Award Winning Recipe Vegan Sausage Instant Pot Delight

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Discover an incredible award-winning vegan sausage recipe made effortlessly in the Instant Pot! Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this sausage recipe promises bold flavors, a satisfying texture, and wholesome ingredients.

The Instant Pot makes the process quick and convenient, steaming the sausages to perfection while infusing them with aromatic spices and herbs. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these vegan sausages are versatile and crowd-pleasing, making them ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.

Say goodbye to store-bought vegan sausages with preservatives and hidden additives. This homemade recipe is crafted with natural ingredients like vital wheat gluten, chickpeas, and a rich blend of spices that replicate the savory, smoky notes of traditional sausages.

Plus, it’s gluten-friendly (optional) and packed with protein, making it a nutritious alternative for plant-based eaters. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide so you can enjoy restaurant-quality vegan sausages right at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This award-winning vegan sausage recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare using the Instant Pot, saving you time and effort without sacrificing flavor or texture.

The sausages come out juicy, firm, and full of umami thanks to a perfect balance of herbs, spices, and plant-based protein.

Another reason to love it is its versatility. You can customize the spice blend to be mild or spicy, and the sausages hold up well whether pan-fried, grilled, or added to your favorite dishes.

They’re ideal for breakfast alongside tofu scramble, sliced into pasta sauces, or stuffed into buns for a hearty sandwich.

Finally, making your own vegan sausage means you control exactly what goes in—no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It’s a healthier, tastier option that will impress vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vital wheat gluten (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (mashed)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 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 dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice (optional for texture)
  • 1/4 cup vital wheat gluten (additional for binding)
  • Water for steaming

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Mixing bowls
  • Food processor or blender
  • Steamer rack or trivet for Instant Pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap or parchment paper
  • Large pot or pan for optional pan-frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chickpea mixture: In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, sage, and fennel seeds.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the chickpea mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.
  4. Add texture: Fold in the cooked brown rice (if using) and the additional 1/4 cup vital wheat gluten. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until firm but pliable. If too dry, add a splash of water; if too wet, add more vital wheat gluten.
  5. Shape the sausages: Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Shape each into a sausage shape about 5-6 inches long. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, twisting the ends to seal.
  6. Prepare the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot. Place the steamer rack or trivet inside.
  7. Steam the sausages: Place the wrapped sausages on the rack, stacking if necessary but ensuring they don’t touch the water. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
  8. Natural release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  9. Cool and unwrap: Remove the sausages from the Instant Pot and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.
  10. Optional finishing: For a crispy exterior, pan-fry the sausages in a little oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  11. Serve or store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or double the smoked paprika. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs like rosemary or marjoram for a unique twist!”

  • Gluten-Free: Substitute vital wheat gluten with a combination of chickpea flour and a gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture will be different, more crumbly.
  • Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the spice mix for heat.
  • Different Beans: Swap chickpeas for white beans or lentils for a different flavor profile.
  • Storage Tip: Freeze uncooked sausages wrapped tightly to steam fresh anytime.
  • Flavor Boost: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the dough for added umami.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Sausage (approx.)
Calories 130 kcal
Protein 10 g
Carbohydrates 12 g
Fiber 4 g
Fat 4 g
Sodium 350 mg

Serving Suggestions

These vegan sausages shine in so many dishes! Serve them alongside sautéed greens and roasted potatoes for a classic breakfast plate.

Slice them into a rich tomato sauce for a comforting pasta dish, or stuff them into a crusty sourdough bun with mustard, sauerkraut, and pickles for a hearty sandwich.

For a fun brunch, pair with a tofu scramble and toast, or incorporate into a vegan gumbo or cassoulet. If you want to take your meal up a notch, try these sausages with homemade vegan gravy or as a protein-packed topping on a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

This award-winning vegan sausage recipe proves that plant-based cooking can be both delicious and simple. Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the process but ensures perfectly cooked sausages that hold their shape and flavor beautifully.

Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or just sausage-curious, this recipe is a must-try for your kitchen.

By making your own vegan sausages, you can customize every aspect—from seasoning to texture—while enjoying a wholesome, protein-rich meal. Don’t forget to explore other fantastic vegan recipes like the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for breakfast treats or the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe to add flavor to your stir-fries.

Cooking plant-based meals has never been this rewarding or flavorful!

📖 Recipe Card: Award Winning Vegan Sausage Instant Pot

Description: A savory and flavorful vegan sausage made quickly in the Instant Pot. Perfect for a hearty meal or sandwich filling.

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

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vital wheat gluten
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast.
  2. Combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, and spices in another 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 6 equal pieces and shape into sausages.
  6. Wrap each sausage tightly in foil.
  7. Place sausages on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
  8. Add 1 cup of water to the pot.
  9. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
  10. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
  11. Remove sausages and let cool slightly before unwrapping.
  12. Optional: Pan-fry sausages for 2-3 minutes per side for a crispy exterior.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 3 g | Carbs: 8 g

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Marta K

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