Finding the perfect vegan sausage recipe can often be a challenge, especially when you’ve encountered bland or textureless versions. But this homemade vegan sausage is a game changer—it’s packed with flavor and features a chewy, satisfying texture that rivals traditional meat sausages. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can transform simple pantry staples into a delicious, plant-based dish that everyone will enjoy.

What Are Vegan Sausages?

Vegan sausages are plant-based alternatives to traditional meat sausages, designed to mimic the flavor and texture of meat without using animal products. They are commonly made from ingredients like vital wheat gluten for a meaty texture, legumes such as beans and lentils for protein, and a variety of spices and herbs for flavor.

Mushrooms are often included to add depth of flavor and moisture, contributing to a more savory, umami taste and a juicy texture. Nutritional yeast is frequently added for a cheesy, savory finish. Whether grilling, frying, or adding to your favorite dishes, vegan sausages are a versatile and satisfying option for anyone following a plant-based diet.

Quick Fact: Vegan sausages, made with vital wheat gluten, legumes, and mushrooms, provide a hearty, meaty texture and high protein content, making them a delicious and nutritious plant-based alternative to traditional meat sausages.

Q&A:

Q: What are vegan sausages made of?
Vegan sausages are crafted from plant-based ingredients like vital wheat gluten for a meaty texture, beans for protein, mushrooms for flavor, and a medley of spices for seasoning.

Q: Can I grill these sausages?
Absolutely! After steaming, grill them lightly over medium heat to get a smoky flavor and crispy skin.

Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
This recipe relies on vital wheat gluten for texture, so a gluten-free version would require significant modifications. However, you can experiment with alternatives like chickpea flour or cooked quinoa for a softer patty-style sausage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Shiitake Sausages

1. Prepare Chia Egg: Mix ground chia seeds with water and let it thicken for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare Beans: Rinse, drain, and pat dry cooked white beans.
3. Process Walnuts: Pulse walnuts in a food processor until coarsely ground.
4. Process Mushrooms: Finely chop shiitake mushrooms in a food processor. Sauté in olive oil for 5 minutes, then add tamari and cook until moisture evaporates.
5. Chop Beans: Pulse white beans in a food processor a few times until coarsely chopped.
6. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix onions, garlic, chia egg, tomato paste, tamari, cooked quinoa, psyllium husk, nutritional yeast, walnuts, beans, mushrooms, and all spices. Knead into a semi-soft, sticky mixture.
7. Chill for Shaping: Freeze for 10 minutes to firm up.
8. Shape Sausages: Form into 6-7 sausages and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
9. Wrap and Steam: Wrap each sausage tightly in cling film first, then wrap with foil on top. Steam for 35 minutes.
10. Pan-Fry (Optional): Fry in a skillet over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally for a crispy exterior.
11. Serve: Enjoy with mustard, hot sauce, or in a bun like a classic hot dog.

Tips:

• Sautéing onions and garlic with mushrooms and adding spices during cooking instead of mixing them in later also works well!
• Looking for a different version? At the end of this page, you’ll find another Mushroom Sausage Recipe made with chickpeas and oats 1 instead of white beans and quinoa!

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Bulk Preparation Tips

1. Make a large batch of the vegan sausage mixture and shape the sausages. You can cook the amount you need and freeze the rest for later use.
2. Measure out and prepare all ingredients before you start mixing. Having everything ready will speed up the process.
3. Use a food processor to chop ingredients like onions, garlic, and nuts. This saves time compared to manual chopping and ensures a consistent texture.
4. If the mixture is too soft to shape, briefly freeze it (about 10-15 minutes) to firm it up, making it easier to handle.
5. Steam sausages in batches if you have a large steamer to save time, ensuring there’s enough space between them for even cooking.
6. When reheating, choose the quickest method—pan-frying or microwaving is faster than baking.
7. To avoid a big cleanup later, wash utensils and bowls as you wait for the sausages to steam or rest in the fridge.
8. Prepare your spice mixes ahead of time. Having a pre-made spice blend on hand can save time when you make this recipe.
9. For consistent and quick shaping, use silicone sausage molds that can go directly into the steamer, eliminating the need to wrap each sausage individually.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations:

• Spice Blends: Customize your sausages with different spice blends for various cuisines—think Italian herbs, Mexican spices, or Indian curry powders.
• Mushroom Choices: Substitute shiitake mushrooms with oyster, cremini, portobello, maitake, or chestnut mushrooms for different textures and flavors.
• Bean Varieties: Swap out white beans for black beans, chickpeas, or lentils to alter the flavor and texture.
• Grain Choices: Try different grains like cooked rice or millet instead of quinoa for unique textures and nutritional profiles.
• Binding Options: Swap psyllium husk with oat flour or ground flaxseeds for a different texture and binding effect.
• Nuts and Seeds: Experiment with different nuts or seeds (cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or pecans) for varied flavors and textures.

Add-Ons:

• Vegetables: Incorporate finely diced vegetables such as bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes into the mix for added moisture and flavor.
• Cheese Flavors: Add more nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds to the mixture for a cheesy taste.
• Smoky Flavors: Incorporate liquid smoke or smoked paprika for that traditional smoky sausage flavor.
• Heat Elements: Include jalapeños, chili flakes, ground chipotle pepper, or hot sauce to spice up your sausages.

Toppings:

• Sauces: Serve with a variety of sauces like vegan mustard, ketchup, or BBQ sauce.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Top your vegan sausages with sautéed onions, peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme for a burst of freshness.
• Coleslaw: Offer a side of vegan coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy complement to the savory sausages.
• Relishes and Chutneys: Add sweet or spicy relishes and chutneys to enhance the sausages with complex flavors.

Vegetable Substitutions:

• Eggplant: Its spongy texture absorbs flavors beautifully, making it ideal for dishes like lasagna or bolognese.
• Cauliflower: Versatile in replacing meats or grains; can be used as rice, mashed like potatoes, or as steak.
• Lentils: A hearty substitute for ground meat in tacos, bolognese, or burgers.
• Butternut Squash: Adds sweetness and depth to curries, soups, and stews.
• Zucchini: Great for noodles, lasagna layers, or stuffed dishes.
• Chickpeas: Can replace chicken or tuna in salads, sandwiches, or as a protein-rich addition to any meal.
• Sweet Potatoes: Offer a nutritious, colorful base for burgers, fries, or as a filling.
• Beets: Their earthy flavor and vibrant color are perfect for mimicking the look and taste of meat in burgers.

Best Side Dish Pairings:

• Sautéed greens like kale or spinach
• Creamy mashed sweet potatoes
• A zesty quinoa salad
• Grilled corn with vegan butter
• Roasted vegetables for added sweetness

Quick Tip: For deeper flavors in vegan cooking, try roasting your vegetables before adding them to dishes. This technique caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing the overall taste and richness.

Why Serve Vegan Sausages?

• Inclusivity: Vegan sausages offer a great option for hosts to accommodate guests with various dietary needs, including vegans, vegetarians, and those avoiding meat for health reasons, ensuring everyone has a delicious choice.
• Health Benefits: Plant-based sausages tend to be lower in saturated fats and cholesterol than traditional meat sausages, promoting heart health and overall wellness.
• Environmental Sustainability: Producing vegan sausages has a smaller environmental footprint, requiring less water, land, and producing fewer greenhouse gases, supporting a more sustainable food system.
• Ethical Eating: Choosing vegan sausages supports ethical eating by avoiding the harmful practices associated with the meat industry, prioritizing animal welfare.
• Flavor Variety: With a wide range of flavors and textures, vegan sausages allow for culinary exploration without animal products, keeping meals exciting and diverse.
• Convenience: Thanks to the growing availability of vegan sausages, they provide a convenient and quick protein option for busy meals.
• Allergy-Friendly: Many vegan sausages are free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, making them a safe choice for people with food allergies or intolerances.

Quick Tip: Try using cashews instead of walnuts in your recipe, but make sure to soak them overnight before blending. This will help achieve a smoother, creamier texture, perfect for making rich, dairy-free sauces and dips.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing in the Refrigerator:

• Shape and Store: After forming your vegan sausage mixture into links or patties, arrange them on a parchment-lined tray and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Allow them to firm up a little before transferring to an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Duration: Uncooked vegan sausages can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. This is due to the fresh ingredients losing their peak quality, which could affect the flavor and texture.

Freezing:

• Freeze Individually: Lay out the shaped sausages on a parchment-lined tray to freeze before placing them in a freezer bag or container. This keeps them separate, so you can thaw just the number you need.
• Label and Date: Always mark your storage container with both the contents and the date it was frozen. Properly labeling will make it easier to keep track and ensure they’re used at their best.
• Duration: Frozen uncooked vegan sausages can remain in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Storage Tips For Cooked Vegan Sausage:

• Refrigerating: Cooling: Let cooked vegan sausages cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation, which can cause sogginess.
• Airtight Container: Store the sausages in an airtight container in the fridge. For extra moisture, drizzle a little olive oil over them or store with some of their cooking sauce (if applicable).
• Duration: Cooked vegan sausages will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cooked Sausages:

• Pre-Freeze: Just like uncooked sausages, freeze cooked sausages individually on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: Reheat the cooked vegan sausages directly from frozen by placing them in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven, or on the grill. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help retain moisture during reheating.
• Duration: Cooked vegan sausages can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead Ideas:

• Meal Preparation: Vegan sausages are an excellent choice for meal prepping. Cook a large batch at the beginning of the week and use them in a variety of meals such as breakfast scrambles, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as a protein-rich addition to salads.
• Flavor Customization: Prepare different flavor variations when making vegan sausages. Adjust spices and herbs to create distinct versions, such as Italian, spicy, or herbed sausages.

Equipments List:

• Food Processor
• Steamer Basket or Pot
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Parchment Paper
• Aluminum Foil
• Silicone Sausage Molds
• Skillet or Grill Pan
• Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon
• Cling Film or Plastic Wrap

Why Choose These Sausages?

These vegan shiitake sausages are not only tasty but also healthier and more environmentally friendly than traditional meat sausages. Packed with plant-based protein and bold flavors, they’re perfect for any occasion—from cookouts to quick weeknight dinners.

Second Version: Chickpea-Based Vegan Sausages

This variation swaps white beans for chickpeas and uses quick oats instead of cooked quinoa. Unlike the first version, these sausages are baked directly, eliminating the need for steaming. After baking, you can pan-fry them for a crispier texture.

1. ↩︎

Ingredients:

For the Sausages:

• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds (or flaxseeds)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas, rinsed and dried
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup walnuts
• 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper 
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup chickpea flour (if needed for texture)

For Cooking:

• Olive oil (optional, for frying)

Directions:

1. Make Flax Egg: In a small bowl, mix ground flax seeds with 1/4 cup of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. If using whole flax seeds, blend them into powder first.
2. Prepare Mushrooms: Blend shiitake mushrooms in food processor until finely chopped.
3. Cook Mushrooms: Heat 1 tbsp of vegan butter or olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the mushrooms, onion and garlic for 5 minutes, add your spices followed by soy sauce ,let cook until all moisture gone then transfer to mixing bowl.
4. Prepare Beans: Rinse canned chickpeas well, drain them, and dry them with a towel. Blend the chickpeas in food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to mixing bowl.
5. Process Oats and Walnuts: Pulse oats and walnuts in a food processor until coarsely chopped, not finely ground.transfer to mixing bowl.
6. Mix Ingredients: Add  all other  ingredients to the mixing bowl (flax egg, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, chickpea flour). Knead with hand to make a sticky dough.
7. Shape Sausages: Shape the mixture into 6-7 sausages, using about 1/3 cup of the mix for each. Instead of steaming, simply place them on a parchment-lined tray and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. Optionally, spray with olive oil before baking, or choose to fry or grill them for a different texture.
8. Pan-Fry (Optional): after baking in oven you can fry them For a crispy outer layer, heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the sausages for 3-4 minutes, turning until browned and heated through.
9. Serve: Your vegan sausages are ready! Serve them hot with mustard and BBQ sauce, or in a bun like a classic hot dog. You can also grill them for extra flavor. I ate them inside a pita bread along with green leaves and pickles.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products (including Amazon). I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you! Regardless, I only link to products that I personally use on our homestead or believe in.

If you like vegan recipes, you should check out my other mushroom recipe: Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steaks with Creamy Polenta and Buttery Sage Pan Sauce. Chicken Nuggets Made with Lion’s Mane Mushrooms, Chicken’ Skewers with Lion’s Mane.

I’m excited to announce the release of my new cookbook, MMM: Marzi’s Mushroom Masterpieces! After six months of creating recipes, photography, and editing, it’s finally here. Inside, you’ll find over 70 simple, flavorful recipes—mostly vegan—using fresh, locally grown mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, and Pink Oyster, plus herbs and produce from my own garden. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these recipes make it easy to create healthy, delicious meals at home. From main dishes to snacks, there’s something for everyone!