Craving a Philly cheesesteak, but striving for a plant-based lifestyle? Look no further! This Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Recipe captures the soul of the iconic sandwich, boasting tender, savory “meat”, melted “cheese”, and caramelized onions, all nestled in a toasted hoagie roll. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you questioning if it’s really vegan!
What Makes This Vegan Philly Cheesesteak so Special?
This recipe isn’t just about swapping meat for vegetables. It’s about recreating the complex, umami flavors and satisfying textures of a traditional Philly cheesesteak using purely plant-based ingredients. We’ll explore two popular options for the “meaty” filling:
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Meaty Mushrooms: Shiitake and cremini mushrooms, when cooked to perfection, develop a rich, savory flavor and satisfyingly chewy texture, perfectly mimicking the taste and feel of thinly sliced steak.
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Hearty Seitan: For those who prefer a chewier, meatier bite, seitan is the way to go. Derived from wheat gluten, seitan boasts a satisfying texture and readily absorbs flavors, making it an excellent canvas for the bold flavors of a Philly cheesesteak.
Ingredients for vegan Philly cheesesteak laid out on a table
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 8 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, thinly sliced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Seitan Filling (Optional):
- 8 oz seitan, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes, then drained
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
To Assemble:
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Vegan butter or olive oil, for toasting the rolls
A person slicing vegetables for vegan Philly cheesesteak
Let’s Get Cooking:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions and Peppers
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and green pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: “Don’t rush the caramelization process! The key to achieving that deep, savory flavor is to cook the onions and peppers slowly over low heat. Patience is your friend in the kitchen!” – Chef Amelia Green
Step 2: Cook the Mushroom Filling
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and peppers.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their liquid and are browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
- Stir in the minced garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Seitan Filling (Optional)
- While the mushrooms are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced seitan and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Set aside.
Mushrooms and onions cooking in a pan for vegan Philly cheesesteak filling
Step 5: Blend Up the Vegan Cheese Sauce
- Combine all the cheese sauce ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- You can adjust the consistency by adding more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed.
Step 6: Toast the Rolls
- While the filling is cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
- Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving one side connected.
- Place the rolls cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly golden. Watch them closely to prevent burning!
Chef’s Tip: “Toasting the rolls adds a wonderful crunch and prevents them from getting soggy, ensuring a satisfyingly textured sandwich.” – Chef Amelia Green
Step 7: Assemble Your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Masterpiece
- Spread a generous amount of the vegan cheese sauce on both sides of each toasted hoagie roll.
- Layer the mushroom filling (or a combination of mushroom and seitan filling) on the bottom half of each roll.
- Drizzle additional cheese sauce over the filling.
- Close the sandwiches and serve immediately.
A perfectly assembled vegan Philly cheesesteak on a wooden board
FAQs:
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce, and choose gluten-free hoagie rolls. You can replace the seitan with additional mushrooms or your favorite gluten-free protein source.
2. How do I store leftover vegan Philly cheesesteak filling?
Store the cooked filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze the vegan cheese sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently, before using.
4. What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
Feel free to get creative! Roasted red peppers, sliced baby portobello mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach would be delicious additions.
5. What are some tasty serving suggestions for this vegan Philly cheesesteak?
Serve your vegan Philly cheesesteaks with a side of crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or a refreshing salad.
Enjoy a Taste of Philadelphia, the Vegan Way!
This vegan Philly cheesesteak recipe is proof that you can enjoy your favorite comfort foods without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. With its savory filling, gooey cheese sauce, and toasted hoagie roll, it’s a culinary delight that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. So gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and treat yourself to this delicious vegan twist on a classic!
