Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

This easy Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is the perfect choice for a hearty lunch or dinner. It’s loaded with flavors and textures that will satisfy any craving for comfort food. With its delicious homemade seitan and gooey vegan cheese, this sandwich is both healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying it solo, this recipe will impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the savory taste of caramelized onions paired with melty vegan cheese.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Healthy Alternative: Packed with protein from seitan and fiber from veggies, it’s a guilt-free meal option.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for casual lunches, cozy dinners, or serving at gatherings.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan or skillet
• Instant Pot (optional)
• Grill pan or large skillet for toasting bread
• Blender (for making vegan cheese)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan or skillet: Essential for sautéing veggies and cooking the seitan.
• Instant Pot: Saves time when preparing seitan; ensures perfect texture.
• Grill pan: Ideal for achieving that crispy toasted bread that complements the filling perfectly.

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: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you are using an Instant Pot to make seitan, begin cooking it while prepping the vegetables.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

In a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of water to start cooking the onions. Sauté them until they become translucent.

Step 3: Sauté Additional Veggies

If using green bell peppers and mushrooms, add them after the onions are cooked. Let everything cook down for about 10 minutes before adding reduced sodium soy sauce.

Step 4: Rest the Seitan

Once your seitan is done cooking, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting time enhances its flavor and juiciness.

Step 5: Combine Veggies and Seitan

Slice your rested seitan into thin pieces. Add it to the pan with sautéed veggies along with additional soy sauce. Mix well over medium heat until heated through.

Step 6: Make Vegan Cheese (Optional)

If you haven’t made your vegan provolone yet, blend up the ingredients as directed in your recipe. Cook briefly in a small pot until melted and stretchy.

Step 7: Toast Your Bread

Heat a grill pan over medium heat with a bit of vegan butter. Toast each hoagie roll cut side down until golden brown.

Step 8: Assemble Your Sandwiches

Add scoops of the veggie-seitan mixture into each toasted roll, then top generously with melted vegan cheese. Close up the sandwich carefully before digging in!

Step 9: Store Leftovers Properly

Only prepare as many sandwiches as you plan to eat right away. Store leftover seitan and veggies separately from cheese in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to five days.

How to Serve Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Serving a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is all about creating a delicious experience that complements the flavors of the sandwich. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this satisfying dish.

With Classic Sides

• Fries: Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries make for a perfect crunchy companion.
• Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the savory sandwich.
• Pickles: A side of pickles offers a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the cheesesteak.

As Part of a Platter

• Veggie Chips: Serve with a variety of colorful veggie chips for a fun and healthy crunch.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer vegan ranch, barbecue sauce, or sriracha for added flavor options.
• Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the sandwich.

For Meal Prep

• Individual Containers: Pack sandwiches in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Freezer Portions: Assemble several sandwiches and wrap them well for quick meals later on.

How to Perfect Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Perfecting your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak involves paying attention to details that enhance flavor and texture. Follow these tips for a restaurant-quality experience.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and homemade seitan will elevate your sandwich’s taste significantly.
• Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take your time to caramelize onions thoroughly for maximum sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Cheese Sauce: A gooey, homemade cheese sauce makes all the difference; it adds creaminess that complements the other ingredients.
• Toast Your Bread: Toasting your hoagie rolls adds a delightful crunch that helps hold up against moist fillings.
• Experiment with Spices: Add spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even nutritional yeast to boost umami flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

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

1. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty addition.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal veggies and roast them until tender; they add color and nutrition.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing is refreshing and complements the richness of the cheesesteak.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brushed with vegan butter is a classic summer favorite.
5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad mixed with veggies provides a nice contrast in temperature and texture.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa add a fun snack element before your main meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak can be easy, but there are common mistakes that may affect your results.

• Skipping the seitan preparation: Not taking the time to prepare the seitan properly can lead to a chewy texture. Ensure you follow the instructions for making a juicy seitan.
• Overcooking the onions: Cooking onions too long can lead to burnt flavors. Sauté until they’re just translucent for the best taste.
• Not seasoning enough: Failing to add enough soy sauce or seasoning can make your cheesesteak bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly.
• Using stale bread: Using old or stale hoagie rolls will ruin your sandwich experience. Always choose fresh, soft rolls for a satisfying bite.
• Neglecting cheese melt: If you skip melting the cheese, your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak will lack that gooey goodness. Make sure to melt it well before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• They can last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

• Freeze leftover seitan and veggies separately from cheese.
• Use freezer-safe containers, and they will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Sauté on medium heat with a splash of water or vegetable broth until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak?

A Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is a plant-based version of the classic cheesesteak, featuring seitan, veggies, and vegan cheese in a hoagie roll.

How do I make Vegan Philly Cheesesteak gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, you can substitute seitan with mushrooms or tempeh. Ensure your hoagie rolls are also gluten-free.

Can I customize my Vegan Philly Cheesesteak?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like zucchini or use various types of vegan cheese based on your preference.

How do I store leftover Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks?

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers. The seitan and veggies last about 5 days in the fridge, while they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it with different toppings and veggies while still enjoying that comforting flavor. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to satisfy cravings while being a healthy choice.