Vegan Cheese Steak: Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak

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One of the dishes people miss most when switching to a vegan lifestyle is the classic Philly cheesesteak. But, through experimentation in the kitchen, I learned to create a delightful vegan Philly cheesesteak that didn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction!

With the rise of veganism, it’s easier than ever to find recipes that recreate the meals we all love, ensuring we don’t miss out on the tradition or the taste.

Creating a mouthwatering vegan cheesesteak is easier than you might think. It hinges on finding the right balance of textured vegan protein, like seasoned soy curls or juicy portobello mushrooms, and pairing it with a creamy vegan cheese sauce that’s rich in nutrition and flavor!

The magic happens when these elements combine with caramelized onions and peppers, nestled in a soft hoagie roll, making each bite as satisfying as the non-vegan counterparts.

Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just exploring meatless options, this recipe ensures you can enjoy a guilt-free, delicious meal that pays homage to a beloved classic.

Key Takeaways

  • Crafting a vegan cheesesteak is simple and satisfying.
  • Quality vegan proteins and homemade cheese sauce elevate the dish’s nutrition and flavor.
  • This recipe provides a compassionate, indulgent alternative to a traditionally non-vegan meal.

Ingredients List

In preparing a delicious vegan cheesesteak, I focus on selecting the perfect combination of meat alternatives, rich and melty cheese options, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Each ingredient is chosen to bring out the authentic flavors we love in a traditional cheesesteak.

Vegan Steak Alternatives

For the “steak” part of my cheesesteak, I typically opt for:

  • Seitan: A wheat-based meat substitute that has a chewy texture.
  • Tofu: Extra-firm tofu, when well-pressed and seasoned, gives a great bite.

Cheese And Sauce

A gooey cheese sauce brings everything together. Here’s what I use:

  • Vegan Cheese: Store-bought shredded vegan cheese or homemade from cashews or tapioca starch.
  • Nutritional Yeast: For that cheesy flavor without actual cheese.
  • Coconut Milk: Ideal for a creamy base.
  • Tapioca Starch: Helps thicken the sauce to a cheese-like consistency.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

Vegetables And Additional Fillings

No cheesesteak is complete without the veggies. I make sure to include:

  • Onions: Sliced thinly and caramelized to perfection.
  • Bell Peppers: Red and green for color and sweetness.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed until they’re rich in flavor.
  • Garlic: Minced or sliced, it adds a punch of flavor.
  • Olive oil for cooking.

By keeping these ingredients ready, I ensure that my vegan cheesesteak comes out flavorful and satisfies that hearty sandwich craving.

Preparation Steps

When I’m in the mood for a hearty sandwich, nothing does the trick quite like a vegan cheese steak. To assemble this comforting meal, I like to start with some quality seitan, which is a fantastic plant-based stand-in for the usual beef. Seitan’s chewy texture is perfect for mimicking the real thing.

Cooking Process

Before I jump into the nitty-gritty, let me highlight that cooking a vegan cheese steak is all about layers of flavor and texture. I make sure my stove is ready, spices are on point, and all the ingredients are prepped for the ultimate sandwich experience.

Combining The Ingredients

I begin on the stove, warming up a bit of olive oil in a pan. Once the oil is shimmering, I add sliced onions, stirring occasionally until they’re beautifully caramelized. Then I toss in some green bell pepper slices and watch them soften and meld with the sweet onions.

The seasoning is where I get creative, adding a blend of spices like garlic powder, paprika, and some salt and pepper. Everything is sautéed together until the veggies are fragrant and coated well with the spices. If I want a smoother, more integrated flavor, I sometimes use a whisk to stir a sauce or marinade in another bowl before adding it to the pan.

Final Touches And Assembly

Once my veggies are cooked to perfection, I get the bread ready. A quick toast in the oven gives that crunch we all love in a good sandwich. After smearing a generous amount of vegan cheese on the warm bread, I scoop the caramelized onions and peppers straight from the pan onto the bread.

Finally, I drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil or any left sauce to bring all those delectable flavors together. And there we have it—my scrumptious vegan cheese steak is ready to be devoured!

Vegan Cheese Steak
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Vegan Cheese Steak

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: VeganCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes

Enjoy these delicious and satisfying Vegan Cheese Steak sandwiches, packed with savory seitan, caramelized onions, peppers, and melty vegan cheese!

Ingredients

  • For the Seitan:

  • 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten

  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 cup vegetable broth

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • For the Sandwich:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced

  • 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls

  • Vegan cheese slices or shredded vegan cheese

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • Prepare the Seitan:
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce or tamari, and olive oil.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough for a few minutes, then divide it into 4 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin cutlet shape.
  • Cook the Seitan:
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
  • Cook the seitan cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Caramelize the Onions and Peppers:
  • In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
  • Add the sliced bell pepper and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Assemble the Sandwiches:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Split the hoagie rolls or sub rolls lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet.
  • Layer each roll with a seitan cutlet, caramelized onions, peppers, and mushrooms.
  • Top with vegan cheese slices or shredded vegan cheese.
  • Bake:
  • Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve:
  • Serve the Vegan Cheese Steak sandwiches hot, with your favorite side dishes or condiments.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I’ll cover some of the most common questions about vegan cheesesteaks, from ingredient alternatives to where to find them, and even how they compare to traditional cheesesteaks.

What plant-based alternatives are used to make a vegan cheesesteak?

Typically, vegan cheesesteaks use seitan, soy curls, or mushrooms as meat substitutes. These options mimic the texture of beef quite well, and when seasoned, can also come close to the desired flavor profile.

How can I find a restaurant that serves vegan cheesesteaks?

To locate a restaurant that serves vegan cheesesteaks, I would recommend using online platforms such as HappyCow or Yelp. These websites allow users to filter for vegan-friendly establishments, which increases the chance of finding a place that serves this specialty dish.

What are the best recipes for a vegan Philly cheesesteak?

There are countless recipes online for vegan Philly cheesesteaks, advocating various approaches and ingredients. A simple and popular version can be made using soy curls marinated in savory spices and combined with a vegan cheese sauce.

Can you make a satisfying vegan cheesesteak using mushrooms?

Absolutely! Mushrooms have a meaty texture that works well in a cheesesteak. Portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced and well seasoned, are an excellent choice for a satisfying vegan cheesesteak.

Are there any pre-made vegan meats suitable for a Philly cheesesteak?

Yes, there are pre-made vegan meat products that can replace the meat in a Philly cheesesteak. Brands such as Beyond Meat and Gardein offer ready-to-cook plant-based meats that are flavorsome and easy to prepare.

How do vegan cheesesteaks differ in taste and texture from the traditional ones?

Vegan cheesesteaks may differ in taste and texture due to the plant-based ingredients used, but many people find them just as enjoyable.

The key is in the seasoning and the preparation method to achieve a comparable savory flavor and tender yet chewy texture.