Vegan Brat Recipe That’s Easy, Flavorful, and Delicious

Updated On: October 2, 2025

Craving the smoky, savory flavor of a classic bratwurst but want to keep it 100% vegan? You’re in the right place!

This vegan brat recipe brings all the deliciousness of traditional brats without any animal products. Using wholesome, plant-based ingredients, you’ll make brats that are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or baking.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these brats deliver a satisfying bite every time.

With a blend of hearty beans, savory spices, and a hint of smoky paprika, these vegan brats are ideal for summer cookouts, game days, or cozy dinners. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings and buns.

Ready to impress your family and friends with a cruelty-free version of a beloved classic? Let’s dive into this fantastic vegan brat recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed: The combination of smoky paprika, garlic, and fennel seeds creates a brat that tastes just like the real deal.

Protein-rich: Made with plant-based proteins like chickpeas and vital wheat gluten, these brats are filling and nutritious.

Versatile: Perfect on a bun with your favorite condiments or sliced up in a pasta or stir-fry.

Easy to make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can whip up these brats even if you’re new to vegan cooking.

Fun to customize – add your own spices or mix-ins to make it uniquely yours!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup vital wheat gluten
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (lightly crushed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water, as needed (for shaping dough)

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large pot or steamer for cooking brats
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Plastic wrap or parchment paper
  • Kitchen towel or cheesecloth
  • Cooking thermometer (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chickpeas: In a food processor, pulse the cooked chickpeas until coarsely mashed but not pureed. You want some texture to remain for a meaty feel.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, fennel seeds, black pepper, coriander, cayenne (if using), and salt.
  3. Add wet ingredients: To the mashed chickpeas, add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, and olive oil. Mix well until everything is incorporated.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir with a spoon until a dough begins to form, then knead by hand for about 3-5 minutes. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it’s elastic and holds together.
  5. Shape the brats: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a sausage shape about 5-6 inches long. Wrap each brat tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, twisting the ends to secure.
  6. Steam the brats: Place the wrapped brats in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 30 minutes. This step firms up the texture and cooks the dough through.
  7. Cool and unwrap: Remove the brats from the steamer and allow to cool slightly before unwrapping carefully.
  8. Cook the brats: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat with a little oil. Pan-fry or grill the brats, turning often, until they develop a nice browned crust, about 5-7 minutes.
  9. Serve: Place the brats on buns with your favorite toppings, or slice and add to other dishes.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute vital wheat gluten with a mix of cooked lentils and chickpeas plus gluten-free flour blends, though the texture will differ.

Use liquid smoke or smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor if you like a more authentic brat taste.

If you prefer spicy brats, add finely chopped jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper.

You can also bake the brats at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes if you don’t want to steam them first. Just be sure to turn them halfway through baking.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Brat
Calories 150
Protein 12g
Fat 5g
Carbohydrates 15g
Fiber 5g
Sodium 400mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vegan brats on a toasted bun with classic toppings like sauerkraut, mustard, and grilled onions for a traditional experience. For a fresh twist, try avocado slices, vegan mayo, and pickled jalapeños.

You can also slice the brats and serve them alongside Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or mix into a hearty pasta with Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. For a fun snack or appetizer, cut the brats into bite-sized pieces and pair with a tangy dipping sauce like the Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite.

Conclusion

This vegan brat recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors and textures of a traditional bratwurst while keeping it plant-based and healthy. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can make these delicious brats anytime you want to impress your guests or enjoy a comforting meal.

They’re perfect for grilling season or any time you’re craving a savory, protein-packed bite.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll see how easy and satisfying vegan cooking can be. Don’t forget to experiment with different spices and toppings to make the brats your own.

For more tasty vegan recipes, check out our collection on Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or explore the sweet side with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful vegan brats!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Brat Recipe

Description: Delicious and savory vegan brats made with plant-based ingredients. Perfect for grilling or pan-frying for a classic bratwurst experience.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vital wheat gluten
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast.
  2. Mix vegetable broth, soy sauce, olive oil, and spices in a separate bowl.
  3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until dough forms.
  4. Knead dough for 3-5 minutes until elastic.
  5. Divide dough into 4 equal portions and shape into bratwurst.
  6. Wrap each brat in foil and steam for 15 minutes.
  7. Unwrap and grill or pan-fry brats until browned, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 12g

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Marta K

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