Vegan Au Jus Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

If you’ve been searching for a rich, flavorful vegan alternative to the classic au jus sauce, you’ve come to the right place! Traditional au jus is beloved for its deep, savory notes and is often served alongside roasts or sandwiches to add moisture and an extra layer of taste.

However, most au jus recipes rely on beef drippings or meat-based broths, which aren’t suitable for vegan diets. This vegan au jus recipe captures that same essence using wholesome plant-based ingredients, offering a perfect companion for your favorite vegan roasts, mushroom dishes, or sandwiches.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply want to elevate your everyday meals, this au jus is incredibly easy to make and requires just a handful of pantry staples. The umami-packed mushroom broth combined with herbs and a touch of soy sauce creates a deeply satisfying sauce that will impress vegans and non-vegans alike.

Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious vegan au jus in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan au jus is the perfect blend of savory, earthy, and slightly tangy flavors, making it an excellent sauce for dipping or drizzling. It’s:

• Completely plant-based and free from any animal ingredients
• Quick and easy to prepare using common kitchen ingredients
• Versatile enough to complement a wide range of dishes—from sandwiches to roasted vegetables
• Rich in umami thanks to mushrooms, tamari, and nutritional yeast
• Low in calories but high in flavor, making it a guilt-free indulgence

Plus, it stores well in the fridge, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or shiitake work best)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for umami depth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste (adds richness)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for subtle smokiness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional, if you prefer a smooth jus)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the mushrooms: Toss in the chopped mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender.
3. Incorporate tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly, enhancing the flavor.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth: Slowly add the vegetable broth while stirring, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
5. Add umami boosters: Stir in the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients build layers of flavor that mimic the richness of traditional au jus.
6. Simmer the mixture: Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
7. Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker au jus, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the simmering sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
8. Strain the sauce (optional): For a smooth, clear au jus, pour the sauce through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing out all the liquid. Otherwise, leave it as is for a rustic texture.
9. Adjust seasoning: Taste your vegan au jus and add salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce tastes too intense, add a splash more vegetable broth or water to balance it out.
10. Serve warm: Pour the au jus into a small bowl or gravy boat and serve alongside your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

“The secret to an amazing vegan au jus is in the mushrooms and nutritional yeast—they add that meaty umami flavor that makes all the difference!”

• Use dried mushrooms: For an even deeper flavor, soak 1/4 cup of dried porcini mushrooms in hot water for 15 minutes. Add the soaking liquid (strained through a fine sieve) to your broth for an intense mushroom essence.
• Add fresh herbs: Try adding fresh rosemary or sage for a more aromatic sauce.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free.
• Smoky twist: Incorporate a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt to mimic that grilled or roasted aroma.
• Boost richness: Stir in a teaspoon of vegan butter or a splash of plant-based cream for a silkier finish.
• For a thicker gravy: Increase the cornstarch slurry amount or use arrowroot powder as a thickener.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and amounts used.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan au jus pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Vegan roast: Drizzle generously over a seitan or mushroom-based roast for a classic holiday feel.
• French dip sandwiches: Use it as a dipping sauce for vegan “beef” style sandwich fillings or portobello mushroom sandwiches.
• Roasted vegetables: Pour over a tray of roasted root vegetables or Brussels sprouts to add a savory boost.
• Mashed potatoes: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• Grain bowls: Drizzle over quinoa or rice bowls loaded with sautéed greens and tofu.

For more plant-based sauce inspirations, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or explore hearty meal ideas in Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Conclusion

Making a delicious vegan au jus at home is simpler than you might think, and it opens up a world of possibilities to enhance your plant-based meals. This recipe captures all the savory, umami-rich flavors you crave from traditional au jus, without any animal products.

The blend of mushrooms, nutritional yeast, and aromatic herbs creates a sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it with a holiday roast, dipping your favorite sandwiches, or pouring it over roasted veggies, this vegan au jus will quickly become a kitchen staple.

Don’t forget to experiment with the variations to find your perfect flavor balance. And if you enjoy this recipe, you might also love exploring other vegan delights like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try your hand at fresh homemade bread with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Happy cooking, and may your meals always be full of flavor!

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