These Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!) are a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic sandwich. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, these cheesesteaks combine chewy seitan, savory sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich vegan cheese sauce. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking to try something new, these sandwiches will surely impress everyone at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of seitan, sautéed veggies, and creamy cheese sauce creates an irresistible taste that rivals traditional cheesesteaks.
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation time of just 25 minutes, you can whip up these sandwiches in no time!
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your cheesesteak by adding your favorite toppings or using different types of bread.
- Plant-Based Goodness: Packed with protein from the seitan and nutrients from the veggies, this recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Make the seitan ahead of time and assemble sandwiches for an easy weeknight dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this cheesy delight, gather your cooking tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- Whisk
- Mini food processor or blender (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables quickly while achieving that desirable charred flavor.
- Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly in the cheese sauce without lumps.
- Mini food processor or blender: Optional but great for creating a silky-smooth cheese sauce if desired.
Ingredients
These Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks are made with chewy seitan beef, a gooey vegan cheese sauce, and lots of sautéed peppers and onions.
For the Seitan
- 1 recipe TYBM’s vegan seitan beef (550g thinly sliced – see notes for substitutions)
For the Vegetables
- 1 small green bell pepper (120g) sliced into strips
- 1 yellow onion (130g) sliced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
For the Hoagies
- 4 hoagie rolls (sliced ¾ of the way through)
- 1-2 tbsp melted vegan butter (to spread on hoagies)
For the Cheese Sauce
- 4-5 slices vegan provolone (60g), I used Daiya Cheese
- 2 tbsp vegan butter (30g)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (15g)
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk of choice)
How to Make Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!)
Step 1: Prepare the Seitan
- Make the homemade vegan seitan beef according to this recipe. You can prepare it a day or two in advance if preferred. If using store-bought seitan, remove it from the fridge.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Heat a skillet on medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and green bell pepper.
- Sauté for 5-8 minutes until tender and slightly charred. If they start sticking to the pan, add 1-2 tbsp of water or oil as needed.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a small pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of vegan butter.
- Once melted, sprinkle in 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour.
- Whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook through.
- Slowly whisk in ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk until well combined.
- Add in 4-5 slices of vegan provolone cheese; stir until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)
- For an extra creamy texture, transfer the cheese sauce to a mini food processor or blender.
- Blend on high for about 1 minute until completely smooth.
Now you’re ready to assemble your Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks! Enjoy these hearty sandwiches with friends or family any day of the week!
How to Serve Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!)
These Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can elevate your meal with various accompaniments and toppings that enhance the flavors of this classic dish. Here are some great serving suggestions for your Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks.
Toppings
- Sautéed Mushrooms – Add earthy flavors by topping your cheesesteaks with sautéed mushrooms for an umami kick.
- Fresh Spinach – For a pop of color and nutrients, layer fresh spinach leaves inside your hoagie rolls.
Sauces
- Hot Sauce – Spice things up with your favorite hot sauce for an extra zing.
- Vegan Mayo – A creamy vegan mayo can add richness and flavor to each bite.
Sides
- Potato Chips – Crunchy potato chips make a perfect crispy contrast to the soft hoagie.
- Pickles – Serve pickles on the side for a tangy crunch that complements the cheesesteak.
Salads
- Coleslaw – A fresh coleslaw on the side adds a crunchy texture and refreshing bite.
- Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad offers a comforting side dish that pairs well with the cheesesteak.
How to Perfect Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!)
To create the ultimate Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks, follow these handy tips. They will help you achieve the best texture and flavor in every bite.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality seitan make a big difference in taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies – Keep them tender-crisp for better texture in your sandwich.
- Melt Cheese Properly – Make sure to fully melt the vegan cheese sauce for that gooey, cheesesteak experience.
- Customize Your Hoagies – Choose hoagie rolls that you love; different bread types can change the whole dish.
- Experiment with Seasonings – Feel free to add additional spices or seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead of Time – Prepare seitan and cheese sauce in advance for quick assembly at mealtime.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!)
Pairing your Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks with delightful side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Here are some wonderful options that complement this hearty sandwich beautifully.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, making them a great pairing.
- Garden Salad – A light garden salad provides freshness and balances the richness of the cheesesteak.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings a sweet, juicy element to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal veggies offer a flavorful, nutritious side that blends well.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans provide a comforting addition to any sandwich platter.
- Onion Rings – Crispy onion rings add extra crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping!
- Crispy Kale Chips – Lightly seasoned kale chips give you a healthy alternative to traditional chips, full of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that could lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Using the wrong seitan: Not all seitan is created equal. Ensure you use a high-quality, chewy seitan for the best texture.
- Overcooking vegetables: Sautéing is key, but if you cook your peppers and onions too long, they can become mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture.
- Skipping the cheese sauce: While it might seem easier to go without the sauce, it adds essential creaminess. Don’t skip this step for a classic cheesesteak experience.
- Not seasoning properly: Seitan absorbs flavors well, so make sure to season your dish generously. Use salt and pepper wisely during cooking.
- Ignoring hoagie roll quality: The bread is just as important as the filling. Choose fresh and soft rolls for a satisfying bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!)
- Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to steam and warm through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!) so delicious?
Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks are packed with flavor from sautéed onions, peppers, and a creamy cheese sauce that mimics traditional cheesesteaks perfectly.
Can I customize my Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or different spices to enhance flavors based on your preferences.
Are there gluten-free options for Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks?
Yes! You can substitute seitan with marinated jackfruit or tempeh for a gluten-free alternative while still keeping it delicious.
How do I make the cheese sauce even creamier?
For an extra creamy texture, blend the cheese sauce after cooking or add nutritional yeast for additional richness.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!) are not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or sides to match your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving!
Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks (with Seitan!)
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks featuring chewy seitan, savory sautéed peppers, onions, and a rich vegan cheese sauce. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or gatherings, this plant-based twist on the classic sandwich is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone at your table will love. Customize your cheesesteak with your favorite toppings and serve it alongside crispy sides for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Seitan beef (homemade or store-bought)
- Green bell pepper
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Hoagie rolls
- Vegan butter
- Vegan provolone cheese
- Almond milk
Instructions
- Prepare the seitan according to your preferred recipe or use store-bought seitan.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté sliced onions and green bell pepper for 5-8 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
- In a small pot, melt vegan butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add almond milk while stirring. Incorporate sliced vegan cheese until melted.
- For extra creaminess, blend the cheese sauce if desired.
- Assemble your cheesesteaks by filling hoagie rolls with sautéed veggies and pouring the cheese sauce over top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
