The best vegan stroganoff (under 30 minutes)

Name: Vegan stroganoff recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Rapeseed oil; 1 tbsp Vegan butter (I like Naturli); 1 Onion (or a couple of small shallots sliced); 2 Garlic cloves sliced finely; 210 g Vegan steaks (cut into strips); 200 g Chestnut mushrooms (sliced); 150 g Vegan cream; 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika; 1/2 tbsp Lemon juice; 200 ml Vegetable stock (I use Bouillon when I'm feeling lazy, but there's nothing quite like a homemade stock); Bunch of fresh parsley roughly chopped

Lucy Johnson

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Are you a fan of creamy dishes that have an irresistible allure? I certainly am! There’s just something incredibly captivating about their luscious textures and indulgent flavours that keeps me coming back for more, like this creamy mushroom pasta dish. And when it comes to creamy delights, the stroganoff is undoubtedly a top contender. Its rich and velvety character is simply irresistible, making it an absolute favourite of mine.

I like to think I have replicated the creamy indulgence of this dish in my vegan stroganoff recipe. You’ll never guess that the sauce is made using plant-based ingredients!

But don’t worry, just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s complicated to make. In fact, I’ve created a simple and quick recipe that will allow you to whip up this delicious dish from scratch in under 30 minutes.

If you’re someone who enjoys getting creative in the kitchen, I’ve got you covered too. I’ve included some variations that you can experiment with, allowing you to add your own personal touch to the recipe.

So, are you ready to embark on this culinary adventure with me? Together, we’ll transform a beloved classic into a vegan delight that will keep you coming back for seconds. Get ready to savour the creamy goodness, indulge in the hearty flavours, and experience the sheer satisfaction of my best vegan stroganoff recipe—all in under 30 minutes. Say goodbye to compromising on taste for the sake of convenience. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering creation together!

What is stroganoff?

Stroganoff is a classic dish that originated in Russia. It typically consists of sautéed pieces of beef cooked in a rich and creamy sauce, often flavoured with onions, mushrooms, and sour cream. The dish is known for its hearty and comforting flavours, and it is traditionally served over rice.

Stroganoff has gained popularity worldwide and is enjoyed in many different cultures. It is known for its versatility, as it can be customized with various ingredients and seasonings to suit individual tastes. Whether you prefer the classic meat-based version or opt for a vegan adaptation, stroganoff remains a beloved and satisfying comfort food.

Why eat vegan stroganoff?

There are many compelling reasons to choose this vegan version of stroganoff over the traditional meat-based recipe. If you are vegan and you have stumbled across this recipe, then I am sure I don’t have any real explaining to do. However, if you still need convincing, here are some advantages of opting for vegan stroganoff:

Health Benefits: Vegan stroganoff can be a healthier option compared to the traditional version. Plant-based ingredients such as mushrooms, tofu, or seitan used as meat substitutes are generally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Lower Environmental Impact: Choosing vegan stroganoff aligns with sustainability and environmental concerns. Animal agriculture has a significant impact on deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage. By opting for plant-based alternatives in stroganoff, you can help reduce your ecological footprint and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
Animal Welfare: Vegan stroganoff is a compassionate choice that promotes animal welfare. By omitting animal products, you can avoid contributing to the suffering and exploitation of animals in the meat and dairy industries. It allows you to enjoy a comforting dish while aligning with ethical values.
Nutritional Variety: Vegan stroganoff can introduce a diverse range of nutrients into your diet. Mushrooms, for example, are an excellent source of essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. By incorporating a variety of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, you can enhance the nutritional profile of your stroganoff and enjoy the benefits of a well-rounded plant-based meal.
Dietary Considerations: Vegan stroganoff can be a suitable option for individuals with specific dietary considerations. It is naturally free of lactose, making it a good choice for those with lactose intolerance.

By embracing vegan stroganoff, you can relish in the creamy, comforting flavours of the dish while positively impacting your health, the environment, and animal welfare. Its lower saturated fat and cholesterol content, along with its potential for diverse nutritional benefits, make it a delicious and mindful choice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

The ingredients list for this vegan stroganoff recipe is incredibly simple. If you have quite a varied vegan-friendly pantry and stocked-up fridge then you may well find you have all of these ingredients to hand. But if you don’t, then you can easily source these in most supermarkets. I have also provided some alternative suggestions just in case you fancy mixing up the recipe to suit you.

Vegan cream: A traditional stroganoff is made with soured cream, but you can substitute this really easily with a pre-made vegan cream. There are plenty of these in the supermarket. If you prefer something more nutritious and homemade then you can use my silken tofu sauce base or my cashew sauce base instead, like-for-like.
Mushrooms: I like to use chestnut mushrooms to bring an earthy flavour to this dish, but you could use a mix of other mushrooms to create this. Some other mushrooms that I would recommend trying out are shiitake, portobello, and oyster. However, if you do change which type of mushroom you are using then you may need to alter the cooking time somewhat.
Vegan ‘beef’: Picking a good vegan meat substitute is really important since this is traditionally a very meaty dish. I personally like to use some pre-made vegan steaks (like these by Meatless Farm) which I cut into strips, but you could also opt for seitan or soya pieces. For anyone who dislikes fake meat, you could increase the mushrooms in this recipe to replace it.
Paprika: One of the most traditional spices used in stroganoff is paprika. It adds a really subtle spiced flavour to the dish and also adds a deeper colour to the creamy dish. If you don’t have any paprika to hand then you could try using some alternative spices like cayenne.

How do you make vegan stroganoff?

Making vegan stroganoff is surprisingly easy. Simply follow these steps and you’ll be eating this heavenly comfort food in no time at all!

1. Fry off ingredients

You’ll start by caramelising onion in a pan with oil before adding garlic, mushrooms and butter to the pan. Once these are cooked you’ll add the flavouring a the vegan beef strips (if you are using them).

2. Stir in vegan cream

Now you can stir in your vegan cream of choice alongside some vegetable stock and lemon juice. You will cook this off until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. I like mine to be thick enough to coat the mushrooms and vegan beef strips, but still loose enough that it coats the rice I serve it with.

3. Serve with grains

You can serve the dish straight away with your grain of choice. The traditional recipes are usually served with rice, which is how I also like to eat this dish.

Serving suggestions

You eat this dish on its own but I would recommend serving it with some grains to create a complete meal, especially if you are eating this for dinner.

Sides: I prefer eating this with white rice, but it can also be eaten with pasta, gnocchi, or other grains!
Toppings: I like to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top of this dish. My personal preference is chopped parsley, but you could also use dill.

Top tips

Want to make the most amazing vegan beef stroganoff that will impress your belly and your friends and family? Then you should follow these handy tips:

Sauté the Mushrooms: To enhance the flavour and texture of the mushrooms, sauté them in plenty of vegan butter or oil. This step helps to bring out their natural umami taste and creates a rich, savoury base for your stroganoff.
Don’t Overcook the Vegan Cream: When adding the vegan cream or cream substitute to your stroganoff, be careful not to overcook it. Overcooking can cause some cream to separate or become grainy, affecting the overall texture of the dish. Add the cream toward the end of the cooking process and heat it gently just until warmed through.
Adjust the Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the consistency of your stroganoff sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a bit longer to allow it to reduce. Conversely, if you like a thinner sauce, you can add a small amount of vegetable stock or non-dairy milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Season Generously: Don’t forget to season your stroganoff generously with salt and black pepper. This will help to enhance the flavours and ensure a well-balanced dish. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Add Fresh Herbs at the End: To elevate the flavours of your vegan stroganoff, consider adding fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or thyme at the end of cooking. The herbs will impart a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish and add a burst of vibrant flavour.
Serve with Carefully Selected Sides: Choose the right accompaniments to complement your vegan stroganoff. Traditional options include serving it over rice or potatoes. You can also pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Store and Reheat Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming too thick. Add a splash of vegetable broth or non-dairy milk if needed to bring the sauce back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this vegan stroganoff recipe.

How can I substitute the beef for a stroganoff?

In this vegan stroganoff recipe, I use a mixture of mushrooms and vegan beef strips to replicate the beef used in a traditional stroganoff. If you can’t get your hands on a good quality vegan beef alternative then you could use a variety of vegan protein sources to replace this ingredient.

For instance, you could try tofu, tempeh, soya pieces, or you could even increase the mushrooms in the recipe. If you choose to do the latter, then you may want to consider using a mix of mushrooms, like chestnut, shiitake, portobello and oyster mushrooms.

How do I make my vegan stroganoff creamy?

There are a few different ways in which you can achieve a creamy sauce using vegan ingredients. Personally, I like to use a vegan cream alternative, like this one from Oatly, but I know some people don’t have access to dairy alternatives like these.

I have seen some recipes which use coconut milk, but I don’t like the coconut taste this adds to the dish. Therefore, I recommend you try out making your own vegan cream from scratch using neutral ingredients like silken tofu or cashews. You’ll just need access to a good-quality blender.

The best vegan stroganoff (under 30 minutes)