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: Enjoy the rich, savory taste that mimics traditional Philly cheesesteaks without any animal products.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up these sandwiches in just about 20 minutes!
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or change the type of mushrooms based on your preference.
• Healthy Alternative: Made with wholesome ingredients like seitan and veggies, this recipe offers a nutritious twist on a classic favorite.
• Great for Meal Prep: Prepare extra filling for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure everything turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Grill pan or another large skillet
• Instant Pot (optional)
• Blender (for vegan cheese)
• Hoagie rolls

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sautéing onions and vegetables evenly without sticking.
• Grill pan: Perfect for achieving that golden brown crust on your hoagie rolls.
• Blender: Essential for creating smooth and creamy homemade vegan cheese that melts beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Seitan Filling

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

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

How to Make Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Step 1: Start Cooking the Veggies

1. If you are making my easy Instant Pot seitan recipe, start the veggies while the pressure releases naturally from the cooker.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, begin cooking the onions. If you prefer oil-free cooking like me, splash in some water to deglaze as needed. If using oil, add a splash of your choice at this point.

Step 2: Add Peppers and Mushrooms

1. Once onions are translucent, add in the optional green peppers and mushrooms.
2. Cook these down for about 10 minutes before reducing heat to medium.
3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce; let the vegetables release their moisture without adding more liquid.

Step 3: Prepare Your Seitan

1. When your seitan is finished cooking, let it rest for about 10 minutes—this enhances its flavor and texture.
2. Slice it into quarter-inch thick slices and then cut those pieces in half lengthwise.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

1. Return to your veggie mixture; continue cooking on medium-low until you’re satisfied with its doneness.
2. Add all of your sliced seitan into the veggie pan along with another couple tablespoons of soy sauce or liquid aminos; stir well.

Step 5: Toast Your Hoagie Rolls

1. Heat a grill pan over medium heat with a bit of vegan butter.
2. Grill the cut sides of each hoagie roll until they reach a nice golden brown color.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwiches

1. Scoop generous servings of seitan and veggie mix into each toasted roll.
2. Top with a dollop of melted vegan cheese or slices from your store-bought option if preferred.
3. Close up your sandwich carefully—grab a napkin—and enjoy!

Step 7: Store Leftovers Properly

Only prepare as many sandwiches as you plan to eat at once to keep bread fresh! Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover seitan and veg separately from cheese in sealed containers for up to five days in the fridge. You can freeze leftover seitan for up to three months in an airtight container.

Enjoy this delicious Vegan Philly Cheesesteak recipe that’s perfect for any meal occasion!

How to Serve Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it classic or add some unique twists, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your sandwich experience.

Classic Style

• Serve with a side of crispy fries for a traditional fast-food vibe.
• Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sandwich.

Toppings Galore

• Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Top with avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.

Dipping Sauces

• Serve with vegan ranch dressing for a creamy contrast.
• Try barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor that complements the seitan.

How to Perfect Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Creating the perfect Vegan Philly Cheesesteak involves a few key techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your sandwich game.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality seitan enhance the overall flavor and texture.
• Don’t rush the onions: Caramelizing onions takes time but adds depth to your sandwich; aim for golden brown sweetness.
• Experiment with cheese: Try different types of vegan cheese to find your favorite melting option.
• Toast your bread: A crispy hoagie roll adds a satisfying crunch and helps hold all the fillings together.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and naturally sweet, these make an excellent contrast to savory sandwiches.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the cheesesteak.
3. Mixed Greens Salad: Lightly dressed mixed greens provide a refreshing offset to the hearty sandwich.
4. Vegan Potato Salad: Creamy and comforting, potato salad pairs well with any sandwich meal.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky grilled corn makes a fun summer side dish.
6. Chickpea Salad: Protein-packed and flavorful, this salad brings an extra layer of nutrition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch for.

• Skipping the resting period – Allowing seitan to rest after cooking enhances its flavor and juiciness. Don’t rush this step!
• Overcooking the veggies – Cooking vegetables until they’re mushy can ruin the texture. Aim for tender but still crisp veggies.
• Using too much oil – While some recipes may call for oil, this dish can be made oil-free. Use water or vegetable broth instead.
• Not seasoning enough – A lack of seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to taste and adjust your soy sauce or spices as needed.
• Choosing the wrong bread – The right hoagie roll is essential for a great sandwich. Look for fresh, sturdy rolls that can hold up to the filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover ingredients in separate airtight containers.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

• Freeze leftover seitan and veggies separately from cheese.
• Place in freezer-safe airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat sandwiches wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual portions on medium power for about 1-2 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Philly Cheesesteak.

What is a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak?

A Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is a plant-based version of the classic sandwich, typically made with seitan, sautéed onions, peppers, and vegan cheese.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free alternatives like jackfruit or tofu instead of seitan for a gluten-free option.

How do I customize my Vegan Philly Cheesesteak?

Feel free to add different vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or swap out vegan cheese brands based on your preference!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is not only incredibly delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Give it a try; it might just become your new favorite sandwich!