Thanksgiving and holiday feasts are often incomplete without a rich, flavorful gravy to drizzle over your plate. But what if you follow a vegan lifestyle or want to try a plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste?
This vegan turkey gravy recipe is exactly what you need—a deliciously hearty, savory gravy that captures the essence of traditional turkey gravy, without any animal products. Made with wholesome ingredients like mushrooms, herbs, and a touch of umami magic, this gravy is perfect for elevating your vegan roasts, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to enjoy a cozy meal, this recipe is simple yet impressive. It comes together quickly and can be prepped ahead of time, making your holiday cooking stress-free.
Plus, it’s gluten-free and soy-free friendly, ensuring everyone at the table can indulge. Read on to discover why this vegan turkey gravy will become your new go-to for festive meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan turkey gravy is a game-changer for plant-based holiday cooking. Here’s why:
- Authentic Flavor: It mimics the deep, savory taste of traditional turkey gravy using mushrooms, nutritional yeast, and herbs.
- Simple Ingredients: Most are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Versatile: Perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, vegan roasts, stuffing, or even roasted vegetables.
- Diet-Friendly: Free from animal products, gluten-free, and soy-free options available.
- Make Ahead: Can be prepared in advance and reheated, saving time on busy cooking days.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional, for that turkey flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional, balances flavors)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Knife and chopping board
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and mushrooms to the pan. Cook for another 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become soft and golden brown.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, dried sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the gravy on low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning and thickness by adding more broth if needed.
- Serve hot over your favorite vegan holiday dishes.
Tips & Variations
For a deeper umami flavor, try adding a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste during simmering.
If you prefer a smoother gravy, blend the mixture with an immersion blender before simmering.
This gravy freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container and thaw gently on the stove.
To make it soy-free, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari-free seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 45 |
Fat | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Fiber | 0.5g |
Protein | 1g |
Sodium | 300mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan turkey gravy pairs wonderfully with:
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a classic comfort food combo
- Over your favorite vegan roast or seitan turkey substitute
- Drizzled on roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans
- Mixed into stuffing or vegan dressing to moisten and add flavor
- Alongside lentil loaf or nut roast for a festive centerpiece
Looking for more delicious vegan recipes to complement your gravy? Check out these favorites: Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Conclusion
Crafting a vegan turkey gravy that tastes just as satisfying as the traditional version is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this gravy brings all the warmth and savory depth to your holiday table without any animal products.
Its rich mushroom base and perfectly balanced seasonings create a luscious sauce that complements a variety of vegan dishes beautifully.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Plus, it’s adaptable enough to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Next time you’re preparing a festive meal, don’t forget this easy, delicious vegan turkey gravy to complete your spread. Happy cooking and enjoy the flavors of the season!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Turkey Gravy
Description: A rich and savory vegan gravy perfect for holiday meals. Made with mushrooms, herbs, and plant-based broth for a comforting sauce.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and cook until soft.
- Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir to coat.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth to avoid lumps.
- Add soy sauce, sage, thyme, pepper, and salt.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in nutritional yeast if using, then adjust seasoning.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 8g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Turkey Gravy”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A rich and savory vegan gravy perfect for holiday meals. Made with mushrooms, herbs, and plant-based broth for a comforting sauce.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped”, “1/4 cup all-purpose flour”, “3 cups vegetable broth”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon dried sage”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mushrooms and cook until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir to coat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually whisk in vegetable broth to avoid lumps.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add soy sauce, sage, thyme, pepper, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in nutritional yeast if using, then adjust seasoning.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “90”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8g”}}