Appetizers Italian-inspired

Chia Seed Vegan Caviar

Glistening plant-based caviar pearls made from chia seeds infused with nori seaweed, soy sauce, olive oil, and fresh lemon.

NF
Tag key
  • NF Nut-Free
Back to Recipes More Recipes
Total 3h 5m
Prep 5 min
Cook 0 min
Marination 3h
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Caviar Base

Marinade

Watch the video

Instructions

  1. Finely shred the nori seaweed sheet with kitchen scissors or pulse it in a small spice grinder into tiny flakes.

    Finely shred the nori seaweed sheet with kitchen scissors or pulse it in a small spice grinder into tiny flakes.
    Tip: Finer nori particles disperse better, providing consistent marine salinity and dark roe-like color.

  2. In a small glass bowl or ramekin, whisk together the water, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and shredded nori.

    In a small glass bowl or ramekin, whisk together the water, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and shredded nori.

  3. Pour in the chia seeds and stir thoroughly with a fork for 1 to 2 minutes so no seeds clump together.

    Pour in the chia seeds and stir thoroughly with a fork for 1 to 2 minutes so no seeds clump together.

  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, until the chia seeds swell into plump, glistening caviar pearls.

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, until the chia seeds swell into plump, glistening caviar pearls.
    Tip: Stir once after 30 minutes to make sure the seeds hydrate evenly throughout the marinade.

  5. Spoon cold over toasted blinis, crusty sourdough, vegan cream cheese, or delicate cucumber slices.

    Spoon cold over toasted blinis, crusty sourdough, vegan cream cheese, or delicate cucumber slices.

Storage & Meal Prep

Keeps well in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The pearls retain their distinct 'pop' and glossy sheen.

FAQ

Does this really mimic the texture of caviar?

Yes! When hydrated in this savory emulsion, chia seeds develop a gel-like coat around a slight crunch that mimics the signature 'pop' of fish roe.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better after 24 hours as the nori and soy flavors fully saturate the seeds.

Interactive Nutrition Map

Recipe ingredients

  • chia seeds24 g
  • nori seaweed1 sheet
  • soy sauce32 g
  • extra virgin olive oil14 g
  • fresh lemon juice5 g
  • water15 ml
  • fine salt1 pinch

Per serving

65kcalCalories
1.8gProtein
3.1gCarbs
5.3gFat
2.2gFiber
Sodium1027 mg45% DV
Potassium49 mg1% DV
Calcium40 mg3% DV
Iron0.6 mg3% DV
Magnesium24 mg6% DV
Vitamin C0.7 mg1% DV
Vitamin A1 µg0% DV
Vitamin K8.6 µg7% DV
Folate5 µg1% DV
Vitamin B120 µg0% DV

Estimated per serving from ingredients with nutrition data. Ingredients excluded from calculation are not represented. Missing data may understate values. Daily Values (DV) are based on 2,000 calories.

The Story Behind This Dish

This chia seed vegan caviar is one of those kitchen hacks that never fails to surprise guests. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and zero cooking, chia seeds transform into glistening, briny beads that look and pop uncannily like sturgeon roe.

The secret is balancing the natural salinity of dried nori seaweed with rich umami from soy sauce, fruitiness from cold-pressed olive oil, and a splash of lemon to cut through. Spooned over blinis with vegan sour cream, it turns any gathering into a celebration.

Essential

Needed for the site to work, such as remembering this choice. Always on.

Analytics

Google Analytics shows us which pages are read and how visitors find us, so we can make better recipes.