Are you craving the hearty, savory flavors of sausage, but want to keep things entirely plant-based? This bean based vegan sausage recipe is here to answer your call!
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to add more delicious, protein-packed meals to your routine, these homemade sausages are sure to impress. They’re robust, deeply flavorful, and packed with nourishing ingredients like beans, oats, and classic sausage spices.
Plus, you get the satisfaction of making your own sausages at home—no store-bought mystery ingredients, just wholesome kitchen staples!
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can grill, pan-fry, or bake the sausages, and they hold together beautifully thanks to a perfect balance of beans and oats.
Enjoy them on a bun, alongside roasted veggies, or sliced into your favorite pasta dish. With every bite, you’ll be amazed at how much plant-based eating can satisfy those umami cravings.
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with fiber-rich beans and oats, these sausages are filling and energizing.
- Classic Flavor: Smoky, savory, and perfectly seasoned—just like traditional sausage, but 100% vegan.
- Easy to Make: No fancy ingredients or equipment required. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Customizable: Adapt the spices and herbs to suit your taste, or add your favorite mix-ins.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for quick meals all week long.
- Kid Approved: Even picky eaters are won over by the familiar, comforting taste.
- Versatile: Serve in buns, on pizza, in pasta, or as a protein-rich breakfast side.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canned white beans (such as cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed) | 1 1/2 cups (about 1 can, 15 oz) | Black beans or kidney beans work too |
| Old-fashioned oats (certified gluten-free if needed) | 1 cup | Acts as binder and texture |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup | About 1 small onion |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | Adds depth |
| Soy sauce or tamari | 2 tablespoons | Umami and saltiness |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Or any neutral oil |
| Smoked paprika | 2 teaspoons | Essential for smoky sausage flavor |
| Dried sage | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | |
| Fennel seeds (lightly crushed) | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional, but traditional |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground recommended |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust for heat preference |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Vital wheat gluten | 1/2 cup | For best “meaty” texture (see tips for gluten-free) |
| Vegetable broth | 1/3 cup | As needed, for moisture |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Food processor or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick skillet or grill pan
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Parchment paper or foil (for shaping/steaming)
- Steamer basket (optional, for steaming)
- Spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: Drain and rinse your canned beans thoroughly. Place them in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a food processor.
- Mash or pulse: Use a potato masher or food processor to mash the beans until mostly smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture.
- Sauté aromatics: In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the beans. Stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, and remaining olive oil until everything is well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: In the same bowl, add the oats, smoked paprika, sage, thyme, fennel, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Incorporate vital wheat gluten: Sprinkle in the vital wheat gluten and mix. Gradually add the vegetable broth as you mix, kneading the mixture until it forms a cohesive, slightly springy dough. If dough seems dry, add more broth, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Shape the sausages: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a sausage or hot dog shape by rolling between your hands. For extra authenticity, wrap each sausage tightly in a piece of parchment paper and then in foil, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper.
-
Cook the sausages:
- To steam: Place wrapped sausages in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for 30-35 minutes. Let cool slightly before unwrapping.
- To bake: Place wrapped sausages on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- To pan-fry or grill: Unwrap sausages and grill or fry in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until crisp and browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade bean-based vegan sausages hot, with your favorite sides or in a bun!
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Omit the vital wheat gluten and use chickpea flour or additional oats as a binder. The texture will be softer but still delicious.
- Different Beans: Try black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for a unique flavor and color.
- Flavor Variations: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs for a twist.
- Storage: Store cooked sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serving Size: Make mini breakfast links by shaping smaller sausages and adjusting the cooking time.
- “For a smoky kick, add a splash of liquid smoke to the mixture before shaping.”
“Vital wheat gluten is the secret to the best ‘meaty’ vegan sausage texture. If you’re gluten-free, don’t worry—these sausages are still delicious without it, though a bit softer.”
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Sausage (1 of 6) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 155 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary depending on exact ingredients and serving sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic sausage bun: Tuck a sausage into a toasted homemade sourdough bun with sautéed peppers and onions for a game-day favorite.
- Breakfast plate: Serve alongside hash browns and a scramble for a hearty vegan breakfast.
- Pasta perfection: Slice and toss with pasta, tomato sauce, and fresh basil.
- Grain bowl: Add to a bowl of quinoa, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
- Pizza topping: Slice thin and scatter over your favorite vegan pizza before baking.
- Bean-lovers’ feast: Pair with this Half Runner Beans Recipe for a double boost of plant protein.
- Party platter: Serve mini sausages with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauces at your next gathering.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for the perfect bean based vegan sausage recipe, look no further! These sausages are not only bursting with flavor but also easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The texture, aroma, and taste are so satisfying, you might even surprise your omnivore friends and family.
Try pairing your sausages with freshly baked bread like our Green Chile Cheese Bread or treat yourself to a sweet finish with a classic bread pudding. Whatever the occasion, these vegan sausages will keep you and your loved ones coming back for more.
Happy cooking and enjoy every plant-powered bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Bean-Based Vegan Sausage
Description: A hearty, flavorful vegan sausage made with beans and spices. Perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or adding to your favorite dishes.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 sausages
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the beans with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Add oats, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, soy sauce, and olive oil.
- Sprinkle in all spices and mix until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 6 portions and shape into sausage logs.
- Wrap each sausage in parchment paper and then foil, twisting the ends.
- Steam the sausages for 20 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then unwrap.
- Pan-fry or grill for 3-5 minutes until browned before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 140 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 22g
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