Tofu with mushroom gravy features crispy breaded tofu drizzled with a rich mushroom gravy. Tofu and gravy is a tasty vegan Thanksgiving dish!
I'm of the opinion that the reason people eat turkey at Thanksgiving is so that they can smother it in gravy. So if it's really all about the gravy, why not have tofu and gravy instead??
Half-jokes aside, this tofu with mushroom gravy is SO flavorful. Vegan friends and family will be loving the rich mushroom gravy served over crispy tofu!
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Why I love this Tofu with Mushroom Gravy
- Dietary needs - this dish is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and sugar free
- High protein - tofu is packed with plant-based protein!
- Minimal prep time - it literally takes 10 minutes to prep the tofu and get it in the oven. The gravy is also quick and easy - save on prep by buying pre-sliced mushrooms.
- Crispy, crunchy, delicious - everything you want in a good tofu recipe!
- Fantastic gravy - I'm not kidding when I say that if this gravy is in my fridge I will be eating it on everything. I've literally poured this gravy on a salad before. It is THAT good.
- Thanksgiving flavors without the turkey - if you want a vegan protein option for Thanksgiving, this dish is perfect for you. You get protein from the tofu and all the delicious savory flavors from the gravy
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Breaded Tofu
- Extra Firm Tofu: extra firm tofu is ideal here because it maintains it shape and will result in the best texture.
- Flax Egg: this is a mixture of ground flaxseed and water. It works the same as an egg does in a breadcrumb coating - it helps to adhere the crumbs to the tofu
- Panko Breadcrumbs: I used gluten-free panko breadcrumbs but any regular or panko breadcrumbs will work!
- Nutritional Yeast: nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Thyme: my regular panko crusted tofu recipe does not have thyme in the coating - I like to add it here to give this dish more of a Thanksgiving flavor
- Salt & Pepper
Mushroom Gravy
- Red Onion: I love using a red onion in this gravy for a bit of extra flavor, but a yellow onion is fine here.
- Carrot: carrots add a layer of flavor and complement the onion well - in a vegan gravy, you need more earthy flavors like carrots to achieve a delicious taste without meat
- Crimini Mushrooms: These mushrooms are the star of the gravy. If you can get crimini mushrooms, I highly recommend them. White Button mushrooms will probably work well in this recipe as an alternative. To save time, I buy sliced mushrooms.
- Oat Flour: Flour is a thickener in all gravy recipes. I used oat flour because it's gluten-free and minimally processed (I grind my own). If you have another flour on hand (AP, GF AP, cassava, etc.), that will work too.
- Vegetable Broth: Veggie broth/stock gives this gravy extra flavor in addition to the primary purpose of adding liquid.
- Poultry Seasoning: poultry seasoning is a mixture of thyme, sage, majoram, rosemary, pepper, and nutmeg. We tend to associate these flavors with savory foods like poultry, so adding this spice to the gravy is what really contributes to the depth of flavor.
- Salt & Pepper
How to make Tofu with Mushroom Gravy
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. Prepare the tofu. In a shallow bowl, mix the flax egg. Let sit 5 minutes.
Step 3. Cut the tofu into 4 rectangles by slicing the block in half across the middle and then cutting each rectangle in half height-wise.
Step 4. In a second shallow bowl or baking dish mix the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
Step 5. Coat each piece of tofu in the flax egg and then the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently on each side to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Step 6. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Step 7. Prepare the gravy. Using a splash of the vegetable broth, sauté the onion, carrot, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat, until the onions are translucent and the carrots softened, about 8 minutes.
Step 8. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat.
Step 9. Add the remaining vegetable broth, mushrooms, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then immediately turn down the heat, partially cover and cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Step 10. If you want, remove some of the mushrooms before blending. Add the mushrooms to a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a gravy boat and add the reserved mushrooms.
Step 11. Serve the gravy over the tofu.
FAQ & Expert Tips
I prefer this recipe with tofu that hasn't been pressed - it has a lighter texture that compliments the heavier texture of the breadcrumbs.
You definitely can press the tofu if you want. Or you can use a super firm tofu that doesn't require any pressing.
I like this recipe with extra firm tofu - it is firm enough to stay together, but is still fairly soft after being breaded and baked. If you are really looking for a firm texture, use super firm tofu instead.
I always use gluten-free breadcrumbs when breading tofu - they sub 1:1 for regular. When purchasing gf breadcrumbs, check the ingredient list. Some gluten-free breadcrumbs contain eggs!
To avoid making a complete mess, use the wet-hand dry-hand method when coating your tofu. Use one hand to pick up the uncoated tofu and dip it in the flax egg mixture. Transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture then use the other hand to coat in breadcrumbs. Keeping one hand dry and the other wet.
If you don't have poultry seasoning, grab ¼ teaspoon each of ground thyme, rosemary, and sage. Then throw in a pinch of nutmeg and black pepper.
Store the tofu and gravy separately in the refrigerator to avoid sogginess. Leftovers will last in the fridge for 5-7 days.
For the crispiest results when reheating tofu, place back in the oven at 350°F or an air fryer at 300°F and heat for a few minutes until warm. Otherwise, just microwave!
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this nourishing meal that fuels our bodies and allows us to care for creation. We are honored to steward your creation. Amen.
More vegan Thanksgiving recipes
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📖 Recipe
Tofu with Mushroom Gravy
Equipment
- Air Fryer optional
Ingredients
Breaded Tofu
- 1 14 Ounce Block Extra Firm Tofu
- 3 Tablespoons Ground Flaxseed + 6 Tablespoons Water
- ¾ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs gluten-free, if necessary
- 1 Tablespoon Nutritional Yeast
- 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Thyme
- ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
Mushroom Gravy
- ½ Small Red Onion diced
- 1 Small Carrot sliced
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 8 Ounces Cremini Mushrooms sliced
- 2 Tablespoons Oat Flour
- 1 ¾ Cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 Teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the tofu. In a shallow bowl, mix the flax egg. Let sit 5 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into 4 rectangles by slicing the block in half across the middle and then cutting each rectangle in half height-wise.
- In a second shallow bowl or baking dish mix the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each piece of tofu in the flax egg and then the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently on each side to help the breadcrumbs stick.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Prepare the gravy. Using a splash of the vegetable broth, sauté the onion, carrot, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat, until the onions are translucent and the carrots softened, about 8 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat.
- Add the remaining vegetable broth, mushrooms, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then immediately turn down the heat, partially cover and cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- If you want, remove some of the mushrooms before blending. Add the mushrooms to a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a gravy boat and add the reserved mushrooms.
- Serve the gravy over the tofu.
Notes
AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS
To make this tofu in the air fryer follow the preparation instructions as written. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes.Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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