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    Home » Mains

    Vegetarian Salsbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy (Vegan) (Meatball version)

    Updated: Jan 26, 2019 by Vera Morgan · This post may contain affiliate links · 33 Comments

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    vegan salsbury steak meatloaf on a white plate
    This Meaty Vegetarian Salsbury Steak Meatloaf, or meatballs is the perfect addition to your holiday meal, whether it's Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or any day really, this delicious vegan seitan steak recipe has it going on. I mean come on! Who doesn't love Thanksgiving Vegan Meatloaf with gravy- YUMThis loaf is made with mushrooms, lentils, vital wheat gluten, it's slightly crispy on the outside, moist, meaty, chewy on the inside, and it will not fall apart people! This vegan steak will fool the hardiest of meat eaters, and it makes the best meatballs too! The recipe is adapted from my "Best Vegan Burger Recipe" so if you've tried my burger recipe you'll know what I'm talking about.

    vegan salsbury steak meatloaf on a white plate
    To make the Vegan Meatloaf next level good, Enter - The Best mushroom gravy ever! Honestly I could drink this stuff, it's that delicious.

    HOW TO MAKE VEGAN SALSBURY STEAK :
    To start on the steak, cook the onions and oil in a skillet on medium heat, for 7 minutes or so until golden brown. Then add your garlic, pinch of salt and pepper and cook a minute or two longer. If avoiding oil saute your onions and garlic in water or broth until onions are tender. Add to a small bowl and set aside.


    Next process the mushrooms in food processor, in two batches, scraping down the sides if necessary, till quite small, slightly mushy, but with some texture remaining. then add the mushrooms to a large glass bowl.


    Then add your lentils to the food processor with the onion, garlic mixture, and pulse a few times. you want the lentils to retain some texture.


    Now add the rest of the ingredients except gluten, and mix well. I usually taste the mix at this point, Don't worry if it seems to salty, once the wheat gluten is added it's perfect. Now add in your vital wheat gluten and mix for 2 to 4 minutes,( I usually do this by hand like your mixing dough) till you see strands forming in the gluten. the strands are what holds your meatloaf together. The mixture will be moist not dry, but will not stick to your hands. Lightly grease a 9x13 casserole pan, add the loaf mixture and spread it evenly in the pan. In the oven it goes.

    FOR SALSBURY STEAK MEATBALL VERSION:
    To make the loaf into meatballs, roll mixture into 1 to 1 and 1/2 inch balls and place on non stick baking pan. brush the balls lightly with oil (opt) and bake for 20-25 minutes flipping halfway.

    vegan salsbury steak meatloaf on a blue spatula
    HOW TO MAKE VEGAN MUSHROOM GRAVY:
    On to the Mushroom gravy folks, add the sliced mushrooms and oil to the same pan, set to medium, and cook for 5 minutes or so then add the garlic, pinch of salt and pepper and cook for another minute. Remove half the mushroom, garlic mixture from pan and add to a small bowl, set aside for later( this will be the yummy mushroom texture in your gravy)


    Now add rest of gravy ingredients to pan ( except bowl of mushrooms), whisk till flour is incorporated, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer till gravy has thickened. Then process gravy in blender till smooth, return to pan and add the mushrooms and garlic you set aside earlier. Reheat if necessary. Add salt and pepper if needed, and try not to slurp it all up!?

    vegan salsbury steak recipe on a white plate
    That's the recipe folks. The food processor and oven do most of the work, nice and easy and incredibly tasty! The gravy can easily be made the day before to save time. Now picture this Delicious Vegan Salsbury Steak with all the holiday fixings - mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, baked yams, cranberry sauce, buns, salad, etc.. Oh lord I'm drooling, Ok get going, you need to buy some mushrooms ASAP.
    I know you'll love this Vegan Salsbury Steak Meatloaf, it's:
    Comfort on a plate
    Drool worthy
    Healthy
    Packed with protein
    Easy
    Delicious
    Festive
    Perfect any time
    Enjoy you guys! Happy Day ?
    Feel free to comment below, your feedback is greatly appreciated!

    Print
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    vegan salsbury steak meatloaf on a white plate

    Vegetarian Salsbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy (Vegan) (Meatball version)


    ★★★★★

    5 from 9 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
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    Description

    This Meaty Vegetarian Salsbury Steak Meatloaf, or meatballs is the perfect addition to your holiday meal, whether it's Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or any day really, this delicious & easy vegan seitan steak recipe has it going on. I mean come on! Who doesn't like Thanksgiving Vegan Meatloaf with gravy, YUM!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    VEGAN SALSBURY STEAK INGREDIENTS:

    • 1 lb white or brown mushrooms, quartered ( 454 grams)
    • 1 and 1/2 cups cooked green lentils
    • 1 and 1/2 cups Vital Wheat Gluten
    • 1 medium yellow onion , diced
    • 1 tbsp oil ( opt), see instructions *
    • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
    • 2 tsp "Better than Beef Bouillon vegetarian no beef soup base"
    • 2 tbsps Braggs or Lite Tamari
    • 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
    • 2 tsp vegan Worcestershire ( I like "The wizards" or 'Annies')
    • 1 tbsp ketchup
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/4 tsp pepper
    • 2 tsp mustard

    MUSHROOM GRAVY INGREDIENTS:

    • 1/2 lb sliced mushrooms ( approx 227 grams)
    • 1 medium yellow onion , diced
    • 1 tbsp oil ( opt) ,see instructions*
    • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
    • 4 cups cold water
    • 1 tbsp "Better Than Beef Bouillon vegetarian no beef soup base"
    • 2 tbsps Braggs, or Lite Tamari
    • 2 tbsps nutritional yeast
    • 2 tbsps flour, regular or gluten free blend ( l like Robin Hood)
    • 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
    • 1/4 tsp ground fennel
    • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
    • salt & pepper

    Instructions

    INSTRUCTIONS FOR VEGAN SALSBURY STEAK:

    1. Preheat oven to 350°
    2. Add the onion and oil to large skillet, on medium heat, saute for 7 minutes or so till golden brown. Add the garlic, pinch of salt and pepper & cook for minute or two longer. add to small bowl, set aside.* IF AVOIDING OIL use a non stick pan and saute onions and garlic in a little water or veg stock till cooked.
    3. Next process mushrooms in food processor, in two batches, scraping down sides if necessary, till quite small, slightly mushy, but with some texture remaining. Add to large glass mixing bowl.
    4. Next add your lentils to food processor with onion garlic mixture, pulse a few times. You want the lentils to retain some texture.
    5. Add rest of ingredients to bowl except gluten flour and mix well. I usually taste the mix at this point, don't worry if it seems a little salty, once the gluten is added it's perfect.
    6. Now add your Vital Wheat Gluten and mix for 2 to 4 minutes, ( I usually do this by hand, like mixing dough) till you see strands forming in the gluten. The strands are what holds your veggie loaf together.The mixture will be moist not dry, but will not stick to your hands.
    7. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish (I use a glass casserole dish) or if *AVOIDING OIL use non stick pan and line with parchment paper
    8. Add the loaf mixture and spread evenly in the pan, lightly brush top with oil (opt)
    9. Bake uncovered at 350° for 35 minutes
    10. let cool in pan on cooling rack for 15 mintes
    11. For meatball version see,( Notes)
    12. Slice and enjoy with mushroom gravy!

    INSTRUCTIONS FOR MUSHROOM GRAVY:

    1. Add onions, sliced mushrooms and oil to same skillet , set to medium heat, saute for 5-7 minutes or so, till onions are browning and soft and mushrooms are cooked, then add garlic and pinch of salt & pepper . Cook for another minute, transfer half the mixture to small bowl, set aside. If *AVOIDING OIL saute in a non stick pan with a little water or veggie stock.
    2. Add the spices and flour stir for a minute, then add rest of ingredients to pan( except mushrooms/onions you set aside earlier). whisk till all flour is incorporated. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer for couple minutes till gravy has thickened.
    3. Add gravy to blender and process till smooth. Return gravy to pan and add mushroom, garlic mixture, reheat if necessary.
    4. Taste for seasonings, add more salt & pepper if necessary
    5. Enjoy with your Vegan Salsbury Steak!!

    Notes

    This recipe is adapted from my: Best Vegan Burger Recipe 

    This recipe was inspired by: Connoisseurus Veg

    This recipe could easily be made into meatballs: Roll Salsbury Steak Meatloaf Mixture into 1 and 1/2 inch ( or so) balls, add to lightly greased baking dish ( or non stick).Lightly brush with oil (opt) Bake uncovered for 20 -25 minutes at 350°, flipping halfway, let rest for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy with Mushroom gravy?

    The nutritional chart below was calculated without Vital wheat Gluten and liquid smoke.

    Link for Vital wheat gluten Nutrients is here

    • Prep Time: 30 minutes
    • Cook Time: 35 minutes
    • Category: mains, sauces/salsas/dressings
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: vegan meatloaf, lentil loaf, vegan salsbury steak, meatballs, vegetarian, holiday, vegan meatloaf with gravy, seitan, Christmas, easter, thanksgiving, easy, perfect, meaty,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. stephen

      April 25, 2021 at 7:12 pm

      Can you cut into individual steaks and steam rather than bake this recipe? the other steak recipes come out very rubbery.

      Reply
      • Verna

        April 26, 2021 at 6:22 am

        Hi Stephen I'm sure you could. This recipe does work well baked though. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Sarah

      October 23, 2020 at 11:05 pm

      I am vegetarian and don’t much care for imitation meat texture but I am so lacking in protein that I started making meat substitutes using vital wheat gluten. I was doubtful of this after baking it because I tried it out and it was really chewy but once it soaks in the gravy I feel like I’m eating the Salisbury steaks my mom made when I was little. Also, I didn’t have green lentils on hand so I used freekeh instead. A bit less than 1/2 cup of uncooked freekeh amounted to the 1.5 cups needed for the recipe. Now I have food prepared for the weekend and will be improving my protein intake as well!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        October 24, 2020 at 12:04 am

        That's wonderful Sarah! Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for your comment! Happy day to you!

        Reply
    3. Amanda

      May 01, 2020 at 8:30 pm

      I'm going to try this tonight, but I'd like to cut the recipe in half. Do I reduce the baking time if I do that?

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 01, 2020 at 8:44 pm

        Hi Amanda, the baking time should be the same as long as the thickness stays relatively the same. Enjoy! I've not tried halving the recipe let me know how it goes for you!

        Reply
        • Amanda

          May 01, 2020 at 8:47 pm

          Thank you! Will do!!! I'm only halving it because it's just me!!

          Reply
          • Amanda

            May 02, 2020 at 2:02 am

            It worked and it was AMAZING! Thank you so much for the recipe! Trying to be good and stick to one serving...but I seriously could eat the whole thing!

            Reply
            • Verna

              May 02, 2020 at 2:07 am

              Yay!! glad you loved it! Thank for letting me know!!💕

    4. Debbie Morrato

      April 22, 2020 at 5:42 pm

      Would like to ask if you need 11/2 lbs. of mushrooms is right total, seems like a lot! Also what kind of mustard? dry mustard or the prepared mustard like you put on burgers? Thanks

      Reply
      • Verna

        April 22, 2020 at 6:22 pm

        It's prepared mustard, yes it's 1 lb mushrooms for steak and 1/2 lb for gravy. Have a great day!

        Reply
    5. Alexandra

      November 14, 2019 at 5:57 am

      This is absolutely delicious. I recently took the veggi/vegan route and love finding alternative recipes to firm favourites and this one is hard to beat. On a bed of sweet potato mash, it's a real winner! Just one tiny comment though: it's 'Salisbury' not 'Salsbury'.
      The flavour is not affected!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        November 14, 2019 at 1:49 pm

        Thanks so much Alexandra! Sounds delicious with sweet potato mash!! Thanks so much for your comment!! Haha yes thanks for the heads up on the spelling!?

        Reply
    6. Tiffanee

      September 22, 2019 at 11:09 pm

      Just made this!!! AMAZEBALLS!!!! I love garlic so I used more gloves for each recipe.... soooooo good!!!!!! ???? thank you!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        September 23, 2019 at 1:26 am

        Yay!! so glad you loved it Tiffanee ❤️ Thank you so much for your comment! You made my day!

        Reply
    7. Jenn

      April 12, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      My family loves this recipe! It’s one of our regulars. Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        April 13, 2019 at 12:34 am

        thank you so much Jenn! so happy your family loves it! I really appreciate your comment!

        Reply
    8. Susan

      January 14, 2019 at 5:52 pm

      Holy smokes!! Talk about GOOD!! Made this last evening with mashed red potatoes and steamed green beans. Hubby and I were SUPER Impressed and filed this under "Keeper!"

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        January 14, 2019 at 6:17 pm

        Thank you so much Susan!! You just made my day ❤️ So glad you guys loved it!

        Reply
    9. Jeremiah

      September 21, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      Yes please! Going to have to try and tackle this recipe

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        September 21, 2018 at 6:02 pm

        Hi Jeremiah, I'd love your feedback if you make the steak and gravy. It's not hard at all. Thx for you comment ? Have a great day

        Reply
    10. Ellie

      September 21, 2018 at 2:59 am

      This is "AMAZING" who would have thought lentils and vital wheat gluten could provide such an awesome texture..(thought it was ground beef) What a great chew,
      And you can't go wrong with mushroom gravy... YUMMMM

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        September 21, 2018 at 3:59 pm

        Thank you so much Ellie! You just made my day. I know the texture is great isn't it! Happy day to you?

        Reply
    11. Gina

      September 11, 2018 at 12:17 am

      I made this recipe on Friday. really good, that gravy is amazing! My kids loved it. It was my first time using vital whet gluten, it was easier than I thought.The texture was so much like meat! Should've made mashed potatoes though instead of baked. thx!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        September 11, 2018 at 3:35 pm

        Hi Gina? Thx so much for your comment, I'm so glad everyone enjoyed it. I know vital wheat gluten is amazing. Have a great day!

        Reply
    12. Hilary

      August 27, 2018 at 7:46 pm

      I love your burger recipe, I’ll have to try this.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        August 27, 2018 at 10:04 pm

        Thanks so much Hilary, yes definitely try the Steak, let me know what you think.

        Reply
    13. Nate

      August 27, 2018 at 7:44 pm

      Looks so tasty verna!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        August 27, 2018 at 10:05 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    14. Gina

      August 27, 2018 at 7:43 pm

      Cant wait to try this!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        August 27, 2018 at 10:05 pm

        Please do Gina! I would love your feed back?

        Reply
    15. Liz Dyer

      August 25, 2018 at 6:56 pm

      Can you suggest a substitute for the vital wheat gluten? My husband is gluten intolerant. Thank you.

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        August 25, 2018 at 7:30 pm

        Sorry Liz,there really isn't a substitute. Have a great day!?

        Reply

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