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. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish will win over everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredible Flavor: The combination of savory seitan, caramelized onions, and rich vegan cheese creates an irresistible taste.
  • Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your palate.
  • Healthy Alternative: This Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is packed with protein and fiber yet remains low in fat.
  • Fun for Sharing: Make a batch to enjoy with friends or family—these sandwiches are sure to impress!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak preparation seamless, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment can enhance your cooking experience and ensure optimal results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large pan or skillet
  • Instant Pot (optional)
  • Blender
  • Grill pan or large skillet for toasting rolls
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large pan or skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables evenly without burning.
  • Blender: Helps create smooth vegan cheese quickly, making it easy to achieve that melty texture.
  • Grill pan or large skillet for toasting rolls: Ensures your hoagies have that golden-brown crunch that complements the filling perfectly.
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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: Prepare Your Ingredients

If you are making my easy Instant Pot seitan recipe, I like to start the veggies and cheese while the pressure is releasing naturally from the pressure cooker (or if steaming on the stove top, during the last 10 minutes of the cooking process).

Step 2: Cook the Onions

Start onions cooking in a large pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. I cook without oil so I just add a splash of water when things start to stick. If you prefer oil, use olive oil or vegetable oil.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

After the onions have become fairly translucent, add the peppers and mushrooms if using. Let those cook down for about 10 minutes. Turn down the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce during cooking.

Step 4: Rest the Seitan

Whenever the seitan is done cooking, let it rest for 10 minutes. This step ensures better flavor and juiciness.

Step 5: Finish Cooking Veggies

Continue to cook the veggies over medium-low heat until you’re satisfied with their texture. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Make Vegan Provolone

If you haven’t made my vegan provolone yet, quickly blend up the ingredients (omit onion powder and increase garlic powder). Cook in a small pot for a few minutes until stretchy.

Step 7: Toast Your Rolls

Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium heat. Add vegan butter and grill cut sides of your bread until golden brown.

Step 8: Slice Seitan

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

Step 9: Combine Everything

Toss all delicious ingredients together in the pan with veggies over medium heat. Add another 2 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos.

Step 10: Assemble Sandwiches

Add scoops of seitan and sautéed vegetables into your toasted roll. Top with melted cheese (or slices) as desired before closing up your sandwich.

Step 11: Store Leftovers

Only make as many sandwiches as you’d like to eat; this keeps leftovers fresh. Refrigerate cool leftovers separately for up to five days or freeze seitan for up to three months in an airtight container.

How to Serve Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

This Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is a versatile dish that you can enjoy in a variety of ways. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or just treating yourself, here are some ideas for how to present and enjoy your delicious sandwiches.

With Crispy Fries

  • Pair your sandwiches with crispy fries for a classic comfort food combo. You can opt for sweet potato fries or traditional potato fries, both of which complement the savory flavors of the cheesesteak.

On a Platter

  • Serve sliced Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks on a platter for sharing. Add toothpicks for easy grabbing, making it perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.

With Fresh Salad

  • A fresh green salad adds a healthy balance to the richness of the sandwich. Try a simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten up the meal.

With Pickles

  • Include pickles on the side for an extra crunch and tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and seitan. Dill pickles work particularly well!

With Dipping Sauce

  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as vegan ranch or spicy aioli. This offers an additional flavor dimension and makes each bite even more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Perfecting your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your sandwich-making skills.

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality seitan will enhance the overall flavor of your cheesesteak.

  • Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing onions; low heat allows them to develop their natural sweetness without burning.

  • Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to add different spices or herbs to your seitan mixture. This can create unique variations of the classic recipe.

  • Make Your Cheese Creamy: Ensure your vegan cheese is creamy enough by adding a little plant-based milk while cooking if needed, which can improve texture and meltability.

  • Toast Your Rolls: Toasting the hoagie rolls adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch, making each bite more satisfying.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

To complement your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak, consider serving it with these delicious side dishes that enhance the meal experience.

  1. Sweet Potato Fries
    These crispy fries provide a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with savory flavors.

  2. Coleslaw
    A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing the hearty cheesesteak perfectly.

  3. Roasted Vegetables
    Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds color to your plate.

  4. Potato Salad
    A creamy vegan potato salad is a classic side that works well with any sandwich dish, providing comfort food vibes.

  5. Corn on the Cob
    Grilled or boiled corn on the cob offers a juicy, sweet addition that complements the richness of the sandwich.

  6. Chips and Guacamole
    Crunchy tortilla chips paired with creamy guacamole bring a fun twist to your meal while adding another layer of flavor.

  7. Stuffed Jalapeños
    For those who like heat, stuffed jalapeños make an exciting side that pairs well with cheesy flavors.

  8. Garlic Bread
    Warm garlic bread is always a hit! Its buttery flavor enhances any meal and is perfect for sopping up melted cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your sandwich is delicious and satisfying.

  • Overcooking the Vegetables: If you let the onions and peppers cook too long, they can become mushy. Aim for a tender yet crisp texture by cooking them until just softened.
  • Skipping the Resting Time: After cooking seitan, skipping the resting period can result in dry chunks. Allowing it to rest for 10 minutes enhances moisture and flavor.
  • Not Seasoning Enough: A bland sandwich lacks excitement. Ensure you use enough soy sauce or seasonings to bring out the flavors of your veggies and seitan.
  • Using Too Much Bread: A thick hoagie roll can overpower the filling. Opt for a lighter bread or use less to create a balanced bite of seitan, cheese, and veggies.
  • Neglecting Cheese Options: Using store-bought vegan cheese can be convenient, but homemade options offer better flavor and texture. Consider making your own for optimal gooeyness.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftover Vegan Philly Cheesesteak in an airtight container.
  • It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

  • Separate the seitan and veggies from the cheese before freezing.
  • Use freezer-safe containers to keep them fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each until hot.
  • Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak.

What is a Vegan Philly Cheesesteak?

A Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is a plant-based version of the classic sandwich made with seitan and topped with sautéed vegetables and vegan cheese, all served in a hoagie roll.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute seitan with marinated jackfruit or mushrooms as a gluten-free alternative. Just ensure your hoagie roll is also gluten-free.

How do I customize my Vegan Philly Cheesesteak?

Feel free to add extra toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or different veggies based on your personal preference!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the seitan and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Philly Cheesesteak offers an incredible combination of flavors that everyone will love. With its juicy seitan filling, caramelized onions, and melty vegan cheese, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients for even more deliciousness!

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Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

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Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of this Vegan Philly Cheesesteak, a plant-based twist on the classic sandwich that promises to delight your taste buds. Featuring savory seitan as a meat alternative, caramelized onions, and rich melted vegan cheese stuffed into a toasted hoagie roll, this recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day gatherings. Quick and easy to make in just 20 minutes, it’s customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices, making it an enjoyable dish for everyone. Whether shared with friends or savored solo, this Vegan Philly Cheesesteak is sure to become a beloved addition to your meal rotation.

  • Author: Lena
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Batch ZardyPlants Beef Seitan
  • ¼ Cup Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 2 Medium White Onions, sliced in ¼-inch thick half moons
  • 2 Green Bell Peppers, optional
  • 16 Ounces White Button Mushrooms, optional
  • 1 Batch 6-minute ZardyPlants Vegan Provolone

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients; slice seitan if using.
  2. In a large pan over medium-high heat, sauté onions until translucent—add water if sticking.
  3. Add optional bell peppers and mushrooms; cook until softened.
  4. Rest seitan for 10 minutes after cooking to enhance flavor.
  5. Continue cooking vegetables until desired texture is reached.
  6. Blend ingredients for homemade vegan cheese and heat until stretchy.
  7. Toast hoagie rolls on a grill pan until golden brown.
  8. Slice rested seitan and mix with sautéed vegetables in the pan; add soy sauce.
  9. Fill toasted rolls with the mixture and top with melted cheese before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich (200g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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