If you’ve been craving a rich and comforting dish that’s completely plant-based, I’ve got you covered with my absolutely fan-freaking-tastic Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe. This recipe feels indulgent yet wholesome, with hearty mushrooms bathed in a creamy white wine cashew sauce that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that this stroganoff hits all the right savory notes while keeping things fresh and nourishing. Stick around—I’m going to walk you through everything you need to nail this dinner crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The cashew-white wine sauce is smooth and velvety without any dairy.
- Umami-Packed Mushrooms: Shiitake and cremini mushrooms bring savory depth that mimics classic stroganoff flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find pantry staples plus fresh herbs make it fuss-free yet gourmet.
- Versatile and Filling: Customize with your favorite noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe blends fresh mushrooms and aromatic aromatics with a luscious cashew cream for a dish that feels indulgent but stays wholesome. Here’s what you’ll grab at the store and in your pantry.
- Shiitake, cremini or baby bella mushrooms: I love mixing shiitake and cremini for meaty texture and deep flavor.
- Caraway seeds: Adds subtle warmth and a unique aroma—don’t skip them, they make a difference!
- Yellow onion or leek: For that sweet, mellow base—but leeks can add a nice twist if you’re feeling fancy.
- Garlic: Minced for maximum flavor punch in both the stroganoff and cashew cream sauce.
- Whole wheat pastry flour (optional): Helps thicken the sauce naturally; if you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with chickpea flour.
- Dry white wine: This elevates the flavor tremendously—if you avoid alcohol, low-sodium veggie broth works fine too.
- Dijon mustard: That little tang really wakes up the sauce and balances richness.
- Fresh Italian parsley or chives: Adds brightness and color to finish the dish beautifully.
- Veggie stock: Use low-sodium for control over saltiness.
- Sea salt: To taste—remember you can always add more later!
- Lentil pasta: Cooked al dente, packed with plant-protein and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Raw organic cashews: Soaked to make the base of that luscious, dairy-free cream sauce.
- Water: Used for blending the cashews into cream.
- Nutritional yeast: Brings a nutty, cheesy flavor for extra umami without any dairy.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: To intensify the savory profile of the cream sauce.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash to brighten all those rich flavors at the end.
Variations
I love how versatile this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is—you can tweak it to suit what’s in your pantry or your mood that day. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Variation: If you want a gluten-free meal, swap out the whole wheat pastry flour for cornstarch or tapioca starch as a thickener. It works beautifully!
- Variation: Some days I stir in a handful of sautéed spinach or kale near the end just to sneak in some greens without overpowering the classic flavors.
- Variation: You can try swapping lentil pasta out for brown rice, quinoa, or even creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
- Variation: Add a splash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to give the dish a subtle smoky kick that my family goes crazy for.
How to Make Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics
Start by heating a splash of oil or water in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion (or leek) and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then toss in the caraway seeds and minced garlic, letting them release their aroma for a minute or so. Now, add your sliced mushrooms and cook until they shrink down and start turning golden, around 8 to 10 minutes. This step is super important because it builds the foundation of that rich, savory flavor you’re craving. Don’t rush it—be patient and let the mushrooms develop that lovely caramelized edge.
Step 2: Add Flour and Deglaze with White Wine
Sprinkle the whole wheat pastry flour over the mushroom mixture and stir thoroughly to coat and cook out the raw flour taste, about 2 minutes. If you prefer gluten-free, just swap this with your starch of choice. Then, pour in the dry white wine carefully. You’ll see it bubble and start loosening all those tasty browned bits on the skillet—this technique, called deglazing, layers in depth and complexity. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
Step 3: Make the Cashew Cream Sauce
This is the real magic moment where the creamy texture comes alive. Drain the soaked cashews and add them into your blender along with 1.75 cups of water, the remaining garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend on high until ultra-smooth and silky—this can take between 1 to 2 minutes depending on your blender. Halve the lemon just before blending so the fresh juice lifts all the other flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour the cashew cream into the skillet with your mushroom mixture. Add veggie stock, dijon mustard, and season with a pinch of sea salt. Stir everything together gently and let it simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. This step is where the stroganoff becomes irresistible—watching that creamy sauce cling to every mushroom slice is one of my favorite kitchen moments.
Step 5: Cook Lentil Pasta and Serve
Meanwhile, cook your lentil pasta until just al dente, draining it carefully. You want some bite because it will soak up the sauce beautifully without getting mushy. Toss the pasta directly into the mushroom sauce or serve the stroganoff ladled over the noodles. Finish by stirring in your chopped fresh Italian parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. Grab a spoon and dig in—you’ll want seconds, I promise!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Soak Cashews Overnight: While you can soak cashews for as little as 2 hours in hot water, overnight soaking makes the cream even silkier and easier to blend.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking mushrooms in batches avoids steaming and helps them brown beautifully for fuller flavor.
- Use Good Quality White Wine: Cheap wine can add off flavors, so go for something drinkable since it also enhances the final dish.
- Control Salt and Acidity: Add salt slowly and adjust lemon juice at the end to balance the creaminess without overpowering.
How to Serve Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple—chopped fresh Italian parsley or chives sprinkled over the stroganoff just before serving brighten the rich sauce and add a lovely pop of color. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few crunchy toasted cashews on top makes it special. These small touches really elevate the dish at the table.
Side Dishes
While the lentil pasta is perfect, I sometimes serve this stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes or even buttery brown rice for a cozy, down-home feel. Roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans on the side add a fresh contrast and round out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or a festive meal, I’ve tried serving the stroganoff in individual mini cast iron skillets, garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs—everyone thinks it’s gourmet, but honestly, it’s just this recipe looking its best! You could also twirl the lentil pasta into neat nests and spoon the sauce carefully over each for a restaurant-style presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover stroganoff in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools but simply stirring in a splash of vegetable broth when reheating brings it back to silky perfection.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a bit of extra broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Reheating
Reheating works best over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. I avoid microwaving because the sauce can separate or get unevenly hot, but if you must, reheat in short bursts and stir well between intervals.
FAQs
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Can I make this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! To make this stroganoff nut-free, you can substitute the cashew cream with a creamy blend of silken tofu or cooked cauliflower blended with a bit of plant milk and nutritional yeast. The texture may be slightly different but still wonderfully creamy and delicious.
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What can I use instead of white wine in this recipe?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply replace the white wine with dry apple cider, additional vegetable broth, or a splash of fresh lemon juice for acidity. This keeps the dish flavorful and balanced without losing any richness.
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Can I use other types of pasta?
Definitely! Lentil pasta adds protein and texture, but you can swap it for any pasta you like—whole wheat, gluten-free, or even egg-free noodles will work great. Just cook according to package instructions and serve immediately.
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Is there a way to make this recipe oil-free?
Yes! I usually sauté the mushrooms and onions in a little water or vegetable broth instead of oil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This keeps the dish healthy and light without compromising flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how creamy and satisfying a plant-based stroganoff could be—no dairy required! It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it’s both straightforward and impressive, perfect for weeknights or when guests come over. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and see for yourself how comforting and delicious vegan cooking can be.
PrintVegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A creamy and comforting Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff featuring meaty shiitake mushrooms in a luscious white wine cashew cream sauce, served over al dente lentil pasta. This plant-based twist on the classic stroganoff offers rich flavors from Dijon mustard, caraway seeds, and fresh herbs, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Mushroom Stroganoff
- 1 lb shiitake, cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 yellow onion or 1 leek, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 8 oz lentil pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions
Cashew Cream Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Cashew Cream Sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and combine them with 1.75 cups water, 4 cloves garlic, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion (or leek) and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and caraway seeds to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Flour and Deglaze: Sprinkle in the whole wheat pastry flour (if using) and stir to coat the mushrooms. Pour in the dry white wine and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and blend the flavors.
- Incorporate Liquids and Simmer: Stir in the Dijon mustard, chopped parsley or chives, vegetable stock, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix well and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cashew Cream: Pour the prepared cashew cream sauce into the mushroom mixture. Stir to combine and heat through for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring the sauce is creamy and well incorporated.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the lentil pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Plate the cooked pasta and spoon the vegan mushroom stroganoff sauce generously over it. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Soaking the cashews for at least 2 hours or overnight improves the creaminess of the sauce.
- You can substitute lentil pasta with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes as preferred.
- The optional flour helps thicken the sauce, but you can omit it for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
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