If you’ve ever craved a rich, savory gravy that’s completely vegetarian yet bursting with deep umami flavor, this mushroom gravy recipe is your new go-to. Made with fresh mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a perfect blend of seasonings, this gravy elevates any meal — from mashed potatoes and roasted veggies to hearty meat substitutes.
The secret lies in slow-sautéing the mushrooms to release their natural juices and intensifying their earthy taste, balanced perfectly with caramelized onions and a splash of soy sauce for that extra depth.
This recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians, vegans, or simply want to add a delicious twist to your traditional gravy, this mushroom gravy will not disappoint.
It’s creamy, luscious, and comforting — everything a good gravy should be. Let’s dive into making the best vegetarian mushroom gravy ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mushroom gravy stands out because it combines the best of both worlds: rich, hearty flavor without any animal products. It’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans but satisfying enough for everyone at the table.
Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Deep umami flavor: The mushrooms and soy sauce create a savory base that mimics traditional meat gravies.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like flour, vegetable broth, and fresh mushrooms.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, stuffing, rice, or even pasta dishes.
- Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
- Customizable: Easily adjusted for thickness, spice, and herb preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- Serving bowl or gravy boat
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices and become golden brown. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavor.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the soy sauce, thyme, and black pepper. Stir well and let the gravy simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt or more soy sauce as needed.
- For extra richness, stir in nutritional yeast if using, then remove from heat.
- Serve warm over your favorite dishes.
Tips & Variations
“For the deepest flavor, don’t rush the mushroom sauté step. Let them brown well!”
- Use different mushroom varieties: Mix cremini, shiitake, and portobello for complexity.
- Make it vegan: Use olive oil and vegetable broth, and skip any dairy additions.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
- Add herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage can complement the thyme beautifully.
- Boost the umami: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of miso paste can add wonderful depth.
- Thicker gravy: Cook longer to reduce or add a bit more flour slurry (flour mixed with cold water).
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 90 |
Fat | 5g |
Saturated Fat | 0.7g |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Fiber | 1g |
Protein | 2g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Serving Suggestions
This mushroom gravy is a versatile companion to many dishes. Pour it over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic touch, or drizzle it on roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans to add richness.
It also pairs wonderfully with vegetarian main courses such as lentil loaf or mushroom-based meat substitutes. For a comforting bowl, serve it over fluffy rice or creamy polenta.
Looking for more vegetarian inspiration? Try pairing it with a hearty Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a full-flavored pasta meal, or round out your dinner with a sweet treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.
Conclusion
This vegetarian mushroom gravy recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a savory, comforting sauce without any meat or dairy. Its rich, earthy flavors come from simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special holiday gatherings.
Don’t be intimidated by gravy-making — this recipe breaks it down into easy steps that guarantee success every time. The next time you want to impress your family or friends with a delicious vegetarian gravy, look no further.
And if you love this one, be sure to check out other fantastic recipes like the Cheese Penny Recipe or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for a full-course delight.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Mushroom Gravy Recipe Ever
Description: A rich and savory mushroom gravy perfect for enhancing any vegetarian meal. Easy to make with simple ingredients and full of umami flavor.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or margarine
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned and softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw taste.
- Slowly whisk in vegetable broth to avoid lumps.
- Add soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer until thickened.
- Stir in nutritional yeast and vegan butter for extra richness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 12 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegetarian Mushroom Gravy Recipe Ever”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A rich and savory mushroom gravy perfect for enhancing any vegetarian meal. Easy to make with simple ingredients and full of umami flavor.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, finely chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “12 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced”, “2 tablespoons all-purpose flour”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)”, “1 tablespoon vegan butter or margarine”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mushrooms and cook until browned and softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly whisk in vegetable broth to avoid lumps.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer until thickened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in nutritional yeast and vegan butter for extra richness.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “110 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12 g”}}