Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

This easy Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is incredibly delicious and makes a fun lunch or dinner to share—or not! Packed with a realistic but healthy homemade meat alternative, caramelized onions, and smothered in homemade melty, gooey vegan cheese in a hoagie roll, this is a truly satisfying vegan sandwich recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory seitan, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy vegan cheese creates a flavor explosion.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this Vegan Philly Cheesesteak in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your sandwich by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, these sandwiches are sure to please everyone.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Enjoy all the comforting flavors of a classic cheesesteak without compromising on health.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Vegan Philly Cheesesteak, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools and equipment to help you along the way.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Instant Pot (optional)
• Grill pan
• Blender or small pot for making cheese

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: This is perfect for sautéing the onions and cooking the seitan mixture evenly.
• Instant Pot: While optional, using an Instant Pot can save time when preparing the seitan quickly.
• Grill pan: Ideal for achieving that perfect golden-brown toast on your hoagie rolls.
• Blender or small pot: Essential for creating that creamy, melted vegan cheese that ties everything together.

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Ingredients

For the Seitan

• 1 Batch ZardyPlants Beef Seitan (see note 1 for substitutions)
• ¼ Cup Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce (see note 2)

For the Vegetables

• 2 Medium White Onions, sliced in ¼-inch thick half moons
• 2 Green Bell Peppers, optional
• 16 Ounces White Button Mushrooms, optional (or any mushrooms, or omit)

For the Cheese

• 1 Batch 6-minute ZardyPlants Vegan Provolone (see note 3)

How to Make Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Step 1: Cook the Onions

Start onions cooking in a large pan over medium-high heat. If you’re cooking without oil, add a splash of water when things start to stick. If preferred, use olive oil instead.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

After the onions turn translucent, add the green bell peppers and mushrooms if using. Cook them down for about 10 minutes while reducing heat to medium. Stir in 2 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare Seitan

Once your seitan is done cooking, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step enhances its juiciness and flavor.

Step 4: Blend Cheese (Optional)

If you haven’t made your vegan provolone yet, blend up the ingredients. Cook them for a few minutes in a small pot until stretchy. Alternatively, you can use store-bought vegan cheese.

Step 5: Grill Bread

Heat a grill pan over medium heat and melt some vegan butter. Grill the cut sides of your hoagie rolls until golden brown.

Step 6: Slice Seitan

After resting, slice the seitan into quarter-inch thick pieces and cut those pieces in half lengthwise.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

In the pan with cooked vegetables over medium heat, add all sliced seitan and another dose of soy sauce or liquid aminos. Stir until heated through.

Step 8: Assemble Sandwiches

Scoop some of the seitan mixture into your toasted rolls. Top with melted cheese or slices of store-bought cheese as preferred. Enjoy immediately!

Step 9: Store Leftovers

Make only as many sandwiches as you plan to eat to keep your bread fresh. Refrigerate leftover components separately in sealed containers for up to five days; seitan can be frozen for up to three months.

Now you’re ready to dive into an unforgettable Vegan Philly Cheesesteak experience! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is a delightful, hearty sandwich that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re keeping it classic or adding a twist, serving suggestions can enhance the overall dining experience.

Classic Serving

• On a Hoagie Roll: The traditional way to serve this sandwich is in a toasted hoagie roll, allowing the gooey vegan cheese and flavorful seitan to shine.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Side Salad: Pair your cheesesteak with a fresh side salad. A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette adds brightness.

With Crispy Fries

• French Fries: Crispy French fries are the perfect companion. You can opt for traditional, sweet potato, or even air-fried versions for a healthier option.

Dipped in Sauce

• With Vegan Ranch: Serve your cheesesteak with a side of homemade vegan ranch for dipping. It adds creaminess and tanginess that complements the flavors beautifully.

As an Open-Faced Sandwich

• Open-Face Style: For a different presentation, serve the cheesesteak open-faced on toasted bread, topped generously with veggies and cheese.

How to Perfect Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

To achieve the best Vegan Philly Cheesesteak, follow these helpful tips that ensure flavor and texture perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality seitan elevate the taste significantly. Opt for seasonal produce when possible.
• Caramelize Onions Well: Take your time while cooking onions; well-caramelized onions add sweetness and depth to the sandwich.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t hesitate to try different vegan cheese brands or recipes. A stretchy mozzarella-style cheese can bring extra delight.
• Toast Your Bread: Toasting the hoagie rolls not only improves texture but also helps prevent sogginess from fillings.
• Add Heat: If you enjoy spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Make Extra Seitan: Prepare more seitan than needed; it freezes well and is great for quick meals later.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Complementing your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak with tasty side dishes enhances your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, they pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of the cheesesteak.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the sandwich.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers provide a nutritious side option.
4. Potato Wedges: Hearty potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying companion.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn offers sweetness and fun texture alongside your sandwich.
6. Pickles: Tangy dill pickles bring acidity that complements the rich flavors of the cheesesteak perfectly.
7. Chips & Salsa: A crunchy snack that adds zest; opt for baked tortilla chips for a healthier take.
8. Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad with herbs and lemon dressing provides lightness and nutrition to round out your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak, there are a few common mistakes that can detract from the experience. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Bold flavorless veggies: Using bland or overcooked vegetables can result in a dull sandwich. Always aim for fresh, vibrant ingredients and cook them just until tender for maximum flavor.
• Bold skipping seasoning: Forgetting to season your filling properly can lead to a lackluster taste. Be sure to include ingredients like reduced sodium soy sauce and other spices to enhance the flavors of your seitan and veggies.
• Bold using stale bread: Stale hoagie rolls can ruin the texture of your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak. Use fresh rolls and consider lightly toasting them for added crunch.
• Bold overcrowding the pan: Overloading your skillet with too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even caramelization and browning.
• Bold not letting seitan rest: Slicing the seitan immediately after cooking can lead to dry pieces. Let it rest for a full 10 minutes before slicing for juicier results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Should be consumed within 5 days for best quality.

Freezing Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

• Place leftover seitan and veggies in a freezer-safe airtight container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap sandwiches in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place sandwich on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak?

A Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is a plant-based version of the classic cheesesteak sandwich, made with seitan or other meat alternatives, sautéed vegetables, and vegan cheese.

How do you make homemade vegan cheese for the Vegan Philly Cheesesteak?

To make homemade vegan cheese, blend ingredients such as cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices, then cook them briefly on the stovetop until they become creamy and stretchy.

Can I customize my Vegan Philly Cheesesteak?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, switch up the spices, or use different types of vegan cheese based on your preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is great for meal prep. Just store the components separately and assemble sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to eat.

How do I prevent my Vegan Philly Cheesesteak from being soggy?

To avoid sogginess, ensure that your bread is fresh and lightly toasted. Also, avoid overloading the filling with too much moisture during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This easy Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is not only delicious but also versatile. Customize it with your favorite veggies or sauces to make it uniquely yours. Don’t hesitate to try this fantastic recipe that appeals to both vegans and non-vegans alike!