Popular Types of Vegan Sausage & How to Make Vegan Steamed Sausage

Vegan sausage is a familiar dish in many Vietnamese vegetarian meals. With a pleasantly chewy texture, easy preparation, and versatility in cooking, it often appears in daily family meals as well as on vegetarian feast tables during full-moon days or Buddhist celebrations such as Vu Lan. In this article, Vô Uý Vegetarian Restaurant introduces the most popular types of vegan sausage and shares simple, reliable ways to make vegan steamed sausage at home.

Vegan Sausage – A Familiar Dish in Vietnamese Vegetarian Cuisine

Vegan sausage is made entirely from plant-based ingredients, carefully crafted to mimic the texture and flavor of traditional sausages. Thanks to balanced seasoning and proper preparation techniques, it maintains a satisfying chewiness and rich taste—without using any animal-based products.

This dish has long been present in traditional Vietnamese vegetarian meals, especially during Buddhist holidays, lunar full-moon days, and the first days of the lunar month. Over time, vegan sausage has evolved with improved ingredients and cooking methods, becoming an everyday staple in modern vegetarian diets.

Popular Types of Vegan Sausage Today

In contemporary vegetarian cuisine, vegan sausage has become increasingly diverse to suit different tastes and nutritional needs. Each variation offers its own unique ingredients, flavors, and cooking styles, helping make vegetarian meals more appealing and varied.

Some of the most popular types include:

• Vegan steamed sausage: Soft and chewy with a mild flavor, easy to use in many dishes.

• Vegan sausage wrapped in betel leaves: Aromatic and savory, commonly fried or grilled.

• Mushroom-based vegan sausage: Made from oyster mushrooms, shiitake, or wood ear mushrooms; light and easy to eat.

• Tofu-based vegan sausage: Mildly rich and smooth, ideal for long-term vegetarians.

• Seaweed vegan sausage: Distinctive aroma and rich in minerals.

• Vegan crab-flavored sausage: Inspired by seafood flavors, often used in soups and noodle dishes.

• Green rice (cốm) vegan sausage: Soft, fragrant, and deeply rooted in Vietnamese culinary tradition.

Thanks to this versatility, vegan sausage can be enjoyed on its own or combined into braised, stir-fried, simmered, or mixed dishes—adding variety to everyday vegetarian meals.

2 Foolproof Ways to Make Delicious Vegan Steamed Sausage at Home

If you’re looking for an easy and reliable way to prepare vegan sausage at home, the two vegan steamed sausage recipes below will help you create safe, flavorful dishes that suit the whole family.

How to Make Vegan Steamed Sausage from Fresh Soy Skin

Vegan steamed sausage made from fresh soy skin offers a naturally chewy texture without the need for many additives. It remains firm, aromatic, and easy to eat—making it a classic choice for traditional vegetarian meals.

Ingredients

• 200g fresh soy skin

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 banana leaf (washed and dried)

• Seasonings: salt, ground pepper, white sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the soy skin

Soak the soy skin in clean water until fully softened, then trim off any tough edges. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add baking soda, and blanch the soy skin for about 3 minutes to enhance elasticity. Remove, let cool slightly, then squeeze out excess water thoroughly. Cut into small pieces.

Place the soy skin in a bowl, season with salt, pepper, and sugar to taste, and mix well until evenly seasoned.

Step 2: Wrap and boil

Spread the seasoned soy skin evenly on the banana leaf and roll tightly into a cylindrical shape, similar to traditional Vietnamese sausage. Secure with kitchen twine or food-safe string. Boil in simmering water for 30–40 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 3: Finished product

Once cooked, the vegan steamed sausage has an appealing color and a naturally chewy, crisp texture. Slice and enjoy immediately, or use it for braised, stir-fried, or glazed dishes.

How to Make Vegan Steamed Sausage from Oyster Mushrooms

This version, made from oyster mushrooms, has a light flavor, moderate chewiness, and is rich in dietary fiber. It’s especially suitable for long-term vegetarians or those following a healthy eating lifestyle.

Ingredients

• 500g fresh oyster mushrooms

• 60g tapioca starch

• 50g all-purpose flour

• Leek

• Seasonings: vegan seasoning powder, sugar, whole peppercorns, salt, cooking oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Wash the oyster mushrooms thoroughly, soak briefly in lightly salted water for about 10 minutes, then rinse again. Squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent a mushy texture, then finely chop or shred.

Wash and finely chop the leek. Crush the peppercorns.

Step 2: Blend the mixture

Add the mushrooms, tapioca starch, flour, vegan seasoning powder, sugar, leek, and pepper into a blender. Blend until smooth, elastic, and well combined.

Step 3: Steam the sausage

Lightly grease a bowl or mold to prevent sticking. Transfer the mixture into the mold, smooth the surface, and brush a thin layer of oil on top for a glossy finish. Steam for about 40 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 4: Finished product

The oyster mushroom vegan steamed sausage has a gentle chewiness and a pleasant aroma of pepper and leek. Once cooled, slice into bite-sized pieces and enjoy as-is or incorporate into other vegetarian dishes.

What Delicious Dishes Can You Make with Vegan Steamed Sausage? Simple Vegetarian Ideas

Vegan steamed sausage is a familiar ingredient in everyday vegetarian meals. It pairs well with steamed rice, fresh rice noodles, and a variety of green vegetables. Below are some popular and easy vegetarian dishes made with vegan steamed sausage that many people enjoy.

Pepper-Braised Vegan Steamed Sausage – Rich and Comforting

Pepper-braised vegan steamed sausage features a balanced sweet–savory flavor with a gentle heat from black pepper, making it perfect for family meals.

Ingredients:
Sliced vegan steamed sausage, ground pepper, soy sauce, sugar, chili (optional).

Instructions:
Lightly pan-fry the sausage slices until lightly golden, then remove. Caramelize sugar to create a light amber color, add the sausage and toss gently. Add soy sauce, sugar, and enough water to just cover the sausage. Simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens. Finish with ground pepper and adjust seasoning to taste.

Tip:
Replace water with fresh coconut water for a naturally richer, slightly sweet flavor.

Light Sweet-and-Savory Glazed Vegan Steamed Sausage

This glazed dish has a mild, well-balanced taste that’s easy to enjoy, suitable for both children and elderly family members. Its gentle flavor helps keep vegetarian meals light and comforting.

Ingredients:
Vegan steamed sausage, soy sauce, sugar, vegan oyster sauce, caramel coloring or coconut water.

Instructions:
Cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Mix soy sauce, sugar, vegan oyster sauce, and a little water. Simmer the sausage over low heat, stirring gently until the sauce thickens and coats each piece evenly.

Stir-Fried Vegan Steamed Sausage with Lemongrass and Chili

This dish delivers bold aromas with a mild spiciness from lemongrass and chili, making it a great option to add warmth and depth to vegetarian meals.

Ingredients:
Vegan steamed sausage, minced lemongrass, minced chili, cooking oil, soy sauce, sugar.

Instructions:
Sauté lemongrass and chili until fragrant. Add shredded vegan sausage and stir-fry quickly. Season with soy sauce, sugar, and vegan seasoning. Cook until evenly seasoned and serve hot.

Refreshing Vegan Steamed Sausage Salad (Light & Weight-Friendly)

This fresh salad is low in oil, easy to eat, and suitable for those following a vegetarian weight-management diet. Crisp vegetables combined with vegan steamed sausage create a satisfying yet healthy meal.

Ingredients:
Vegan steamed sausage, lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mixed greens, lemon or vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper.

Instructions:
Cut the sausage into small cubes and lightly pan-sear or shallow-fry. Toss with lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and greens. Mix lemon (or vinegar), olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing, then combine gently.

How to Choose High-Quality Vegan Steamed Sausage

If you don’t have time to make it at home, consider the following tips to choose good-quality vegan steamed sausage:

• Color: Natural off-white or light pink; avoid unnaturally bright white.

• Texture: Firm and elastic when pressed; slices should not crumble.

• Ingredients: Choose products with clear origins and clean ingredients. For those allergic to soy, opt for soy-free versions.

Choosing quality products ensures better taste and peace of mind for long-term vegetarian meals.

Preparation Tips Before Cooking

Proper preparation helps maintain flavor and texture:

• For braised or glazed dishes: Lightly pan-fry the sausage first to firm the surface and improve seasoning absorption.

• For soups: Briefly blanch in boiling water to remove excess oil and enhance firmness.

These simple steps help preserve natural flavor and improve the overall quality of vegetarian dishes.

What to Serve with Vegan Sausage?

Thanks to its mild flavor and pleasant chewiness, vegan sausage pairs well with many dishes—from simple to more elaborate meals.

With Steamed Rice

A few slices with hot rice and boiled vegetables or cucumber make a quick, nutritious vegetarian meal.

With Fresh Rice Noodles or Bread

Thinly sliced sausage served with rice noodles or bread, plus fresh herbs and vegetables, makes a light and satisfying breakfast or quick meal.

In Wraps and Vegetarian Soups

Often used as filling for rice paper rolls or added to noodle soups and light broths, enhancing flavor without heaviness.

With the Right Dipping Sauce

Sweet-and-sour soy sauce, black bean sauce, or vegan fish sauce elevate the taste. Add chili, garlic, or lime to suit your preference.

Proper Storage Tips for Vegan Sausage

Correct storage helps preserve taste and food safety:

Cooked Sausage

Let cool completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and consume within 2–3 days.

Uncooked or Freshly Made Sausage

Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze and thaw slowly before cooking.

Food Safety Note

Avoid exceeding recommended storage times, even when refrigerated, to maintain quality and safety.

Conclusion

Vegan sausage is a versatile, easy-to-use ingredient in modern vegetarian cuisine. From homemade vegan steamed sausage to braised, stir-fried, and fresh salad dishes, it brings both convenience and great taste. If you’d like to enjoy carefully prepared, flavorful vegetarian sausage dishes made with quality ingredients, visit Vô Uý Vegetarian Restaurant for a wholesome and satisfying plant-based dining experience.