my omni partner, and he gave it two thumbs up. I always know if a recipe is a winner if he likes it.
And, He loves it. In fact, he loved it so much he ate it without a sandwich! And then asked me to make more.
Key Ingredients:
Nori: And how you may ask do I get that sea taste? Well the answer is Nori. You know nori, it's the wrapper for sushi. A pressed seaweed that when salted and powdered into a yummy sprinkle gives this sandwich filler a pleasant reminder of the sea. You can get Nori sprinkles to add to rice from good Japanese shops (like the Japan Centre in London) or from various organic shops. I like Clearspring Nori sprinkles (affiliate link).
Chickpeas: Good quality tinned or jarred cooked chickpeas are fine to have in this sandwich. Just save the chickpea 'juice' (aka Aquafaba) for using to make mayo or cakes!
Mayo: I like to make my own vegan mayo Aquafaba Garlicky Vegan Mayo. Alternatively buy in a good quality one We like Follow your Heart (affiliate link)
Dill and other herbs: Fresh or dried dill creates a traditional 'seafood' taste. I also like to add lots of fresh parsley if I have it available.
Capers: or little pickled cucumbers both give a great crunch and salty texture to the sandwich mix.
👩🍳Handy step by step guide
This recipe is just for the vegan chickpea tuna sandwich filler and not for the other bits of the sandwich. I'm assuming you know what you like in a sarnie! Personally I like some crunch, so radishes are in. I also love some green stuff. In my case some rocket and any herbs that I have lying around. Also some kind of tomato is yummy. Add some extra chilli sauce if you like. It's your sammy, do what you want. Make it delicious.
❓FAQ
Nori is dried seaweed. You will usually find it wrapped around your sushi!
You could crush up a few sheets of the nori you use to make sushi out of. It's easy to find in most supermarkets. You can leave it out too if you like.
I like to mash the chickpeas to get a better texture. They also don't tend to fall out of the sandwich when mashed a bit! Use a potato masher, a fork, or whizz up a bit in your food processor.
Roughly a week in a sealed container in the fridge.
Have you ever made Chickpea of the Sea sandwiches? Do you love them as much as we do?
🍽️Other Recipes
You'll love these other recipes if you like this vegan tuna recipe:
- Vegan Baked Potato Toppings (like this vegan chickpea tuna, we have some other great recipes that are brilliant on a baked potato)
- 30 of the Best Vegan Fish and Vegan Seafood Recipes
- Vegan Crab Cakes
Let us know what other variations you make with this recipe!
📖 Recipe
Chickpea 'Tuna' Sandwiches
Ingredients Note:
For accuracy, I measure all ingredients in metric as standard, then convert and test the recipe for American cup measurements etc.
(Heads up Aussie and UK readers- your measurements in cups are sometimes different, so please use metric or check you have the correct cup and spoon type!!)
Ingredients
- 240 g (1½ cups) cooked chickpeas (equivalent to 1 tin/can)
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoon nori sprinkles (nori is the seaweed that goes around sushi)
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 2-3 tablespoon vegan mayo (I make my own!)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the tin/can of chickpeas.
- Mash all the ingredients together so the chickpeas are roughly crushed.
- Add any more seasonings to taste.
- Create a sandwich with any other salad bits you like!
Vegan-Buys says
Great recipe. I must make this today!
Louise says
Hope you love it as much as I do! x
laura Jones says
Looks great Louise! Must try this.