These Vegan Savory Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy offer a rich and satisfying plant-based twist on a beloved classic comfort food. The “hamburger steaks” themselves are made from a savory mixture of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms, which mimic the hearty, meaty texture of traditional beef patties. Combined with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, these patties are tender yet firm enough to hold their shape when fried. They’re a perfect base for the star of the dish—the velvety onion gravy. The onions, slowly caramelized to a sweet, golden-brown perfection, form the heart of this luscious gravy that brings an added depth of flavor to the entire meal.
The process of making these vegan hamburger steaks is relatively simple, and the ingredients are easy to find. After sautéing the mushrooms and onions, the mixture is combined with the cooked lentils and shaped into patties, which are then fried until golden brown. The addition of soy sauce, smoked paprika, and dried thyme gives the patties a savory, umami-rich flavor that rivals traditional beef. The key to this dish’s appeal is the contrast between the crispy, flavorful patties and the smooth, slightly tangy onion gravy. The gravy, made from caramelized onions, flour, vegetable broth, and soy sauce, thickens to a beautiful consistency that perfectly coats the patties without overwhelming them.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Classic pairings like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables work wonderfully, but you could also serve these savory patties over a bed of greens or rice for a lighter alternative. The onion gravy, rich and savory, acts as the perfect finishing touch, transforming simple lentil and mushroom patties into an indulgent meal. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that offers all the heartiness of a traditional “hamburger steak” without any animal products, making it a great choice for vegans, vegetarians, and those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diets.
Not only is this vegan hamburger steak dish a crowd-pleaser, but it also offers great make-ahead potential. The patties and gravy can be prepared in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Simply reheat the patties and gravy, and you have a comforting meal ready to enjoy. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish proves that plant-based cooking can be both delicious and satisfying, offering a flavorful alternative to traditional comfort foods.
Vegan Savory Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
Ingredients:
For the Vegan Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (about 1/2 cup dried lentils)
- 1 1/2 cups mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (flax “egg” substitute)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Onion Gravy:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Flax “Egg”:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp ground flaxseed with 6 tbsp water. Stir and set it aside for 5-10 minutes to thicken. This will act as your egg replacement in the recipe.
2. Make the Vegan Hamburger Steaks:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become browned. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.
- In a food processor, combine the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika (optional), and the flax “egg.” Pulse until the mixture comes together but still retains some texture. You want it thick but pliable enough to form patties.
- Add the sautéed mushroom-onion-garlic mixture to the food processor and pulse a couple more times to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on your desired size. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands or add a bit more breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the Hamburger Steaks:
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Onion Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of vegan butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar (optional), and thyme while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the gravy thickens. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
- Place the hamburger steaks on serving plates and generously spoon the onion gravy over the top.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe entirely gluten-free.
- Make it richer: For a creamier gravy, add a splash of plant-based cream or coconut milk.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for extra depth of flavor or a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored separately in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat the patties and gravy in a skillet over low heat.
These Vegan Savory Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy are perfect for a comforting, hearty meal. Whether you’re enjoying them for dinner or serving them at a family gathering, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
