Brown Vegan Gravy

Try brown vegan gravy for a rich, creamy sauce that will elevate all your favorite dishes! Made with less than 10 ingredients, this quick and easy recipe will impress any crowd with its depth of flavor! Serve it as part of a holiday spread with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and more.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Pantry staples: You should have most (if not all) of the ingredients for this recipe already in your pantry, making this gravy a breeze to whip together.
• 10 minutes: You can have this brown vegan gravy on the table in 10 minutes!
• Nutrition-packed: Nutritional yeast not only offers a cheesy, umami note but is a powerhouse of essential B vitamins.

The easiest brown vegan gravy

Gravy is the ultimate sauce when it comes to elevating hearty dishes or completing a holiday table. So, I thought it was about time I created a vegan brown gravy to serve with all the festive plant-based classics like mashed potatoes and tofurkey.

This recipe starts with a vegan roux, which is infused with zesty, umami flavors thanks to the soy sauce, Dijon, garlic, and onion. All you have to do is whisk everything together and simmer it, and you’ll have an all-purpose sauce ready in 10 minutes or less.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas, putting together a weekend dinner, or simply needing a sauce to elevate your meal, this gravy has got you covered!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Vegetable broth: Makes up the liquid base of the gravy, adding robust, savory notes. You can also use mushroom broth for a deeper umami flavor.
• Avocado oil: To make the roux. Olive oil or vegan butter will also work.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the other half of the roux to thicken the gravy. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or make a cornstarch slurry.
• Nutritional yeast: Provides a savory, umami flavor. If you don’t have any nutritional yeast on hand, replace it with miso paste for a similar effect.
• Soy sauce: Adds more umami, depth of flavor, and a rich color. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free options.
• Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the gravy, balancing out the salty, savory ingredients. Make sure you use pure maple syrup or swap in agave.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tangy kick. You can also use mustard powder.
• Garlic & onion powder: Both aromatic spices provide depth of flavor. Feel free to play around with the quantities or mix in herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage.

How to make brown vegan gravy

• Step 1: In a saucepan, heat the avocado oil. Then, whisk in the flour creating a smooth paste. This mixture, known as a roux, forms the base for the gravy (along with many other sauces). Add in the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, and maple syrup. Let them cook for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.

• Step 2: Pour in the vegetable broth slowly, ensuring there are no lumps. Let it simmer until the gravy thickens. Remember, low heat and consistent stirring are key!

What to serve with brown vegan gravy

This vegan brown gravy pairs beautifully with mains and other sides like these:

• Mashed potatoes
• Mini hasselback potatoes
• Roasted winter veggies or miso garlic green beans
• Vegan corn casserole
• Vegan steaks or roasts
• Cranberry sauce from dried cranberries
• Biscuits, semolina bread, or vegan bread rolls
• Truffle fries (make a poutine!)
• Lentil loaves or vegan meatloaves

Storage & Reheating

For any leftover brown vegan gravy, follow these simple storage and reheating tips:

• Fridge: Transfer the gravy to an airtight container and it will last for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: This vegan brown gravy is also freezer-friendly! It will keep for up to 2 months in an airtight container, mason jar, or freezer bag.
• Reheating: Let the gravy thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat it on the stovetop over low-medium, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
• Prep ahead: To save time, you can make this gravy 1-2 days in advance. Cool and store it in the fridge, then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Variations

• Mushroom-infused: Add finely chopped mushrooms while sautéing for a deeper flavor. Additionally, replace regular vegetable broth with mushroom broth.
• Herbed gravy: Infuse your gravy with rosemary, thyme, or sage for an aromatic twist.
• Creamy: Add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk for a more indulgent texture.
• Soy-free: If you’d like your vegan brown gravy to be soy-free, opt for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Top tips

• Temperature: Start with room temperature broth for even mixing and to prevent lumps.
• Soy sauce brands: Some soy sauce brands are saltier than others, so taste yours beforehand and adjust the measurements accordingly.
• Stirring: Stir the gravy continuously, especially when you’re adding the broth to ensure a smooth, even texture.
• Simmer gently: Once you add the vegetable broth, keep the gravy at a gentle simmer. A rapid boil can cause the gravy to split.
• Reheat slowly: If you’ve made your brown vegan gravy in advance, remember to reheat it slowly to prevent the gravy from breaking or becoming too thick.

FAQ

More sauce recipes 

If you’re a fan of this brown vegan gravy, you’ll have to try some more of my most popular sauce recipes like these:

• Cashew Alfredo Sauce: A dairy-free yet equally creamy sauce for pasta lovers!
• Tamarind Chutney: Sweet and tangy sauce with a kick of spice.
• Mango Jam: Juicy ripe mangoes mixed with the tanginess of lime and earthy cumin.
• Red Pepper Pesto: Vibrant red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil in a zesty, tangy, herb-forward sauce!