Simple, rich, and packed with umami, this Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe is one of those pantry heroes that brings everything on your plate to the next level. It’s creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to whip up in less than 20 minutes!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe – it was a game changer! It adds a deep, savory flavor that feels indulgent without any heaviness. You can pour it all over your favorite dishes and know it’s wholesome and dairy-free.
- Versatile and Easy: You don’t have to be a seasoned cook to nail this recipe, and it pairs beautifully with so many dishes.
- Rich Umami Flavor: Mushrooms and herbs create a depth that makes this gravy taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
- Gluten-Free and Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for accommodating dietary needs without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Quick to Make: You’ll have luscious gravy ready in under 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts alike.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe shines because of the harmony between simple, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a part in creating a silky texture filled with deep, savory flavor. Here’s what I usually have ready when making it:
- Butter or olive oil: The fat carries flavor and helps brown the mushrooms beautifully.
- Mushrooms: They’re the star here and provide that rich, meaty umami we all crave in gravy.
- Minced shallot or onion: Optional, but adds sweetness and complexity.
- Garlic: Just a little boost for warmth and aroma.
- Flour or cornstarch: To thicken the gravy perfectly without lumps.
- Vegetable broth: A flavorful base to build the gravy.
- Tamari or soy sauce: Gives a salty, savory umami punch that really elevates the taste.
- Salt and black pepper: For balanced seasoning.
- Dried sage and rosemary: Subtle herb notes that make the gravy feel cozy and festive.
Make It Your Way
What I love most about this Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste and pantry. I often switch up the herbs depending on the season or swap olive oil for vegan butter for a creamier feel.
- Variation: Once, I added fresh thyme and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist that still warmed everyone’s hearts at the dinner table.
- Dietary tweak: Use gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten — it thickens just as nicely!
- Make it hearty: Finely chopped walnuts or cashews blended in add a lovely texture and richness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Heat the fat and brown mushrooms
I start by melting butter or warming olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet — the fat is key to building that rich foundation. Then I add my sliced mushrooms along with minced shallots (or onion if that’s what I have). Cooking these for 7-10 minutes, I make sure to stir regularly so they brown evenly without steaming. This step is crucial because it builds that deep, caramelized flavor. When the mushrooms are perfectly browned and the shallots softened, I toss in the garlic and let it cook just about a minute to release its aroma without burning.
Step 2: Add the flour for thickness
Next comes the flour, sprinkled evenly over the mushrooms. I stir it around and cook for just a minute — this toasts the flour slightly, getting rid of that raw flour taste that can throw off your gravy. Toasting here is a small step that makes a big flavor difference!
Step 3: Build flavor with broth and seasonings
Now, I slowly pour in the vegetable broth and tamari, scraping the pan gently to lift all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. That’s pure gold for your gravy! Then I sprinkle in salt, pepper, sage, and rosemary and give it a good stir before turning the heat down to medium-low.
Step 4: Simmer and thicken
This part takes a little patience. I whisk or stir constantly over medium-low heat to avoid lumps, watching as the gravy thickens beautifully over the next 5 to 10 minutes. The consistency should be glossy and smooth, perfect for drizzling.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasonings
Finally, I give it a taste and fiddle with the seasoning — sometimes needing a splash more tamari or a pinch more herbs depending on how it turns out. That’s the fun part! And then it’s ready to serve.
Top Tip
Over time, I’ve learned that a few small habits make all the difference when making this Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe. Getting the mushrooms nicely browned is key, so don’t rush that step!
- Patience with browning: Mushrooms release water, so give them space and time to brown properly instead of crowding the pan.
- Toast your flour: This little trick removes any powdery taste, making your gravy taste homemade and silky.
- Scrape up those browned bits: They hold a ton of flavor. Don’t skip this step—it adds depth everyone notices.
- Constant stirring: When adding broth and thickening, keep stirring so lumps don’t form and the texture stays velvety smooth.
How to Serve Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this gravy, I usually sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top. It adds a pop of green freshness that contrasts nicely with the gravy’s earthy tones. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil finishes the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This gravy pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes—creamy, fluffy ones are my favorite. But I also love it over roasted vegetables, lentil loaf, seitan roast, or even as a warm sauce on grain bowls. It’s a seriously versatile sidekick that amps up any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to ladle this Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe into a gravy boat or pour small amounts artistically over individual serving plates. It’s always a showstopper for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners when guests can add as much as they like right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover mushroom gravy in a clean airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days. When you reheat it, just warm gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or water if it’s gotten too thick.
Freezing
Freezing this gravy works great too! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, whisk it well – it might separate a little but reheating with stirring brings it right back.
Reheating
I gently reheat leftover gravy on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of vegetable broth helps smooth it out without losing any richness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Cremini, button, shiitake, or a mix work beautifully. Just slice them thin so they brown evenly and release lots of flavor.
Soy sauce or coconut aminos are perfectly fine swaps. Keep in mind soy sauce is a little saltier, so adjust salt accordingly. Coconut aminos add a slightly sweet note.
Yes! Just use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch as the thickener, and make sure your tamari (or soy sauce) is certified gluten-free.
Definitely. You can prepare the gravy up to 3 days ahead and gently reheat it before serving. It keeps well refrigerated or can be frozen for longer storage. Just add a little broth when reheating if it thickens too much.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I keep coming back to it because it’s comforting, reliably delicious, and simple enough to make any day of the week. If you’ve never made mushroom gravy before, give this recipe a go — you might just discover your new favorite way to dress up dinners.
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Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy mushroom gravy recipe is a savory and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional gravy. Made with mushrooms, gluten-free flour, and flavorful herbs, it’s perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, vegetables, or your favorite main dishes. Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free, this gravy adds a rich umami boost to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 4 ounces mushrooms (thinly sliced)
- 2 Tablespoons finely minced shallot or onion (optional)
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- 3 Tablespoons gluten-free flour or cornstarch (can use regular flour if not gluten-free)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon low-sodium gluten free tamari (or soy sauce, or coconut aminos)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon dried sage
- ⅛ teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Heat Fat: Add your fat (butter, drippings, or oil) to a large skillet over medium heat to warm it up and prepare for cooking the mushrooms.
- Brown Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and the minced shallot or onion to the skillet. Cook for 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring regularly until the mushrooms are browned and the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the mushroom mixture with the gluten-free flour or cornstarch and cook for 1 minute to toast the flour, eliminating the raw taste.
- Build Flavor: Pour in the broth and tamari, then add salt, pepper, dried sage, and dried rosemary. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, incorporating all the flavors.
- Thicken: Stir and whisk constantly over medium-low heat at a gentle simmer for 10 minutes or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the gravy and adjust seasonings as needed by adding more tamari, salt, pepper, or herbs. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, beef, or other dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Notes
- This gravy is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free flour or cornstarch, and vegan-friendly when using olive oil instead of butter.
- Substitute vegetable broth or beef broth depending on dietary preferences.
- For deeper flavor, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce for a lower sodium option.
- Use freshly minced garlic and shallots for best flavor.
- Store leftover gravy in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 cup gravy
- Calories: 36 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 109.2 mg
- Fat: 2.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Cholesterol: 7.6 mg
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