Vegemite Goes Vegan

It’s black, it’s salty, it’s Australian — and it’s completely vegan. Vegemite, that mysterious yeasty spread adored (and feared) around the world, is more than just a toast-topper. It’s a secret umami weapon that can turn everyday vegan meals into rich, flavour-packed dishes.

I’ve loved Vegemite all my life and if you’ve not tried it, I hope you give a few of these recipes a try. Here are my 10 vegan recipes using Vegemite — from burgers and pasta to gravy and cheese — proving once and for all that Vegemite isn’t just for breakfast.

🥣 1. Vegemite & Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tsp Vegemite
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• Salt & pepper to taste

Method

1. Sauté onion and mushrooms in olive oil until soft.
2. Stir in flour, then add Vegemite and stock.
3. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.

Serve with: Vegan sausages, mashed potatoes, or roast vegetables.

🍝 2. Vegemite Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 250g spaghetti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Vegemite
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp vegan butter
• Splash of pasta water

Method

1. Cook pasta; reserve a little water.
2. Melt butter and Vegemite in a pan.
3. Add pasta and nutritional yeast; toss well (add reserved water if needed).

Tip: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavour.

🍠 3. Vegemite Roast Veggies

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Vegemite
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 cups chopped root veggies

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Whisk oil, Vegemite, and maple syrup.
3. Toss veggies, roast 35–40 minutes.

Result: Sweet, salty, umami-coated perfection.

🍔 4. Vegemite & Lentil Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 can lentils, drained
• 1 tsp Vegemite
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 grated carrot
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Olive oil for frying

Method

1. Mash lentils, mix in all ingredients.
2. Shape patties, fry until golden.

Serve on: A bun with vegan mayo, lettuce, and beetroot (a true Aussie touch!).

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🥄 5. Vegemite Stir-Fry Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp Vegemite
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Method

1. Whisk all together.
2. Pour over cooked tofu and veggies.
3. Simmer until glossy and thick.

Pairs beautifully with: Rice or noodles.

🥔 6. Vegemite Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Vegemite
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 2 cups mashed potato

Method

1. Sauté onion and carrot.
2. Add lentils, tomato paste, and Vegemite.
3. Stir in stock and simmer 10 mins.
4. Top with mash and bake at 180°C for 25 mins.
5. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley before serving.

🧀 7. Vegemite & Cashew Cheese Spread

Ingredients

• 1 cup soaked cashews
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Vegemite
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

1. Blend everything until smooth.
2. Chill before serving.

Use on: Crackers, sandwiches, or toast

🍛 8. Vegemite Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (cold)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 block tofu, cubed
• 1 tsp Vegemite
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Method

1. Fry tofu until golden; set aside.
2. Stir-fry veggies; add rice, soy sauce, and Vegemite.
3. Return tofu and mix until evenly coated.

Bonus: Add chopped spring onion for crunch.

🥪 9. Vegemite Toasted Sandwich

Simple and satisfying!

Ingredients

• 2 slices bread
• 1 tsp Vegemite
• 1 tbsp vegan butter
• 1 slice vegan cheese

Method

1. Butter outside of bread.
2. Spread Vegemite and cheese inside.
3. Toast until golden and melty.

Think of it as: The Aussie answer to grilled cheese.

🥧 10. Vegemite Savoury Scrolls

Ingredients

• 1 sheet vegan puff pastry
• 1 tbsp Vegemite
• 2 tbsp vegan cheese (grated)

Method

1. Spread Vegemite and cheese on pastry.
2. Roll, slice, and bake at 200°C for 15 minutes.

Perfect for: Lunchboxes, picnics, or afternoon snacks.

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🌿 Why Vegemite Belongs in Every Vegan Kitchen

Vegemite’s umami-rich flavour boosts stews, gravies, and sauces without relying on meat or cheese. It’s low in fat, high in B vitamins, and proudly Australian. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-timer, using Vegemite in cooking gives your vegan meals a depth of flavour that’s hard to beat.

Which Vegan recipes are You Going to Try?

Who knew this humble black spread could be so versatile? From burgers and gravies to cheesy scrolls and stir-fries, Vegemite brings a salty, savoury punch to any vegan recipe. So next time someone questions why you’ve got a jar in the pantry, smile and say — “Because I’m a true-blue Aussie vegan, mate.”