This Easy 6-ingredient Vegan Gravy comes together in about 5 minutes and is naturally gluten-free. It's made with simple pantry staples-vegetable broth, tamari, herbs, nutritional yeast, and tapioca flour-for a rich, savory flavor with no chopping required. Perfect over mashed potatoes, vegan turkey, sweet potatoes, and more. Created by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
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Nutritionist's Note:
This gravy is rich and savory while staying naturally gluten-free thanks to tapioca flour. It relies on simple, whole-food seasonings instead of heavy ingredients, and can be kept lighter by using Earth Balance Organic Whipped Buttery Spread. The whipped version is lower in calories per tablespoon because air is incorporated during whipping-meaning each tablespoon contains less product by weight while still giving you full flavor.
Jump to:
- 👩🏼🌾 Things to Know About Ingredients
- 🍶 Substitutions
- 📝 Tips for Making Vegan Gravy
- Gluten-Free Vegan Gravy Recipe
- ⚖️ Convert the Recipe to Metric (g & mL)
- ✔️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- 🦃 What to Serve This With
- 🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
- 🛍️ Shop Recipe Cookware and Ingredients
- 👩🏽🍳 Made this recipe?
- 🍽 Related Recipes
- 💬 Comments
👩🏼🌾 Things to Know About Ingredients
Below, I've included notes on the ingredients from the perspective of a nutrition expert and a trained chef. For a complete list of ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below.

- Vegetable broth - Provides savory depth and serves as the base of the gravy while keeping it naturally low in saturated fat.
- Tamari or soy sauce - Adds umami and richness without needing much additional salt. Use tamari for a gluten-free option, and reduced sodium for less salt.
- Tapioca flour - Creates a silky, glossy texture and thickens the gravy without gluten.
- Nutritional yeast - Boosts savory flavor with B vitamins and adds gentle creaminess when whisked in.
- Dried herbs (oregano, thyme) - Layer earthy, holiday-style flavor and enhance the overall taste without adding sodium.
- Dijon mustard - Provides brightness and depth, helping balance the richness of the gravy.
- Vegan butter - Adds that classic silky finish. The whipped variety lightens the calorie density while keeping the flavor intact.
🍶 Substitutions
This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt. Below are some simple ingredient substitutions.
- Tamari or Soy Sauce - Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Tapioca Flour - Arrowroot or cornstarch both work; arrowroot creates the smoothest finish.
- Nutritional Yeast - Optional, but can be replaced with a pinch of mushroom powder or vegetable broth powder for extra umami.
- Dijon Mustard - Leave it out for a milder gravy or add a touch of miso for deeper richness.
- Vegan Butter - Any plant-based butter works. For a lighter option, use a whipped version to reduce calories per tablespoon.
📝 Tips for Making Vegan Gravy

- Whisk all the ingredients together in cold or room-temperature broth before heating to ensure the tapioca flour fully dissolves and the gravy stays smooth.

- Heat the mixture over medium heat and stir often until it begins to bubble. Keep stirring for about 30 seconds to thicken, then remove from the heat and whisk in the vegan butter until smooth and glossy.

Gluten-Free Vegan Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons tapioca flour or ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast see notes
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
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EQUIPMENT
- small saucepan
Instructions
- Combine the vegetable broth, tamari, tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, and onion powder in a small saucepan. Stir until the tapioca starch dissolves.
- Turn on the heat to medium and stir frequently until the gravy starts to boil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds before removing the saucepan from the heat. Add the vegan butter and mix until it is fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For gluten-free gravy, use gluten-free tamari and tapioca flour.
- To skip the vegan butter, use cashew cream as an alternative.
- Nutritional yeast: Vegetable broth powder or mushroom powder can be used as a substitute for nutritional yeast. Add to taste. Shop healthy ingredients here.
- Tip: Dissolve all ingredients (except the vegan butter) in cold or room-temperature broth before heating to prevent clumping.
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as product types and brands used.
⚖️ Convert the Recipe to Metric (g & mL)
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✔️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These simple tips keep this Vegan Gravy fresh and perfectly textured from prep to serving.
- Make ahead: Vegan gravy can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. The flavors deepen as it sits.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed.
- To freeze, pour the cooled gravy into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Melt the cubes in a saucepan over low heat, adding broth as needed to reach the desired consistency.
🦃 What to Serve This With
This Vegan Gravy pairs well with my Soy-Free Vegan Turkey and Easy Tofu Turkey on this site, as well as these Crispy Roasted Potato Bites.
It is also delicious when drizzled over my Easy High-Protein Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie - a cozy, comforting dish that is also healthy.
Serve it alongside my Healthy Cranberry Sauce for a balanced, flavorful holiday plate.
🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
Tapioca flour is naturally gluten-free, flavorless, and thickens gravy quickly without needing much cooking. All-purpose flour, on the other hand, is made from wheat and contains gluten. It also requires a longer cook time to remove its raw, powdery taste and achieve the same level of smoothness.
If it becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of vegetable broth or water. For a thicker consistency, simmer a bit longer or add a tiny extra pinch of tapioca flour mixed with cold broth.
Yes. Omit the vegan butter or replace it with a splash of cashew cream or a bit more broth.
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Gabi says
I liked the taste, but I will use normal flour the next time.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Sounds good!
Jessica says
So easy and delicious! Made it to go with your tofu turkey. Both were a hit. Thank you!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad it paired well. Thank you.
Olga says
The best vegan gravy! Even non-vegan eaters enjoyed it:)
Thank you for your time creating these wonderful recipes!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Makes my day to read this! Thank you.
Laura says
Delicious. I made 3 different vegan gravies for Thanksgiving. This one was deemed the best hands down.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I'm so thrilled to hear that! Thank you.
Vegan food near me says
This gravy recipe is excellent! I haven’t had gravy since going vegan 7 years ago, but I love your recipes and made this with my thanksgiving tofu cutlets and mashed potatoes. My non vegan boyfriend said it was better than “regular” gravy. Very flavorful and will make again.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Awww I'm so happy to hear that. Thank you so much for letting me know.
Jillian says
I made this to go with my vegan/vegetarian thanksgiving dishes. Very tasty! I had my doubts about being able to create that rich gravy flavor without meat but this didn’t disappoint!
Nisha Melvani says
It's so easy and always comes out the perfect consistency. Thanks.