Name: Easy Vegan Brown Gravy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup neutral oil; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon No-Beef base (or vegetable broth concentrate); ½ tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 bay leaf; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste

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This Easy Vegan Brown Gravy is a rich, savory sauce perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, or any comfort food dish. Made with simple pantry staples and no meat-based ingredients, this plant-based gravy is smooth, flavorful, and satisfying enough to please everyone at the table—vegan or not.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gravy is incredibly simple to make and comes together in under 15 minutes using just one saucepan. It uses a roux-based method for thickening, which gives it a silky texture and deep flavor. Whether you’re planning a vegan holiday meal or just need a reliable gravy recipe for weeknight dinners, this one delivers bold taste with minimal effort. It’s also customizable depending on your desired thickness and salt level.

Easy Vegan Brown Gravy

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¼ cup neutral oil
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups water
1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon No-Beef base (or vegetable broth concentrate)
½ tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Directions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil.
Add the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture turns golden and smells fragrant.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the water, bouillon base, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer for 5–7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove the bay leaf, taste the gravy, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or any savory dish of your choice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 to 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch slurry instead of regular flour.
Extra Umami: Add a dash of nutritional yeast or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary with the bay leaf for an herby twist.
Mushroom Gravy: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms before adding the flour for a heartier version.
Low-Sodium: Use a reduced-sodium broth concentrate and low-sodium soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, whisk in a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 4 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I make it thicker?

Simmer the gravy longer or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I freeze vegan gravy?

Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.

What’s a good substitute for the No-Beef bouillon?

You can use any vegetable broth concentrate or a strong vegetable broth in place of the bouillon.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, though it will give the gravy a slightly nuttier flavor and darker color.

Is this recipe soy-free?

Not by default, but you can use coconut aminos or a soy-free broth concentrate to make it soy-free.

What oil works best?

Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, avocado, or grapeseed oil work well. Avoid strongly flavored oils like olive oil for a smoother taste.

How do I fix lumpy gravy?

Blend the gravy with an immersion blender or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to smooth it out.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

If you’re not vegan, yes. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter for extra richness.

What can I serve with vegan brown gravy?

It’s perfect over mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, vegan meatloaf, or even biscuits.

Conclusion

This Easy Vegan Brown Gravy is the ultimate savory sauce for all your comfort food needs. With just a handful of pantry staples and a simple cooking method, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in minutes. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a quick and satisfying gravy, this recipe will become a trusted favorite in your kitchen.

Molly