Red Lobster Vegan Options

eHow
May 24, 2011

Chain restaurants have worked to tailor their menus to certain dietary needs, and there is something for almost everyone at each of the national family eateries. Vegans, however, still find their options to be limited when eating out. The highly restrictive diet allows no animal products -- which tend to hide in even the most unlikely places -- but it is possible to eat well with some creative menu-tweaking.

Dining Out Vegan
Red Lobster has little in the way of vegan-friendly options. Nearly every dish is seafood-based. Pescatarians -- vegetarians who eat seafood -- and even strict vegetarians can easily navigate the menu, but vegan guests may be able to devise a meal with some modifications to the menu items. It is important to let your server know of your dietary needs. Veganism is not widely recognized in some parts of the country, so explain that you do not eat butter, cheese, cream or other animal products.

Red Lobster restaurants across the country have similar menus, but their suppliers vary by state and region and each kitchen has subtle variations. Always check the specific restaurant's ingredients and cooking methods to ensure you are getting a truly vegan meal.

Starters
Red Lobster can tweak some of its appetizers for vegan needs. The restaurant can makes its Wood-Grilled Shrimp Bruschetta without shrimp and Parmesan cheese. In addition, while a basic sourdough bread recipe is vegan-friendly, Red Lobster's comes pre-made and slathered with garlic butter before it reaches your table. Double-check the ingredients and ask for it without butter.

The Lobster Nachos can be served as tortilla chips with pico de gallo and jalapeños. The Peach-Bourbon BBQ Scallops are served over onion rings with pico de gallo. Be sure the onion rings are fried in vegetable oil, not lard. The Crispy Calamari and Vegetables includes fried broccoli and red bell peppers. As always, ask about the frying method.

Entrees
The entrees are a lost cause--even when the seafood is removed, the dishes are swimming in butter, cheese and cream sauces. The sides, however, can be modified to meet vegan needs. Try a garden salad without cheese or croutons and a vinaigrette instead of a creamy dressing. It may be difficult to determine if a dressing is made with honey, so vegans who avoid it should ask the server to check the ingredients.

Entrees are served with a variety of vegetable side dishes. Steamed broccoli and fresh seasonal asparagus are good options, just be sure they are served without butter. Ask for a baked potato with pico de gallo instead of butter and sour cream. Ensure that French fries are fried in peanut or other vegetable oil, not lard; and find out if the rice pilaf is made with chicken broth.

Dessert and Drinks
Cheesecake and chocolate cake are not part of a vegan diet, but several dishes are served with a fruit garnish, so ask your server about arranging a fruit medley. The specialty drinks are all made vegan except for those that include chocolate or Bailey's. Nonalcoholic options are also available, but inquire about the smoothies and Tropical Freezes to be sure they are not made with milk or honey.

References
Red Lobster: Our Menus