This quick and easy Vegan Samphire Gnocchi recipe is made with vegan butter, garlic, lemon, and parsley. Discover how to cook this fresh, coastal-inspired dish in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe below.
Vegan Samphire Gnocchi is a beautifully simple dish that brings together pillowy soft gnocchi with the bright, salty crunch of samphire. Often referred to as “sea asparagus,” samphire is a coastal plant that grows along shorelines, salt marshes, and tidal flats. Its naturally briney flavour makes it a perfect partner for rich, buttery dishes.
Samphire is typically in season from late spring through summer in the UK. You’ll often find it at fishmongers, farmers’ markets, or well-stocked supermarkets. Because it grows in salty environments, samphire has a unique flavour that pairs well with simple ingredients like lemon, garlic, and herbs.
This Vegan Samphire Gnocchi recipe is quick, satisfying, and ideal for weeknight cooking. Using store-bought gnocchi keeps things easy, while the combination of shallots, vegan butter, and fresh parsley creates a dish that feels both indulgent and light. Whether you’re new to samphire or already a fan, this recipe is a great way to celebrate its vibrant flavour.
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Ingredients
Get your shopping list at the ready. You're going to need:
- Store-bought gnocchi (or make your own!)
- Shallots
- Vegan butter (like Flora or Naturli)
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper
You should be able to get samphire in larger supermarkets when it is in season. I usually buy mine in Waitrose or Marks and Spencer's food hall.
Step-by-step instructions
- Step 1: fry the shallot and garlic in the vegan butter
- Step 2: add the samphire and cook until tender
- Step 3: cook the gnocchi according to the packets instructions
- Step 4: drain the gnocchi and add to the pan with the samphire and shallots
- Step 5: stir through the parsley, lemon zest and lemon juice at the last moment, season to taste and serve
Hint: don't overcook the samphire. Keeping it slightly crisp preserves its fresh flavour and prevents it from becoming overly salty or mushy.
Substitutions
Can't find some of the key ingredients? Try one of these substitutions:
- Samphire: swap for tenderstem broccoli or green beans
- Gnocchi: swap for pasta
Variations
This recipe can be made spicy by adding dried chilli flakes or fresh red chilli. It gives the dish a real kick!
Equipment
You don't need too much equipment for this recipe. Make sure your saucepans are large enough to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Knife
- Chopping board
- 2 saucepans
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Storage
If you have to you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently in a pan with a small knob of vegan butter or a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
But, in my opinion this dish is best enjoyed fresh, as gnocchi can become dense when reheated.
Top tip
Because samphire is naturally salty, always taste the dish before adding extra salt. You may not need any at all!
Frequently asked questions
Samphire has a crisp texture and slightly salty, slightly grassy flavour that reminds you of the sea.
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well, just cook it according to the package instructions.
You can usually find it in farmers' markets or larger supermarkets when it is in season. If you don't mind going into a fishmongers they also sometimes sell it there.
The recipe
Vegan Samphire Gnocchi
Equipment
- 1 knife
- 1 chopping board
- 2 saucepans
- 1 colander
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 500 g gnocchi
- 2 shallots thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon vegan butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 100 g samphire
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced shallots and cook gently for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the samphire to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still vibrant green.
- While that's cooking, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.
- Add the gnocchi and cook according to the packet instructions (usually until they float to the surface).
- Drain then add the cooked gnocchi to the pan and toss gently to coat in the buttery mixture.
- Stir in the lemon zest, juice, and chopped parsley.
- Season with black pepper and a small pinch of salt if needed.
Nutrition
Serving suggestions
Serve samphire gnocchi as a light main course with a crisp green salad or alongside roasted vegetables.
It also pairs beautifully with grilled plant-based proteins or a simple glass of chilled white wine.
For extra texture, consider adding toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top.
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