Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff: An Easy & Hearty Plant-Based Comfort Meal

Welcome to a culinary delight that proves comfort food can be both incredibly satisfying and entirely plant-based! This easy, creamy vegan mushroom stroganoff is a true masterpiece of flavors and textures. It’s rich, hearty, and bursting with an irresistible umami depth that will leave you wondering how it’s completely dairy-free. Perfect for a cozy evening, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Originating from Russia, traditional stroganoff is often characterized by tender beef and a luscious sour cream sauce. However, recipes have evolved globally, adapting to local tastes and dietary preferences. Our vegan rendition embraces the spirit of this classic, replacing meat with an abundance of savory mushrooms and dairy with plant-based alternatives, creating a meal that’s both familiar and wonderfully fresh. Serve it alongside perfectly cooked pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a truly filling and comforting dinner experience that everyone, vegan or not, will adore.

This vegan mushroom stroganoff recipe is designed for ease without compromising on taste. It’s a flavor-packed, filling, and deeply comforting dinner that’s straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. The secret lies in using plenty of “meaty” mushrooms which provide a substantial bite and a fantastic umami base, along with a decadent sauce so rich and creamy, you’d never guess it’s completely free from dairy products. Get ready to impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings with this exceptional plant-based dish!

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff:

Crafting the perfect vegan mushroom stroganoff begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and achieving that signature creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Mushrooms: The star of our show! While standard white button mushrooms work, I highly recommend using chestnut mushrooms for their superior flavor and firmer texture. They offer a richer, more “meaty” experience that truly elevates the dish. For an even more complex and gourmet flavor profile, consider incorporating a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms. Don’t be shy with the quantity – 800g (about 28 oz) may seem like a lot, but mushrooms cook down significantly, releasing their moisture and concentrating their savory essence.
• Oatly Creme Fraiche (or other Vegan Cream): This is key to achieving that luxurious creaminess and a subtle tang reminiscent of traditional sour cream. Oatly creme fraiche is my top choice, but many other brands of vegan creme fraiche or even vegan sour cream alternatives will work beautifully. If these aren’t available, a good quality regular vegan cream, such as a thick cashew cream (which you can easily make at home if you have a powerful blender) or a store-bought plant-based cooking cream like Elmlea Plant Cream, can be used. If you opt for a milder cream alternative, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can reintroduce that delightful hint of tang that brightens the whole dish.
• Flour: Plain (all-purpose) flour serves as the thickening agent for our luscious sauce, creating a smooth and cohesive consistency. While I typically use all-purpose flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour blends should perform well if you need a gluten-free option. Ensure you cook the flour for a minute or so after adding it to prevent a raw flour taste.
• White Wine (Optional but Recommended): A splash of dry white wine is a fantastic addition that truly enhances the depth of flavor in the stroganoff. It deglazes the pan, capturing all those delicious caramelized bits from the mushrooms and onions, and adds a sophisticated layer of acidity and aroma. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can simply omit it, or replace it with a little extra vegetable stock or a touch of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth.
• Vegetable Stock: The foundation of the sauce’s liquid base. Using a high-quality vegetable stock is crucial. I often reach for Kallo mushroom stock to intensify the “shroomy” flavor, but any robust vegetable stock will do. For those who enjoy a richer, beefier undertone, a good quality vegan “beef-flavored” stock cube or liquid stock can also work wonderfully, adding a more traditional depth.
• Herbs and Spices: Paprika is an absolute must for stroganoff, providing both color and a warm, earthy flavor. I like to use a combination of regular sweet paprika for its classic taste and smoked paprika for an extra layer of savory depth and a subtle smoky aroma. Dried thyme contributes an aromatic herbaceous note, while a bay leaf slowly infuses the sauce with a mild, woodsy fragrance, adding to the overall complexity.
• Aromatic & Umami Boosters:
  • Onion and Garlic: These form the aromatic backbone of the sauce, sautéed in a mix of vegan butter and olive oil to develop a rich, sweet base.
  • Wholegrain Mustard: Adds a delightful tang and a subtle textural pop. Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute if you prefer a smoother sauce.
  • Nutritional Yeast: A vegan pantry staple that contributes a cheesy, savory, and incredibly umami flavor without any dairy. It’s a key ingredient for replicating that rich, fermented taste.
  • Soy Sauce (or Tamari): A powerhouse of umami! Soy sauce adds a salty, savory depth that perfectly complements the mushrooms. For a gluten-free alternative, simply swap it for tamari.
  • Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. Thankfully, excellent vegan versions are available. Henderson’s Relish is a popular choice in the UK, but many other brands offer anchovy-free alternatives that provide that essential tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. This ingredient is vital for authentic stroganoff flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff:

(Detailed measurements and complete instructions for this creamy vegan mushroom stroganoff can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this page. This section provides an overview of the cooking process.)

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil and vegan butter in a large, sturdy pan or skillet over a medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes wonderfully soft and translucent. This slow sautéing allows the onion to release its natural sweetness, forming a flavorful base.
2. Brown the Mushrooms: Increase the heat to high. Add the sliced mushrooms and crushed garlic to the pan. Cook them vigorously, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have released their moisture, browned beautifully, and the excess liquid has completely evaporated. Achieving a good sear on the mushrooms is crucial for developing deep umami flavor and a satisfying “meaty” texture. Don’t rush this step – patience here pays off in taste!



3. Add Spices and Flour: Sprinkle the paprika (both regular and smoked), dried thyme, and plain flour over the cooked mushrooms and onions. Stir continuously for about a minute. This step toasts the spices, bringing out their aromas, and cooks off the raw taste of the flour, which will later thicken our sauce.



4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook, stirring, until the liquid has mostly evaporated. This action deglazes the pan, lifting all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Gradually stir in the vegetable stock, ensuring no lumps form.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Add the bay leaf, wholegrain mustard, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and vegan Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the sauce has visibly thickened to your desired consistency. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time.
6. Finish with Creaminess: Finally, stir in the Oatly creme fraiche or your chosen vegan cream alternative. Continue to simmer for another few minutes, allowing the cream to heat through and fully incorporate into the sauce. This final step creates that signature rich, velvety texture that defines a truly great stroganoff. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.



7. Serve Immediately: Your homemade vegan mushroom stroganoff is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot, piled high over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Top Tips for the Perfect Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff:

To ensure your vegan mushroom stroganoff is nothing short of spectacular, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Serving Suggestions: This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Beyond the classic pasta or rice, try serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or even with crusty bread for dipping. It makes a substantial meal for four people. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed green beans or a fresh green salad.
• Storage and Reheating: While this mushroom stroganoff is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra stock or vegan milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave. I generally don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the mushrooms can become rubbery and the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
• Batch Cooking Mushrooms: If you’re using a very large quantity of mushrooms (like the recommended 800g) and your pan isn’t exceptionally spacious, consider cooking the mushrooms in two batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than browning, preventing those delicious caramelized flavors from developing. Cook them in smaller portions until golden brown before combining them.
• Adding Extra Vegetables: Feel free to customize your stroganoff with more vegetables. A finely chopped leek added alongside the onion can contribute a mild, sweet flavor. Sliced bell peppers or even spinach wilted in at the very end can also be delicious additions.
• Protein Boost: For an even heartier meal, stir in some chopped cooked vegan sausages, pan-fried seitan chicken pieces (such as this seitan chicken recipe), or cubes of pan-fried or baked tofu at the end of cooking. These additions make the dish even more substantial and satisfying.
• Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as dill or parsley, just before serving, adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, aromatic finish that beautifully complements the rich sauce.
• Adjusting Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a little extra vegetable stock or vegan milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken further. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce to quickly thicken it.

More Delicious Vegan Mushroom Recipes to Explore:

If you’re a fan of mushrooms and plant-based cooking, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic vegan mushroom recipes from our kitchen that you might enjoy:

• Vegan Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil: An elegant and aromatic dish that showcases the earthy goodness of mushrooms.
• Vegan Pasta Bake: A comforting and cheesy casserole, perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Vegan Lentil Walnut Bolognese: A hearty and flavorful sauce that’s fantastic with any pasta.
• Vegan Spinach and Mushroom Crepes: A delicate yet satisfying meal, great for brunch or a light dinner.
• Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta: Another quick and easy creamy mushroom dish that’s always a winner.
• Chickpea, Leek and Mushroom Pie: A rustic and wholesome pie, packed with savory flavors.
• One Pot Mushroom Pasta: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, ideal for a fuss-free meal.
• Vegan Cottage Pie: A classic comfort food reinvented, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.

We hope you love this creamy vegan mushroom stroganoff as much as we do! If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear from you. Please rate it, leave a comment below, or share your creation on Instagram by tagging @domestic_gothess and using the hashtag #domesticgothess. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks!

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