If you’ve been hunting for a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious meal that’s totally plant-based, you’re in for a treat with this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time – the mushrooms get so meaty and the creamy cashew sauce with white wine? It’s pure magic. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a new weeknight favorite, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the marks with flavor and ease. Stick around because I’m going to walk you through everything you need to make it just right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: Thanks to the cashew cream and Dijon mustard, the sauce feels indulgent without any dairy.
- Hearty and Meaty Mushrooms: Shiitakes and baby bellas soak up flavor beautifully and give that satisfying bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge.
- Versatile with Sides: You can toss this with noodles, serve it over rice, or pair it with mashed potatoes for comfort food heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe plays a part in creating layers of flavor and creaminess. When I shop for mushrooms, I love grabbing a mix of shiitake and baby bella for that perfect texture combo.
- Shiitake, cremini or baby bella mushrooms: Choose firm, fresh mushrooms with no bruising; their meaty texture is key.
- Caraway seeds: A small addition that adds a subtle anise-like warmth—don’t skip this.
- Yellow onion or leek: Adds depth and sweetness; I sometimes swap for leek for a milder, more elegant touch.
- Garlic: Both in the sauce and sautéeing the mushrooms, garlic is essential for that punch of flavor.
- Whole wheat pastry flour (optional): Helps thicken the sauce, but you can omit it if avoiding gluten or use a gluten-free alternative.
- Dry white wine: Adds a lovely acidity and sharpness that brightens the dish—choose something you’d enjoy drinking.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy, creamy lift to the sauce that complements mushrooms perfectly.
- Flat leaf Italian parsley or fresh chives: Fresh herbs add color and freshness; I usually use parsley for its brightness.
- Vegetable stock: The base of the sauce, opt for low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
- Lentil pasta: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s one of my favorite pasta swaps to keep things hearty and healthy.
- Raw organic cashews: Soaked to make the luxuriously creamy sauce—don’t skip soaking or you’ll end up with a grainy texture.
- Water: For blending the cashews to the perfect sauce consistency.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a slightly cheesy, nutty flavor that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: Intensify the savory flavor profile in the sauce with no extra chopping.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright finish that balances the creaminess and earthiness.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, but add gradually and taste as you go.
Variations
One thing I love about this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. You can tweak it to suit what you have available or your taste buds’ mood — that’s the beauty of plant-based cooking!
- Mushroom Mix: I sometimes add portobellos or button mushrooms alongside the shiitake for extra texture variety; the earthiness just deepens wonderfully.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap whole wheat pastry flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to keep it gluten-free and still get that silky sauce.
- No Wine Version: Replace the white wine with extra veggie stock and a splash of lemon juice for acidity if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
- Herb Swaps: Try thyme or tarragon instead of parsley for a different herbal note; I’ve found tarragon adds a hint of sophistication.
How to Make Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms and Aromatics
Start by slicing up your mushrooms — you want decent-sized pieces so they stay meaty and don’t get mushy during cooking. Dice your onion or leek and mince your garlic. When I first tried this, I learned that letting the mushrooms sauté without crowding the pan is key; it helps them brown beautifully instead of steaming. In a large skillet over medium heat, dry roast the caraway seeds until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add a splash of oil and toss in your onions and garlic until softened and aromatic.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms and Thicken Sauce
Next, add the mushrooms and cook them down until golden and their moisture evaporates—this usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle in the whole wheat pastry flour if you’re using it; it helps thicken the sauce later, so stir it in evenly. Then, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavor.
Step 3: Blend the Cashew Cream Sauce
While the mushrooms are cooking, blend soaked cashews with water, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt until completely smooth. This creamy sauce is the star here — it mimics the richness of traditional stroganoff without any dairy. I discovered this trick when I wanted a silky sauce that wasn’t too heavy but still luxurious.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour the cashew cream into the mushroom and onion mixture, then add vegetable stock, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley or chives. Stir everything together and simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the mushrooms perfectly. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed — I usually add a tiny extra squeeze of lemon to brighten it up at the very end.
Step 5: Serve Over Cooked Lentil Pasta
Cook your lentil pasta according to package instructions until just al dente — you don’t want it too soft since it will soak up the sauce. Drain and toss it with the stroganoff topping or serve the sauce ladled over the noodles. My family goes crazy for this combination every time, and I love that it’s both filling and full of protein-packed lentils.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your mushrooms room to breathe when sautéing to get that gorgeous caramelization.
- Soak Cashews Well: Soaking cashews at least 4 hours (or overnight) ensures your sauce blends silky smooth, no grit.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: After simmering, always taste the sauce and adjust salt and lemon for that perfect balance.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding parsley or chives right before serving brightens the dish and adds fresh aroma.
How to Serve Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this stroganoff with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives—they add such a lovely pop of green and fresh flavor after the creamy sauce. Sometimes I also add a dollop of vegan sour cream or a light drizzle of truffle oil when I want to kick things up for guests.
Side Dishes
While this stroganoff is fantastic tossed with lentil pasta as shown, it’s also fantastic spooned over buttery mashed potatoes or a bed of fluffy rice. For something fresh on the side, simple steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts work beautifully to balance the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this stroganoff in shallow white bowls to really show off the sauce and mushrooms. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds adds a fun crunch and a bit of visual contrast. Turning this into a vegan “pot pie” by using the stroganoff as a filling under a savory crust is another hit with guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so before reheating I add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to batch-cook. Freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for best texture. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the stroganoff sauce gently over medium-low heat so it doesn’t scorch, stirring often and adding a little water or stock if needed. Toss with freshly cooked or reheated pasta for best results.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of pasta for this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer lentil pasta for its protein and texture, you can use any pasta you like—egg-free options like rice pasta, chickpea pasta, or traditional wheat pasta all work wonderfully.
-
Is it necessary to soak the cashews for the sauce?
Yes, soaking cashews softens them so your sauce will blend into a creamy, smooth texture. If you’re short on time, soaking in very hot water for at least 30 minutes helps get a similar result.
-
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
To make the sauce nut-free, you can substitute soaked sunflower seeds or silken tofu for the cashews, but note the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
-
What if I don’t have dry white wine on hand?
No worries! You can use extra vegetable stock mixed with a splash of lemon juice or white grape juice to mimic the acidity and flavor that wine adds to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I’m always so happy when my kitchen smells of sautéed mushrooms and garlic, and the creamy sauce wrapped around those tender noodles never fails to impress my family and friends. Give it a go—you might find it becomes your new weeknight favorite, just like it did for me. Bon appétit!
PrintVegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A creamy and comforting Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff featuring savory shiitake, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms in a rich white wine cashew cream sauce, flavored with Dijon mustard and fresh herbs, served over tender lentil pasta for a wholesome plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Mushrooms & Vegetables
- 1 lb shiitake, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 yellow onion or 1 leek, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for stroganoff)
- 2 tsp caraway seeds
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp whole wheat pastry flour (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup flat leaf Italian parsley or fresh chives, roughly chopped
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 pinch sea salt (to taste)
Cashew Cream
- 1 cup raw organic cashews, soaked
- 1.75 cups water
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 pinch sea salt (to taste)
Pasta
- 8 oz lentil pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the Cashew Cream: Drain the soaked raw organic cashews. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, 1.75 cups water, 4 cloves garlic, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or splash of vegetable stock. Add the diced yellow onion (or leek), minced garlic, and caraway seeds. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them down, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Make the Roux (Optional): Sprinkle the whole wheat pastry flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring well to coat and cook off the raw flour taste for 1-2 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce but can be omitted for a lighter texture.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce for 2-3 minutes to concentrate flavor.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the Dijon mustard, vegetable stock, and prepared cashew cream. Mix thoroughly to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season and Add Herbs: Taste the stroganoff and season with sea salt as needed. Stir in the chopped parsley or fresh chives for freshness and vibrant color.
- Cook the Pasta: While preparing the sauce, cook the lentil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the mushroom stroganoff sauce to coat evenly. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is easily adaptable to different types of mushrooms depending on availability or preference.
- The whole wheat pastry flour is optional but helps create a richer, thicker sauce.
- You can serve this stroganoff over rice, mashed potatoes, or any favorite noodles if lentil pasta is unavailable.
- Soaking cashews for several hours or overnight yields the creamiest sauce, but quick soaking in hot water for 1 hour can also work.
- Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to balance the sauce’s tang and richness to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 368 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 71 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg