Easy Brown Vegan Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a rich, savoury brown vegan gravy recipe that’s ready in just 15 minutes, you’ve come to the right place. Made with mushrooms, nutritional yeast and a simple homemade roux, this gravy delivers all the deep, comforting flavour of traditional brown gravy without any meat or dairy.

It’s perfect poured over mashed potatoes, vegan Wellington, biscuits, roast vegetables and holiday dinners. Whether you’re making Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this easy vegan gravy is guaranteed to become a favourite.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients while building incredible flavour. I’ll show you exactly how to make it, along with tips for getting the perfect consistency every time.

Is Brown Gravy Vegan?

No! Traditional brown gravy is far from vegan. If you are going to Thanksgiving or any other big meal and you see brown gravy, steer clear, it is not vegan.

That is why I am teaching you how to make your own Thanksgiving gravy vegan so you can eat it.

Traditional brown gravy is made with animal drippings, animal fat, or even chunks of meat. It is very much non-vegan, and you really should avoid it unless you made it yourself or got it from a trustworthy vegan friend.

Making this gravy recipe vegan is easy enough that it doesn’t take up your time to make and is very quick and easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It is quick and easy. This is an easy vegan gravy recipe that requires no skill. With only a total of 15 minutes to make, you can whip it up in no time.
• It uses basic ingredients. This recipe only uses 7 simple ingredients. Most of them, you probably have on hand.
• It is great for the holidays. Bring along this gravy to any family or holiday gathering. Both vegans and non-vegans will love this tasty addition.
• It is super versatile. This vegetarian gravy can be used in so many ways. It pairs perfectly with lots of meals. From mashed potatoes to vegan meatloaf, you will want to make a big batch so you can use it again and again!

Why Does This Vegan Gravy Taste Like Traditional Brown Gravy?

One of the biggest surprises about this recipe is just how rich and savoury it tastes, even though it’s completely meat-free. The secret is building layers of flavour using simple ingredients.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are naturally rich in umami, often called the fifth taste. They add a deep, savoury flavour that helps give this gravy its traditional, hearty taste. Finely chopping the mushrooms also allows them to blend beautifully into the gravy.

Browning the Vegetables

Taking the time to cook the onions and mushrooms until they’re lightly browned develops even more flavour. Those caramelised bits create the rich, comforting taste that makes homemade gravy so delicious.

The Roux

A simple roux made with flour and oil thickens the gravy while giving it a silky, smooth texture. Cooking the roux for a few minutes also removes any raw flour flavour.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce adds another layer of savoury depth and helps create the rich brown colour that people expect from a classic gravy. A little goes a long way.

The Result

When these ingredients come together, they create a rich, velvety brown vegan gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, vegan Wellington, roasted vegetables and holiday dinners.

How To Make Vegan Brown Gravy With Mushrooms

This recipe is actually my Mom’s that she invented many years ago! She has been making this recipe for most of my life, and I am addicted to it, especially during the holidays.

My favorite thing to use it with is my Vegan Wellington and mashed potatoes.

This vegan brown gravy recipe does use mushrooms and it is such an easy mix that you can whip it up on the side while you are taking care of other dishes.

There are really only a few steps between you and delectable vegan gravy, and I am going to break them down for you right here.

First, you are going to want to heat oil in a medium pot and saute the mushrooms until soft.

You can use whatever type of mushrooms you like for making this quick vegan gravy, but I prefer baby bella mushrooms. I have also used just plain white button mushrooms and large portobello mushrooms too.

It really doesn’t matter what type you use for this vegan mushroom gravy recipe, but the darker the mushroom, the darker the brown gravy will look. Don’t rush this step. Allow the mushrooms to cook until they’re lightly browned rather than simply softened. This develops a much deeper, richer flavour and is one of the secrets to great vegan gravy.

Once the mushrooms are soft, you are going to want to add in flour for a roux, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.

As I mentioned above, I am not a huge nutritional yeast fan as a “stand-alone” flavor in a dish, but it works fantastic as an “accent” flavor in this gravy. If you are thinking about skipping it, I would highly recommend that you reconsider as it is the star of this dish.

The flour makes a very nice roux and thickens the nutritional yeast gravy. Cook the flour for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. This removes the raw flour taste and gives your gravy a smoother, richer flavour.

Finally, you are going to want to stir in water, a little bit at a time, until it is all incorporated. Slowly whisk in the vegetable stock or water a little at a time. This helps create a smooth, lump-free gravy.

Simmer the vegan gravy recipe until thick and warmed throughout, which usually only takes a few minutes. The finished gravy should be smooth enough to pour easily over mashed potatoes but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Depending on the vegetable stock you use, you may want to add a little more black pepper or soy sauce.

Then you can serve immediately! This dish works well for a holiday with Vegan Stuffing on the side too!

What To Serve With Vegan Brown Gravy

The best part about making this delightful vegan mushroom gravy recipe is that you can pair it with so many things! There are truly unlimited ways to use this gravy recipe, and some may surprise you.

Take a look at my suggestions below and feel free to trial and error what works best for you and what you prefer!

• Pour over Vegan Mashed Potatoes
• Smother Vegan Wellington
• Pour over french fries for Vegan Poutine
• Eat with Vegan Yorkshire Puddings
• Serve with Vegan Meatloaf
• Dip your Vegan Pot Pie
• Pour over Vegan Roast Potatoes

As you can see, these are just a few of the many ways you can eat and serve this nutritional yeast gravy. Really, the sky is the limit! This gravy pairs beautifully with almost any vegan roast dinner, making it a recipe you’ll come back to long after the holidays are over.

Best Mushrooms for Vegan Gravy

Not all mushrooms taste the same. Here’s how the most common varieties compare.

White Button Mushrooms

These are affordable, easy to find and create a mild, classic gravy flavour. They’re perfect for everyday cooking.

Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms have a deeper, earthier flavour than white button mushrooms, making them a great choice if you want a richer gravy.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms have an intense umami flavour that creates an even more savoury gravy. They work especially well for holiday meals or whenever you want a more robust flavour.

Dried Porcini Mushrooms

Dried porcini mushrooms produce the richest flavour of all. Rehydrating and finely chopping them, or adding a little of the soaking liquid, can give your gravy an incredible depth of flavour.

Troubleshooting Vegan Brown Gravy

Why is my vegan gravy too thick?

If your gravy becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little extra vegetable stock until it reaches your preferred consistency. Add the stock a little at a time to avoid making it too thin.

Why is my vegan gravy too thin?

Continue simmering the gravy for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until it naturally thickens. If needed, you can whisk together a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy.

Why does my gravy taste like flour?

Make sure you cook the roux for at least a couple of minutes before adding the stock. This removes the raw flour taste and creates a richer, smoother gravy.

Why is my vegan gravy too salty?

The saltiness often depends on the vegetable stock and soy sauce you use. If your gravy tastes too salty, add a splash of water or a little more unsalted vegetable stock to balance the flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is brown gravy vegan?

Traditional brown gravy is usually made with meat drippings or other animal products, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. This recipe uses mushrooms, vegetable stock and simple pantry ingredients to create the same rich, savoury flavour without any meat or dairy.

What are the best mushrooms for vegan gravy?

Cremini mushrooms create a deeper, earthier flavour, while white button mushrooms are milder and more affordable. Shiitake and dried porcini mushrooms add even more umami if you’re looking for an extra-rich gravy.

Can I make vegan gravy without mushrooms?

The mushrooms are one of the key ingredients in this recipe and provide much of its rich, savoury flavour. I don’t recommend leaving them out, as the finished gravy will taste quite different.

Can I make this vegan gravy gluten-free?

I haven’t personally tested a gluten-free version of this recipe, so I can’t guarantee the results. If you try it with a gluten-free flour blend, I’d love to hear how it turns out.

What can I serve with vegan brown gravy?

This gravy is delicious with mashed potatoes, vegan Wellington, roast vegetables, biscuits and any vegan roast dinner.