A hearty, flavorful vegan sausage perfect for breakfast skillets, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or grilling. These plant-based sausages are tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with savory herbs and spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan sausage is easy to prepare, uses wholesome ingredients, and delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional sausage—without any animal products. It’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and works beautifully in a wide variety of dishes.

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup cooked brown lentils, drained well
• 1 cup vital wheat gluten
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1⁄2 cup vegetable broth

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mash the cooked lentils until mostly smooth, leaving a few whole pieces for texture.
2. Add the onion, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and tomato paste. Mix until fully combined.
3. Add the nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, fennel, oregano, thyme, coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until evenly incorporated.
4. Add the vital wheat gluten and vegetable broth. Mix with a spoon, then knead by hand for 2–3 minutes until the dough becomes elastic.
5. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a sausage.
6. Wrap each sausage tightly in foil, twisting the ends securely.
7. Steam the sausages for 35 minutes.
8. Let cool slightly before unwrapping. At this stage, they can be browned in a skillet, added to recipes, or stored for later use.

Servings and timing

Makes 6 sausages.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Sausages: Add extra red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of chili powder.
• Herby Sausages: Increase oregano, thyme, and add fresh chopped parsley.
• Italian-Style: Add 1 teaspoon basil and increase fennel to 2 teaspoons.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace vital wheat gluten with 1 cup oat flour and 1 cup mashed beans, though texture will be softer and less firm.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate cooked sausages in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For freezing, wrap each sausage individually and store for up to 3 months.
Reheat by pan-searing for 5–7 minutes, microwaving for 1–2 minutes, or baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

How firm are these vegan sausages?

They are firm and sliceable due to the vital wheat gluten, with a chewy, sausage-like texture.

Can I make this recipe without vital wheat gluten?

Yes, but the texture will be much softer. Use oat flour and additional mashed beans as substitutes.

Can I grill these sausages?

Yes. After steaming, grill them for 3–5 minutes per side.

Can I bake the sausages instead of steaming?

Steaming gives the best texture, but you can bake them wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.

Are these sausages soy-free?

Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make them soy-free.

Can I use canned lentils?

Yes. Drain and rinse them well before using.

Can I change the spices?

Absolutely. Adjust the spices to match the flavor profile you want.

How do I prevent the sausages from becoming too dry?

Do not reduce the liquid and avoid over-kneading the dough.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it doubles easily. Steam in batches if needed.

Can these sausages be crumbled for recipes?

Yes. Slice or crumble them into pastas, sauces, scrambles, or casseroles.

Conclusion

These homemade vegan sausages are satisfying, versatile, and simple to prepare. With rich spices and a hearty texture, they make a delicious plant-based option for any meal. Enjoy them freshly cooked, reheated, grilled, or incorporated into your favorite dishes.

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