If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor yet totally plant-based, then you’re in for a treat with this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe transforms simple mushrooms into a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s perfect over pasta or mashed potatoes. Trust me, whether you’re a longtime vegan or just looking to try something new, this stroganoff will become a staple in your rotation—it’s that fan-freaking-tastic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The cashew-based sauce creates a luxurious creaminess without any dairy.
- Full of Umami Flavor: Mushrooms, white wine, and mustard meld beautifully to give it that classic stroganoff taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh veggies, so you can pull it together any day of the week.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs perfectly with noodles, rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes—you’re the boss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is all about combining meaty mushrooms with a creamy cashew sauce that’s infused with garlic, white wine, and a touch of dijon mustard. Each ingredient plays its part in layering flavor and texture, so grabbing quality stuff will really shine through in the final dish.
- Shiitake, Cremini, or Baby Bella Mushrooms: These varieties bring a deep, earthy flavor and meaty texture that’s essential for that classic stroganoff feel.
- Caraway Seeds: Just a hint to add subtle warmth and a slightly nutty complexity.
- Yellow Onion or Leek: For that foundational sweetness and savoriness.
- Garlic: Minced brings aromatic punch; you’ll use it both in the sauce and for soaking cashews.
- Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (optional): Helps thicken the stroganoff if you want it a little heartier.
- Dry White Wine: Adds brightness and depth but you can swap for more veggie stock if you prefer.
- Dijon Mustard: Balances the creaminess with a tangy kick.
- Flat Leaf Italian Parsley or Fresh Chives: Fresh herbs finish the dish with color and freshness.
- Vegetable Stock: Builds flavor and keeps the sauce comforting.
- Sea Salt: To taste — essential for bringing all those flavors to life.
- Lentil Pasta: Cooked al dente, it adds protein and a nice bite. You can also switch to your favorite noodles.
- Raw Organic Cashews: Soaked to blend into a smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
- Water: Used for soaking cashews and thinning the sauce as needed.
- Nutritional Yeast, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder: These pantry heroes boost umami and flavor in the cashew cream sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the rich sauce perfectly.
Variations
I love that this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to suit your mood or what you have on hand. Here’s how I like to switch things up sometimes.
- Using Different Mushrooms: I’ve tried portobello or even oyster mushrooms and the stroganoff still turns out great with just a slight change in texture.
- Adding Vegan Sour Cream: For an extra tangy twist, stirring in some store-bought or homemade vegan sour cream at the end amps up creaminess nicely.
- Spice it Up: Toss in smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne if you want a little warmth beyond the basic flavor profile.
- Swap the Pasta: I sometimes swap lentil pasta for gluten-free or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
How to Make Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Soak Your Cashews
This is a key step I never skip—soak your raw organic cashews in warm water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer if you’re prepping ahead). This softens them up, making for that silky sauce texture when blended. You’ll thank yourself later when the sauce is wonderfully smooth.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics
Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet, and toss in your sliced mushrooms with diced onion (or leek) and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8–10 minutes. This is where the magic happens—watch how the mushrooms shrink and caramelize, developing that rich umami base you’ll love.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle in the caraway seeds, and if you want a thicker sauce, stir in the whole wheat pastry flour now. Then, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan—this adds brightness and helps lift those caramelized bits stuck to the pan. Add the vegetable stock, Dijon mustard, and salt, letting the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to let everything meld.
Step 4: Make the Cashew Cream
Drain your soaked cashews and blend them with water, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth and creamy. I always blend mine for at least a couple minutes to get it silky. This cream is what turns the stroganoff into a velvety, dreamy dish.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Slowly stir the cashew cream into the mushroom mixture, letting it heat gently (don’t boil aggressively or the sauce can separate). Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice to your preference. Finish by folding in chopped parsley or chives—fresh herbs bring a lovely brightness.
Step 6: Serve Over Pasta or Preferred Base
Spoon your luscious Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff over al dente lentil pasta or your favorite noodles. I’ve had this with rice and creamy mashed potatoes too—it’s a total crowd-pleaser no matter what.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking cashews is key to a smooth sauce; I learned the hard way that skipping this step makes it grainy.
- Cook Mushrooms Low and Slow: Taking your time with browning develops way more flavor than rushing it over high heat.
- Taste as You Go: Adjusting salt, lemon, or mustard after mixing the sauce makes it perfectly balanced every time.
- Avoid High Heat with Cashew Cream: Too much heat can cause separation; gentle warming keeps that creamy texture intact.
How to Serve Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—this adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that really cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I’ll add a dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint.
Side Dishes
This stroganoff shines on its own over noodles, but if I want to make it a full feast, I serve it alongside roasted garlic green beans or a crisp, simple salad to add freshness and crunch. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are amazing if you prefer an extra comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve plated this dish in shallow bowls with a swirl of fresh cashew cream on top and a sprinkle of toasted cashews for texture. Adding edible flowers or microgreens elevates it for a dinner party vibe that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After it cools, I pop any leftover stroganoff into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Because it’s cashew-based, it holds up really well without losing creaminess. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe successfully as well—just portion it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the sauce may thicken, so stir in a splash of water or veggie stock while reheating to bring back that luscious texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. I avoid the microwave because it can heat unevenly and cause separation in the cream sauce. Adding a little splash of water or stock keeps it silky when warmed up.
FAQs
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Can I make this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cashews with cooked cauliflower blended with a little plant-based milk or silken tofu to create the creamy sauce. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and creamy.
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What kind of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
I recommend shiitake, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms because of their meaty texture and rich flavor. However, portobello or oyster mushrooms can also be used if that’s what you have handy.
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Is it necessary to use wine in the sauce?
The wine adds a subtle acidity and depth of flavor that enhances the stroganoff, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, simply replace it with extra vegetable stock and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
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Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mushroom mixture and cashew cream separately and then combine and reheat when ready to serve. Soaking cashews ahead of time also saves prep time on cooking day.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe has become one of my favorites because it’s so satisfying and comforting while being completely plant-based. I love how it feels like a special treat, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner. When I first made it, my family went crazy for the creamy sauce and rich mushroom flavors—so I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much. Give it a whirl on a cozy evening, and I promise it will feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
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, American-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A creamy, comforting vegan mushroom stroganoff featuring meaty shiitake or cremini mushrooms simmered in a rich white wine cashew cream sauce, flavored with Dijon mustard and fresh herbs, served over al dente lentil pasta. This plant-based twist on a classic stroganoff is hearty, satisfying, and 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 the Cashew Cream: Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with 1.75 cups of water, 4 cloves of garlic, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, toast caraway seeds until fragrant. Add diced onion or leek and minced garlic, cooking until soft and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender and browned.
- Thicken the Mixture: Sprinkle the optional whole wheat pastry flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat, cooking for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the Dijon mustard, vegetable stock, and sea salt. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, thickening slightly.
- Combine with Cashew Cream: Pour the prepared cashew cream sauce into the mushroom mixture. Stir well and simmer for several minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken appropriately.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the chopped parsley or fresh chives. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Serve: Toss the cooked lentil pasta with the creamy mushroom stroganoff sauce or serve the sauce ladled over the pasta. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- This vegan mushroom stroganoff pairs wonderfully with noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Feel free to substitute shiitake mushrooms with cremini or baby bella for variation.
- Soaking cashews overnight makes blending easier and results in a smoother cream, but quick soaking in hot water for 1 hour works as well.
- The whole wheat flour is optional and helps thicken the sauce; you can omit or substitute with gluten-free flour if preferred.
- Use dry white wine for deglazing to add depth; non-alcoholic white grape juice can be substituted for alcohol-free cooking.
- The dish stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and reheats gently on the stovetop or microwave.
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